Psycho shower scene analysis

The establishing shot shows a tiled wall connoting that the scene is in a bathroom; additionally the long shot reveals the protagonist to be wearing a dressing gown which suggests it may be set in the evening. This fits the conventions of thrillers as most of them typically feature activity in the night as this creates more mystery and tension for the audience. The next shot focuses on a torn sheet of paper being flushed down the toilet by the protagonist, this highlights it as a key prop denoting its importance to the narrative, perhaps this will be a clue that will hinder other protagonist’s efforts or perhaps it gives an antagonist a motive.

Asynchronous sound of the protagonist is used to set up a red herring, another feature of the thriller genre. The locked door suggests she is safe but as we know someone quietly slips in the room it suggests the antagonist must have a key that unlocks the door so therefore must be either someone else who is staying in her room or an employee of the hotel in which the films main narrative takes place.

The protagonist herself is a classic feature of the thriller genre. Typically thrillers feature a young girl alone doing fairly monotonous tasks and as a result of this convention audiences are now expecting an element of danger to be introduced. This is also use of actor choice as the actress creates certain connotations of vulnerability and naivety whereas if the character had been male or a middle-aged woman we would perhaps be less likely to find the scene as shocking or plausible (for example we would probably expect a man to fight the antagonist whereas the protagonist that has been cast simply succumbs to her attacker)

When the protagonist steps into the shower a wide shot is used so as to allow the audience to see that the antagonist has quietly intruded and that the protagonist is not yet aware of it. This is also dramatic irony where the audience is aware of something taking place which the characters on screen are not aware of for example, characters in a television drama having an affair which other characters are unaware of. This is to create an element of foreshadowing which is done to create tension. If all we saw was the antagonist stab her without any build up we would probably be confused and it would make the scene unclear. The fact that we see the antagonist walk in, pause and then attack is more effective in creating fear in the audience. 

The pleonastic sound also adds tension as the sharp sounds is synchronous with the knife blows which suggest the sheer strength and violence in the attack. The music changes as the protagonist slowly lowers down and appears to connote her life slowly coming to an end; this is also suggested with the blood flowing down the drain and the following motif shot which links the drain to the protagonist’s eyes again showing the life being drained from her.

The antagonists costume combined with the final shot and the asynchronous speech, “oh mother” also creates a red herring where we know suspect the mother was the antagonist whereas in actual fact it is her son (the speaker). 



Joseph Power

Research synopsis

The film that my group will be making will only be brief so it is likely the credits will not be over black because this would prevent us from including other aspects of the plot into the film. We will have to either meet our challenge thriller conventions in a brief time frame in order to illustrate that the films genre is a thriller and credits would not be the best way to do this. Furthermore we need the audience to be interested and credits do not necessarily grab the readers attention unless done with some animation which is unlikely we will be able to do.
 credits which use animation (kiss kiss bang bang)

We will likely make use of thriller sub-genres in order to convey the thriller theme. Due to our creative ideas and also our limitations its i likely we will focus our attention largely on crime thrillers or supernatural thrillers as these two sub genres can be presented well with modest resources. Other genres like historical thrillers and science fiction thrillers are unlikely to be explored by the group because of the challenging aspects it presents in terms of mise en scene i.e. props, costume and location. Our target audience will likely be people in their mid teens and above however this does not necessarily mean that our film would not meet the criteria of films which receive PG ratings of 12 and 12A.

SUB-GENRES

CRIME THRILLERS

This sub-genre incorporates aspects of suspense and terror associated with thriller films but also typically adds an element of mystery into the plot. These films usually focus on violence although this does not necessarily need to be shown on camera in order for the audience to understand what has happened. Most crime thrillers feature a killer and the resulting manhunt. Aspects of the action genre may also be included.




PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
A psychological thriller incorporates elements of both drama and mystery with the thriller genre. Suspense in the genre is built up not by physical actions visible on screen but by the psychological threat. In these films the antagonist will be unclear in their intention and are made to be purposefully elusive in order to create fer for the audience. In psychological thrillers protagonists rely more on outsmarting the antagonist rather then physically besting the antagonist.



SCIENCE FICTION THRILLER
Films of this sub genre typically explore dystopian futures and usually feature tyrannical leaders who must be overthrown. It will also include science based themes which is the plots main focus, time travel is a commonly used theme. Films of this genre are usually big budget so it is unlikely we will be looking into sci-fi thrillers any further.



SUPERNATURAL THRILLER
This sub-genre could to certain extent be considered a thriller-horror hybrid as the typically feature elements more usually found in the horror genre e.g. ghosts. Films of this genre tend to create a mood of menace and unpