Thriller Opening Analysis- Law Abiding Citizen

Institutions:
Law Abiding Citizen was directed by F. Gary Gray. Production companies include The Film Department and Warp Film. It was shot in Pennsylvania, USA. In the UK it was released on the 27th November 2009, with a gross of £5,737,117 on the 27th December 2009. In the USA it was released on the 16th October 2009 with a gross of $73,343,413 on the 31st January 2010. The budget for the film was an estimated $40,000,000.

Audience:
I think looking at the story line and the violent scences (which are shown through the age rating), this film is not for very sensitive, feint hearted or squeamish. Adults with children may empathise with the main character in that he has lost his family and the viewers could understand his feelings through the tough situation. Although of course the audience may not go to such lengths for revenge if they were to go out for revenge at all. Many other adults may just enjoy the film for it's action and tension, helped by the actors of high calibur in Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler. This film is quite unique in that this kind of story line and technique of violent character has not been seen before, for this, the film has had some good reviews, although still with some flaws. Here is a review from IMDB..

'This is a great idea. A technical genius who is somehow able to commit revenge murders from his jail cell. He doesn't hide the fact he's a killer; in fact he announces each murder just before it happens.

Technically everything was possible and the method very cleverly hidden so I was kept in suspense until the last 20 minutes when the cat was let out of the bag too early. The ending is a let down. It's true Hollywood: Technically improbable, illogical, and in my opinion it spoils all the character development made until that point and wastes the opportunity for a much darker ending with a more satisfying outcome.

All that said I really enjoyed it. I would recommend it to anyone not disturbed by moderate violence. Go see it!'


This review gives compliments towards the idea behind the film. Also the reviewer mentions that the film was successful in creating suspense for them, this shows that, at least from that aspect, it is a good film in fitting in to the thriller genre, as opposed to just providing non-stop action leaving nothing for the audience to work out. Despite its unique aspects, this reviewer suggests that it conforms to the typical 'Hollywood' film in that it is 'improbable' and 'illogical', I think this is true although this sometimes needs to happen to create a good film. Also, after there being so many films released over the years, it is difficult to match or better their quality with a film that is completely realistic with no shocking story lines. Taking into account all of this I think there are aspects of the film that hold realism, not all with regards to the story itself but definitely ideas behind it. For example, crime does leave people scarred and upset such as in the film, but to add effect to enable the film to be a hit, the makers needed to add emphasis on it and build on that idea. In addition, many people find the justice system very flawed and can be angered by it, this is shown in the main character of the film (Butler).


Here is another review from IMDB..
'This is a movie that's extremely fun to watch in the theaters because you get to hear and see everyone's reaction to each of his killings. The best one had people actually saying loudly "wow" and "oh my god!". What drew me to the movie was the fact that the hero isn't going around killing people with his bare hands or face to face. He was doing it with his mind, with careful planning, and deft precision. That was something refreshing to see. I can totally relate to his feelings of anger over the flaws in the justice system and his desire to take matters into his own hands - to make things right. The ending was disappointing but the rest of the film was not and I liked it overall.'

The effect of the film is shown very well in this review as they mention the reactions of the fellow audience. This review also expresses positive opinion as to the uniqueness of the film in the killing technique of the main character. It also reinforces the idea of the audience being able to relate to the emotions of the character after his upsetting experience, this shows that although the reaction to it was emphasised to create the film, it was not done to the extent that would forget the idea and focus on the action, this allows the audience to relate to the emotions of the character. This, along with other reviews suggests that the ending to the film was unsatisfactory, but, I think that it was potent in that it brings the audience back to why it has happened, and disputes a comment made in the first review saying that it was too 'Hollywood', it does not end with a fiery battle and chaos that does not let the provoke emotion in the audience or allow them to think.

Technology:
Being released in 2009, this film has had the opportunity to use modern technology in order to increase the audience's awareness of the film and access to it. Technology also helps to improve the film with regards to such things as CGI which show good effects for the audience. Although it is not used greatly in relation to other films, this helps add to the verisimilitude of the film in that some action does not seem too far fetched. This adds to the effect of the film on the audience in that the situation seems more believable that it would happen in reality, increasing the shock and suspense throughout.

Websites such as Youtube provide the opportunity for the audience to view clips and view comments about the film allowing them to decide upon watching it or to show the film to friends. IMDB is also useful in giving people in depth information about the film, it also has some pictures and clips. Films made before this technology was available will have found it much harder to raise awareness of the film.

Codes/forms and conventions of the thriller genre: The music/sound effects used over the logos of the production companies gives a warm and pleasant feeling. Mainly the first one (Overture Films), the sound effect for The Film Department reminds me of the old fashioned film with an audience sat by a projector, this sense suggests the characters/their situation at the beginning of the film is happy and innocent. Text is then used, chosen by the filmmakers, showing both the previous companies' names. The font is sharp edged and cracked. This implies the innocence and solidity of the situation is, or is going to be in danger of falling apart. This helps create suspense, the suspense aspect shows the film is utilising the common features of the thriller genre. The first image is of a box with various compartments filled with cubes covered in letters and colourful pictures. The box is pink and a hand is over the box which looks like a girls. This image reinforces the idea of normality and happiness in that it is a common hobby of young females to create things, in this case, we then find out in the next shot that she is creating a necklace. The idea of creation connotes ambition and possibly hope. This adds to the innocence and aspiration of this character that we have cleverly been told a lot about already. This impression we have of her allows us to sympathise with her and want her to be safe, adding to the suspense in that due to the change from the happy music to the rough and cracked font then to the picture of the girl enjoying herself, we have a suspicion something bad is going to happen.

We then see someone else making something. Due to the change from bright colours to dark, and the object in the characters hand, we can assume it is male and probably the girls father. Because they are both making something at the same time it shows their bond in that they indulge in similar things and enjoy each others company. Soon after we hear a knock at the door and the mother calling the father. A pleasant family scene is created here with normal things you would expect to see and hear. Although, the multiple knocks that interrupt the conversation of the father and daughter show a disturbance in their home, this suggests their normality and happiness is about to be made unstable.

As the father opens the door the over the shoulder shot changes to a point of view shot of the person looking in. This shows the good family life is being peered in to and vulnerable to these people. Also the music changes, sounding evil and dangerous. The camera shots once the house is breached are quick, this contrasts with the longer lasting shots before the knock on the door, this shows instability and the start of chaos.

When the mother comes through, her scream has been edited so it is echoed. This shows the life that has so quickly changed for them is drifting away, and the hope of both the characters and the audience for the family's wellbeing has nearly non-existent. Also, the picture is now darker, the dark connotes the evil that is now in control of this home. When one of the attackers is on top of the father, the camera is facing up at the attacker with a slight view of the fathers head, this shows the attacker to be in control. This contrasts with the previous shots when an over the shoulder shot of behind the father was used looking at the girl, this showed the father to be in control. This shows the life in this home has been turned upside down. This is very tense for the audience as they hope for the family to survive and are saddened by their sudden switch from a happy and controlled situation to being subordinated.

The sounds such as the sobbing, shouting and the music all fade down low as the camera focuses on the little girl who has just entered the room. She is standing very innocently and timidly, creating suspense for the audience as they know she is about to come to harm and feel sorry for her as her stance and facial expression show she is confused. A point of view shot is then used from the view of the father as one of the attackers walks towards the girl. This is done very well as the fathers view is gradually blocked by the dark figure of the attacker, showing that this sinister character is taking is daughter away from him. As the attacker takes her away, the camera then looks back at the father to help show his despair and desperation for his daughter.

The film, already in the opening, has shown many aspects commonly seen in thrillers, and has done so to good effect. For example, a common narrative amongst thrillers is death, this is shown here as the mother and daughter are killed. Also, linking into the narrative, common characters are victims and criminals, clearly shown in this opening. These things, with the good use of mise-en-scene, camera angles and sounds to create suspense, help to immediately establish the film as a thriller.

Representation:
I think that although it is not a major message of the film, it is implied that women may be weaker than men in that in the opening the man stays alive but the mother and daughter are killed. I think the idea that there is corruption within the justice system is a message trying to be put across with this film. By putting the audience in the fathers situation at the beginning of the film, we empathise with him throughout, because of this we see his point of view more than others and find ourselves agreeing with his idea that the justice system is corrupted. This makes the audience think about this in reality and question the decisions made in courts.

Thriller Opening Analysis- Panic Room

Institutions:
The film is called 'Panic Room', it was directed by David Fincher. One of the production companies was Columbia Pictures Corporation. The film was made in  multiple locations within both New York and California. It was released in 2002. By the 9th June 2002 in the USA, the film had made $95,308,367 gross. In the UK, by the 16th June 2002, it had made £8,202,281 gross.

Audience:
I think with regards to gender this film has no specific target; the cast is not dominated by a gender and the film does not delve into aspects commonly associated with either males or females interests. Certain actors and actresses cast in the film may provide an incentive for both genders to watch the film, Jodie Foster is a very successful female actress and many of her characters come across as strong and assured women, therefore women may be persuaded to watch. Forest Whitaker is a very successful actor whom many males like in his films such as Platoon, which is a film mostly liked by males as it is violent and male dominated. Females may also be drawn to this film due to the main character (Foster) being trapped with her child, women are seen as the main carer for children and generally worry more about the safety of their child, so they can relate to the hardship of the character and be engaged by the film. Due to this, most women watching may be around 25+ as they will be of childbearing age. This is a quote from imdb which shows a users opinion of the film including compliments and criticisms.

David Fincher directs this cleverly conceived thriller about a mother and daughter trapped inside a panic room by three criminals. The film is well-paced and the camera work is slick. The film does well in exploring the confines of the house. Jodie Foster is effective and maintains a high intensity throughout. Kristen Stewart is decent as her daughter. Forest Whitaker plays a slightly sympathetic criminal and does well. Unfortunately, after an engrossing game of cat and mouse, the conclusion is weak. Staple clichés crop up and the film goes for a crowd-pleasing finale that doesn't quite feel right. Still watchable


Technology:
Being released in 2002 gave the film opportunity to gain good access due to the availability of technologies such as the internet. Like most other films released at the time and films since then, there is a website dedicated to the film created by Sony Pictures, giving the audience good insight and access into the film which would not have been available not long ago. By looking through this website, people can gain knowledge of the cast and crew and read reviews to find out (if they have not seen the film) whether they will like it or not. This is something that is very important in helping the film to gain viewers. People can easily see reviews which may help persuade them to see the film. The website does not contain clips of or the full film. But, other websites such as youtube give the audience opportunity to view the film. Also, people can communicate via email and send files with pictures, reviews or clips about the film, helping to gain access and knowledge of the film.

Codes/forms & conventions of the thriller genre:
Something very commonly found in thrillers is bars on windows, or something with the same effect giving an idea of entrapment/danger. This is seen in this opening sequence from the tall overpowering buildings that surround us as we get a low angle view of the buildings making the city seem powerful and possibly dangerous. Even the buildings themselves have features giving the effect of bars with their vast amounts of windows.

Joining with the buildings, the writing style used for the credits show them to be solid, secure and powerful. This could connote the strength of something within the film, possibly a character or even the seriousness of the storyline.

Another way in which the buildings and the city as a whole a shown to be powerful and superior is the camera movement, it is slow, steady and takes has no sudden changes. It shows the city, possibly certain inhabitants of it, to be assured and calm whilst having hold over something or someone. Also, the way in which the camera at certain points seems to peer round the corners of buildings gives the feeling of being followed, a common thriller narrative, it also shows there to be confined spaces, which connote danger, which engages the audience.

The non-diegetic sound helps to emphasise the power of the buildings in that as camera shows a building or looks up to the top of one the music heightens in intensity and adds to the enormity of the buildings. The fact that we can hear the diegetic sound of things such as cars even though we can hear music and are high up in the air suggests the chaos and danger of the city in that if it is that bad, when we are then taken to the middle of it all it must not be a nice place to be.

The narrative structure of the film is linear which I think is suitable and effective as it keeps the audience indulged in the situation rather than heightening the tension and then detracting to a things such as flashbacks which usually relax the audience and lose the effect of the storyline.

I think although the location is lit very well, and we can still see dark areas and quite hidden away places, it adds to the tension as we think that wherever you are, you are in danger. This adds to the power that the music and camera movement has given to the city and its buildings in that it has the inhabitants in a hold and can do something to anyone at any time. This is effective as the audience is made suspicious of a lot of the characters that appear which heightens the tension and suspense. This suspense helps the film become a thriller.

Representation:
I think in this film women are depicted as the main carer of the child, although they are trapped and cannot really help being together the makers of the film must have chosen to have the mother trapped with the child as opposed to the father for some reason. Due to the women being seen as the main carer for the child, as we watch them trapped together their bond is made stronger and the audience can feel it and it adds to the tension as we sympathise with the two characters and want them to get through the situation.

Addition after teacher's comment:
The colour in general seems to be grey, usually this is given out by the buildings. This colour suggests it is not a pleasant place to be and there is little hope for people who may be in danger. Also, working with the idea of the bars created by the tall stature of the surrounding buildings, the grey gives the feeling of a prison, making the inhabitants trapped in this area. 

I think this is done effectively and gives the audience the idea that something bad is going to happen within the confines of this city. Also, this prison-like feeling may make the audience feel trapped, increasing the tension of the film.

Shutter Island Case Study

i) Institutions
The film is named 'Shutter Island'. Production companies for this film include Paramount Pictures, Phoenix Pictures and Sikelia Productions. The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and starts Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Mortimer and Mark Ruffalo. The release date for this film in the UK was the 12th March 2010, in the USA it was released on the 19th February 2010. The film was made in the USA, filming locations include:

• Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Hull, Massachusetts, USA
• Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA

The film was predominantly made in Massachusetts. The budget of the film was an estimated $80,000,000. On the 25th April 2010, in the UK, the gross for the film was £10,599,763. In the USA, on the 10th June 2010, the gross was $128,012,934.

ii) Audience

With reference to gender, I think there is no particular choice the creators of the film have made within the gender category. The film appeals to both males and females. Although the cast largely consists of males which usually is a factor that contributes to the film being male orientated and targeted at that gender, females can also enjoy the storyline. From previous media exposure, I know that some films have language and actions that can be offensive towards the opposite gender, or that which implies offensive things towards that gender, 'RocknRolla' is an example of this. But this film does not involve things such as that.

Taking into account the age rating for this film, I would say the target audience is mid teens to around 50's. I say this because the younger people will enjoy the tense, suspense and sometimes violent nature of the film, whilst older people up to about 50, will not only enjoy those aspects, possibly to different extents, but also enjoy using their intelligence and vaster media experience to figure out the mystery the character faces in the film. I ended the target audience at around 50 because people older than that tend to prefer films that are based around real world events and experiences, such as war and historical films.

Having looked at the reviews and ratings shown on www.imdb.com, the film seems to be extremely successful, from 204,512 users it has gained an average of 8.0/10. This review is from www.imdb.com:

'No one likes to be messed with., 21 February 2010
Author: Connor Stednitz from United States 

Shutter Island. A film that will divide the film community. A film that will leave many upset, and hating it. A film that has already completely split the critics. A movie that messes with you. And no one likes to be messed with. And that is exactly where it exceeds. Think I'm contradicting myself? 

Shutter Island is one of the most well crafted psychological thrillers to come by since Silence Of The Lambs. And it is no coincidence both were brilliantly written novels. Shutter Island is adapted by a book written by Dennis Lehane (wrote gone baby, gone and mystic river). It is a book filled with twists and turns, that will leave the reader dizzy. And, that is what it's film counterpart does to the fullest. Martin Scorsese helms the director chair, in a movie where he is more free than any before. This is Scorsese at his most unrestrained. 

Marty takes what he has learned from the great films of the past and puts it into his. The master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock's influence is everywhere you look in this film. And it is no wonder, considering Scorsese even showed one of his greatest works to the crew: Vertigo. And many of those ideas are present in Shutter Island; the cliff scenes scream Hitchcock. This is a film that creeps and crawls, and is filled with dark corners. And it is all heightened by the coming storm that looms over the island. This is classic film noir. 

The story follows Teddy, a federal Marshall, and his partner Chuck (Played by DiCaprio and Ruffulo). They go to this mysterious island enveloped in fog to investigate an escape. From these opening scenes, Marty has set up a dark and creepy premise.

Almost the whole movie incorporates this story as Teddy desperately tries to find the truths he seeks. Teddy is shown as a scared man; a man of war and violence as portrayed in various flashbacks. These will go on to be increasingly important as the story progresses. We follow Teddy on his quest, through every dark corridor and perilous confrontations. Slowly, we are given pieces to the puzzle, but the audience does not even realize it. For we, like Teddy, are blind. For the moment at least. It is because of this that the thrilling conclusion will leave many blindsided. But, you see, that is where this thriller becomes something more. We as the audience are put in Teddy's shoes, and we feel all the things he feels. It is a complete assault on the senses, and it works beautifully. 
This is a film you must watch carefully. That is another thing that sets this apart, it is a horror film that makes you actually think. In this day and age, I'm not surprised some found it terrible esp. after their brains have been turned to mush by these new gore filled horror films. Scorsese's ultimate goal here is to wake you up. And trust me, you probably wont like it.

This is also a film I would recommend seeing a second time. In fact, it is even better the second time. All those pieces of that puzzle you didn't catch the first time, you will the second. You see, we as the audience are first put in the shoes of Teddy. The second? Well, without giving too much away, lets just say you are put in someones else's shoes entirely during the second viewing.

Shutter Island. A film that will make you question your own sanity. A film that will leave you breathless. A film that has re-ignited the thriller genre. A film that will leave you, and the main character, searching for answers. 

10 out of 10 
-CLS'

This review is frequently complimentary of the film, saying things such as '...re-ignited the thriller genre.' and '...will leave you breathless.'. The postive feedback this review gives is in agreeance with a lot of the other reviews. Although, as with any film, there are also people who have given negative feedback, calling it a 'let down' and 'unadulterated rubbish'. But I think on the whole, and shown by the overall rating, it is a successful film.

iii) Technology
An example of new technology improving the audience's access to, and knowledge of the film is the internet, it is full of features that offer various features with regards to the film. For example, the film has it's own website (www.shutterisland.com) which offers information about the cast and filmmakers, including details of the actors' and actress' previous work and achievements. Also the website provides downloads for the audience, there is a selection of wallpapers for a computer desktop. In addition, there is an 'About' section which gives a brief synopsis of the film. Finally, there is a pages containing videos about such things as specific characters, the film trailer and a 'Scorsese Featurette'.

All of the things provided give the audience a very good insight into the film, giving them details on how the film was made and thoughts of the people involved with the making of the film. But, the website does not have clips of the film allowing people to actually view 'Shutter Island' itself. Although the film's website does not offer this, other technology does, a main provider of scenes if Youtube.

Youtube users provide people with a vast range of videos about the film. And not only do they show scenes from it but some people also make videos providing their take on the film, this may help increase the audience's knowledge of the film in that reviews and comments may give them an insight into what their opinion of the film may be before they have seen it. Although, Youtube does not have a background information and behind the scenes insight to the extent of websites such as www.shutterisland.com.

Apart from watching scenes on sites such as Youtube, the internet also offers a vast range of websites on which people can buy the film on DVD. The film's official site contains links to a www.amazon.com page containing copies of the film available to buy.

As the film was released in 2010, it was immediately amongst methods such as these whereby people can gain access and knowledge to the film, these will have helped the film's success quite significantly seeing as the internet is such a commonly used thing nowadays and will have provided all of the things mentioned above and much more to help with advertisement, sales, etc.

iv) Codes/forms and conventions of the thriller genre
While we see the opening credits, we can hear some eery music. This straight away prepares us for a tense film carrying reasonable suspense. Then the music becomes slightly louder as the title appears giving emphasis to it, this, without even showing us the island, suggests to the audience its power and significance. Next, we see the boat come in to the camera shot through the fog, as it comes through the fog it suggests the boat and the people on it are trapped inside the encircling white wall. This also adds emphasis on the island as being trapped is obviously against your will, so it is not a place people would like to be for a prolonged period of time. Also, coming through the thick wall of fog could show that they are trespassing, therefore, once again, showing their welcome on the island may not be pleasant, adding suspense.

We can see when the camera is showing the inside of the boat, but it is also shown on the outside as well, that it is not a boat of the highest quality. Its poor appearance shows it to be not very strong or reliable, this suggests that the people on it are not well equipped to cope with the obstacles that lay ahead on the island. Moreover, after we have seen a close-up of DiCaprio looking into the mirror, he turns around and we can see that he is wearing a rather abnormal tie, this could show that he is not completely normal character, this could be in is thoughts, actions or mental state.This provides questions to the audience such as how will he  behave throughout the film? will he risk the investigation?

In addition, by giving us a point of view shot when Daniels is looking in the mirror, it is a subtlle and almost unnoticable way of allowing the audience and the character to be empathetic and joins them together in a 'team' to investigate together as we see things from Daniels' perspective.

When he walks out of the room the camera is peering through chains hanging from above. These connote death and being trapped (common features in the thriller genre). This also creates suspense as the audience may wonder who is going to suffer, and for what reason. Still, the music is playing, this suggests that even on the boat, which may be considered as safe for the people on it, they are in danger, possibly already under the influence of the island and its inhabitants.

When Teddy Daniels walks out on to the deck of the ship he and Chuck exchange glances through a fence. This suggests that they are not quite on the same level, they are in some way different or don't see eye to eye. This keeps the audience interested by creating a sense of instability or uncertainty around their partnership. As they begin to indulge in conversation, from their dress and stance it is suggested that Chuck is more of a stable, organised and level-headed person, whereas Teddy seems a little on edge and not quite focused on his current environment; some of his attention seems to be elsewhere. This provides questions to the audience with regards to his background and possible problems caused by it.

We are then shown a flashback of Teddy with a woman that appears to be his wife. The colours in this scene are much brighter and vibrant as opposed to the dull blues and greys seen in and around the boat. This implies that the present time is dark and disheartening compared to the happy and joyful times in Teddy's memory. The flashback is then abruptly cut out by a wave crashing against the side of the boat. This suggests that Teddy is constantly trying to wash it out of his memory, but the wave will always come, and so the memory will always return. This could be a cause of his uneasiness.

We are then shown a wide shot of the island, with it taking up a very large proportion of the screen and seeming very powerful and overwhelming. It is very effective in quickly establishing it's prominence in the film. Also, some low-pitched music kicks in as we see it, helping to emphasise it's significance. By using non-diegetic sound, it implies that the island is quite abnormal and has unusual qualities.

We are then reverted back to the ship as the captain relays instruction to Teddy and Chuck. By the captain standing behind them, it shows the partners are trapped, between the captain eager for them to get off his ship, and the relentless presence of the island itself. This helps to build tension and shows that the island is not where an individual would want to be. This creates suspense as the audience aren't sure what to expect when they dock on the island.

Such emphasis on an island in film is not only seen in 'Shutter Island'. For example, in 'King Kong', the last leg of the journey on the boat as they near the island is, quite a lot more exciting than in 'Shutter Island', but there is a sense of tension as the knowledge of what lurks on the island is very minimal.

The narrative structure of 'Shutter Island' I think is very effective, it is largely linear but contains frequent flashbacks. The flashbacks add to the audiences interest as they are trying to figure out the characters (Daniels') background as very little is given away.

v) Representation
In the film, the disabled are shown in a negative way. We are shown this by the fact that they are separated from the rest of the world by being locked away on an island. Also them being locked away suggests that they don't deserve or have the ability to have control over their own lives, and are in some way inferior. In reality the thoughts towards this group do not go to this extent but there are a lot of people who are not sensitive about their disabilities and see them as weak. Finally, the doctors living on the island are shown in the traditional way as they live in large houses and have a lot of control and power over the people around them.

By emphasising the extents to which the upper class and the mentally disabled are dominant and inferior, it helps the audience to gain opinion about each group and empathise who disagree with them. I think by showing ths suffering towards the disabled in the film it helps the audience to put in perspective how discriminated this group are in reality and may  make them think about trying to change that.

Thriller Opening Analysis- Se7en

Institutions: The film was directed by David Fincher and stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey. The production companies include Cecchi Gori Pictures and New Line Cinema. In the UK it was released in January 1996, in the USA it was released in September 1995. The estimated budget for this film is $33,000,000, and the gross worldwide is $316,400,000.

Sound: The opening has a strong and constant beat to accompany the visuals, it sounds metallic, forceful and makes the scene eery. The metallic effect in the sound gives the effect of construction, materials being scraped together and dragged along machinery, giving it a sinister edge in that the dragging holds connotations of someone being attacked, and possibly someone suffering, therefore straight away creating tension for the audience. The constant sound of this construction, along with the suspicious actions shown on camera, suggest that the character is spending endless hours concocting evil plots, or building some form of weapon. The constant beat in the background of the music, when added to the rest of the non-diegetic sound, provides a feel of lots of things coming together to construct something, almost like being inside an unusual, evil factory. One of the sounds reminds me of screaming, suggesting that this work being done is ultimately for the pain and suffering of others, giving the audience the idea that the character shown (small parts of the character anyway) is sinister, creating further tension for the audience. This relates to the thriller as a genre in that it suggests there will be a victim, therefore I assume there will be some form of detective, the way the character is shown in this clip says that he is a psycho, his activities and environment show this.

Credits: The style of writing used for the credits connotes many things to the audience helping them to draw ideas on what plot and characters the film contains. It is erratic and scruffy, suggesting the character shown, and possibly others shown further on in the film are rough, unapproachable and have an evil side. As opposed to writing that fades in, is bold and the movement of it, if any, is very slow, this would connote calm, kindness and reliability.

Mise-en-scene: One of the objects shown is photos of people, suggesting that they are a target of the person being filmed, also the character seems to be making some sort of book so maybe the person in the photos has already fallen prey to this person and is being recorded in this book, suggesting this person is a serial killer, keeping record of all his 'achievements'. This possible personality of the character relates to the usual conventions of the thriller genre, in that there is an assassin/psycho. Also, typical thriller narratives include being watched, (or voyeurism), this is included by showing photos of the target/victim. The colours used in the opening are very dark; greys and blacks. These colours can represent age, death and emptiness. This represents the character as being hollow in emotion and compassion, his life and aims are centred around death, bringing it on other people. This creates an atmosphere around this character and his environment of danger, leaving the audience in suspense as they don't know what this character is going to do and what disgusting things will happen in that dark and evil place. This aura around the character is also connoted in the picture of the ugly, disfigured hands. This suggests his mind is bent and far different from a normal person, and that his way of thinking is sick and twisted.

Semiology: The camera angles represent the erraticness of the character, both in actions and mind; the evil he is capable of and his ability to not get caught. This is all shown through short and sometimes scratched, blurred and just generally distorted camera shots. This representation also shows he is hard to get a fix on, understand his thoughts, have an idea of what he will do next. This creates fear and tension in that the audience feel any innocent person in the film could get hurt due to this characters unstable mental state, not only can we not grasp the character in these ways but it is hard to even imagine the things he will do to make people suffer. As mentioned above, this also represents one of the thriller genre's key narratives; death, also we can make an estimation that most deaths, at least the ones caused by the character shown in the opening, are pre-determined, adding to both the evil and twisted personality of the character, and the tension of the film, in that the audience know the deaths will be quite horrific, therefore the film will carry suspense in that they have to wait and see what kind of suffering people have to endure at the hands of this character. The idea of pre-determined murders are also shown in that the only part of the character shown on camera is his hands, connoting a 'hands on' approach and desired detail and planning in his activities i.e. murders.

Body of Lies Case Study

i)- Institutions
The production company for this film is Warner Bros, it was released in 2008 and directed by Ridley Scott. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio (Roger Ferris), Russell Crowe (Ed Hoffman) and Mark Strong (Hani). It was filmed in both the USA and Morocco, including locations such as Annapolis, Maryland, USA, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Rabat, Morocco and Casablanca, Morroco. The budget for this film is estimated at $70,000,000. In the USA, by 11 January 2009, gross profit for this film was $39,380,442.


ii)- Audience
By looking at the cast we can see that it is highly dominated by male actors, also the film's posters are male orientated, such as the one shown above. From this we can draw the conclusion that the film may be based around characters that are male and that the target audience is largely male. Without analysing any reviews and ratings we can see that due to the film's violence, torture and offensive language, the film is aimed at people aged 15 and above. With the film's quite complicated story line and reference to politics, a large portion of the audience will be adults; reasonably intelligent with interest in politics and the situation the film is based around.


On the website imdb.com, from 71,423 users, the film has gained a 7.1/10. This shows that to the majority of people, this is a successful film.

Truth, Lies and Betrayal, 19 October 2008

Author: krish_kartik

Firstly when big names like Leonardo Dicaprio, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott come together for a movie, the expectations are going to be sky high. So does the movie live up to them? The answer is YES.

This movie seems like a planned innovative sequel to Scott's well made Kingdom of Heaven (2005).

It starts off as a high octane thriller and the pace is retained almost very well. It does go into some subplots which do little to contribute to the main story but again the movie is redeemed by its strengths which covers up all the minor blemishes.

The basic plot is about a CIA operation to uncover potential terror threats. Roger Ferris (Leo) is a CIA guy who has to dig the Middle East to hunt for a jihadi (read - terrorist) who has big terror plans and its his quest that makes up the story. Ed (Crowe) is his boss and is quite a cold opportunistic guy and the duo are on back slapping terms which make them a treat to watch.

The strengths of the movie are :

Leonardo Dicaprio and Russell Crowe (Their pairing works very well because of the dark humor and the absence of forcibly inserted confrontation scenes. Their chemistry rocks). Mark Strong - He excels as Hani (definately a nod for best supporting actor). The screenplay by William Monahan and David Ignatius is quite intricately woven and has a few holes (Read subplots). Cinematography by Alexander Witt and Editing by Pietro Scalia lends much to the gritty style of the flick. Last but not the least - the music by Marc Streitenfeld

Now for the weaknesses :

The Love interest of Leonardo Dicaprio, played by Golshifteh Farahani is quite a weak character and does nothing to move the story ahead. The second half of the movie drags a wee bit and can do with a little trimming of about 15 minutes.

Also this movie deserves its R rating and there are some gory scenes and is not recommended for those with a weak stomach.

All in all, a thought provoking action thriller and Scott scores again.

The comment in this review referring to the disappointing inclusion of the love story in the film shows the basis the film lays of having action violence, commonly associated with a male audience, usually males tend not to be interested in love stories within films.This review is an example of males showing their approval of the male actor partnership in Crowe and DiCaprio and their dislike of the romance aspect.

iii)- Technology
Body of Lies was released in 2008, a time with many accessible technologies with features allowing people to view films, critiques, interviews and other things. The internet is the main factor within technology which improves access and knowledge of the film. The film itself has a website: http://bodyoflies.warnerbros.com/mainsite/index.html, this site allows people to view a gallery, information about the cast and downloads. Also, sites such as Youtube allow people to view clips of the film, along with comments from other people who have watched them; this will let the viewers gauge an idea of what the story of the film is and how good it is.


iv- Codes/forms & Conventions of the thriller genre
The opening of the film has quiet music with a black picture, there is then a heavy deep bass when 'Manchester, England' is shown, this shows the area may have been affected by terrorism, it is an area of significance and danger may be about to occur, or occur at some point in the film. A Muslim is then shown, looking as if he is talking to the camera, from our social experience we can assume he is recording himself to send to countries such as USA and Britain, these are usually used to threaten attacks and revenge, sometimes demanding something which if not delivered will result in an attack. He is gesticulating violently at the camera, frequently pointing with his finger violently. The area he is in is predominantly dark, with a small light coming through the window beside him. This could connote the man's claims to be doing the work of his god (the light), but doing the work through dark and violent methods. Traditional Islamic music is played, it is in Manchester but gives the feel of an eastern country, this shows that terrorism has taken a hold of the area and the is a big problem at the time. The camera sneaks into one of the rooms of the building shown to be of importance, the camera effect used shows that the room being entered is an area possibly containing danger, or something that should not be there/being done. With reference to mise-en-scene, we can see materials being used for what we can expect to be the construction of bombs, this suggests to the audience that there may be an explosion soon and it is an area in great danger. There is a man shown who is holding the Qu-ran, but he is looking away from it, suggesting he had beliefs in the book, but over time he, and his group, have taken a path not recommended by the holy book, the man is looking into the dark, showing he is now indulged in violent and evil ways. There are then quick and various camera shots as we see soldiers of some sort nearing the building. These camera shots connote their swiftness, organisation and precision. As the people in the building realise they are coming in, they begin to speak a foreign language; without the help of subtitles the audience are unsure what they are saying/planning, creating tension and suspense in the scene.
The convention of thrillers, voyeurism, is utilised in that we have people prying into the apartment, watching the people inside. Big bullets can be seen in the apartment, possibly a statement of intent of the terrorists. The camera movement at the time of the explosion leaves the audience confused and disorientated, adding to the scale of the incident. There is then an aerial view of the explosion, the eye of God?? In that the terrorists see the event as their god's will.


As mentioned above, the film's opening utilises the usual conventions of thriller films such as voyeurism, with the people watching the apartment then sneaking in, also there are criminals, very common characters among thrillers, with reference to iconography, the opening contains both shadows and confined spaces. All these things help to create tension in the film and help to set the audience up for the rest of the film; the immediate use of criminal suggests to the audience that there will be frequent crime and violence, enticing them to keep watching.


v)- Representation
In the first 3 minutes of the film, with the exception of one, there is no showing of particular ethnic minority groups. The Muslims are represented as dangerous terrorists, which of course does not apply to all within that religion, but with experience recent world news, we know they have conducted terrorism and suicide bombings. But we can draw a conclusion from the fact that some groups have not been shown, for example, in the opening no women were shown; this suggests that they do not belong in dangerous situations, although of course this is not necessarily true. This argument of men taking the lead and only role in tasks such as these is one that has gone on for a long time, and still, although on a smaller scale, takes place, therefore relating the film to current affairs. Interpretations such as this can also be drawn from other thrillers. For example, in films such as The Rock, a dangerous task is the main story of the film and all the characters involved of men, showing them to be strong and physically, possibly mentally, superior. Also, in Law Abiding Citizen, the opening of them film shows a man's wife and daughter restrained and abused by two male criminals, this conveys the message that men are superior and could take control of female(s) should they choose to. This also relates to the micro to macro theory, the predominant use of men in this small clip can be scaled up to the ongoing real life issue of gender inequality.

No Country for Old Men- The Coin Toss, How does this scene create tension?

The opening long shot emphasises the isolation of the petrol station. It also shows the desolation of the land surrounding it. With reference to the rule of thirds, the petrol station is in the final third, also helping to show its isolation; if it was placed more in the middle of the shot and the camera then zoomed into it, it would seem more busy and give the area a sense of life. In this shot, the desolate land suggests it is a harsh and merciless place to venture, this provides some of the tension when the two men talk, as the audience may sense something bad is going to happen. Also, the old and dying land suggests the attributes of the shopkeeper, old and frail.

As the camera shows a mid-shot of the shopkeeper, Chigurh walks in. It is visibly clear that as he walks in, the room becomes darker. This may signify that he is a sinister person, and that his evil has already taken control of the shop merely by his presence. Also, with reference to semiotics, above the shopkeeper's head there seems to be some rope hanging down in the shape of nooses, this suggests death for the shopkeeper. Behind the shopkeeper is the only light source within the shot, a window, in front of him is the shadow of Chigurh, this implies that the light shining through the window signifies escape and life. Although, this means it is near impossible for him to escape the implied threat from the customer as it is not as easy as walking or running through a door.

As the conversation begins to delve into each characters' personal affairs, Chigurh begins to be the powerful participant in the conversation. We can see this by his calm and confident voice and facial expression, which never seems to waver. Whereas the shopkeeper's voice becomes croaky and weak with various comments from Chigurh. Also showing the Chigurh's confidence is that he is always eating the nuts, as if he was at home on his own, as opposed to the shopkeeper who seems uncomfortable. There is an atmosphere of interrogation towards the shopkeeper, Chigurh scrutinizes every word he says.

After having asked the shopkeeper when he shuts the shop, it is suggested that the customer has consolidated his superiority. He says 'You don't know what you're talking about do you?', when he says this the camera shows a close up of him, after having shown over-the-shoulder shots for the majority of the scene, giving Chigurh more attention after having switched between the two shows he is now the most important and powerful character in the scene. Soon after this, Chigurh places a wrapper on the counter, the camera shows a close up of this, there is a very clear (diegetic) sound the audience can hear as the wrapper unravels. It signifies the tension of the conversation unraveling as the previous part of it comes to an end. Although Chigurh is quick to bring back tension with the introduction of the coin toss. Also, after the shot of the wrapper, there is a medium close up of the shopkeeper, showing him looking at the wrapper. This shows that the wrapper is very significant in this situation, whereas in a normal conversation the wrapper would be overlooked. This shows that the shopkeeper wants to be out of the situation he is in, he is feeling trapped and uncomfortable, hanging on every word and action of the customer.

Other than the diegetic sound of the wrapper, the coin toss and the wind, there is little sound with the exception of the voices of the men. By not using any non-diegetic sound, there is an emphasis on the isolation of the two men, showing there is no input in to what happens from anyone else. Also, there is more focus on what is being said rather than dividing attention with music, this is done very well and adds tension to the scene.

Behind the shopkeeper are some smiley-face stickers on the wall, these are symbols of his vulnerability. Also the products around him are very crowded, whereas the area around Chigurh seems more clear and concise, these things signify the clarity of thoughts within each character's minds. The shopkeeper is confused and flustered, the customer is confident, powerful and takes care with what he is saying.

In conclusion, by using various methods including the sparing use of sound, well planned camera shots and use of lighting, tension is built throughout the scene, ending in a sense of relief as the shopkeeper wins the coin toss. The audience is kept on edge from beginning to end, it is very successful in creating tension. This scene shows that there are many ways by which tension can be created and the methods can be entwined, for example, both the camera shot and the sound help to create tension when the coin has been tossed and is under Chigurh's hand.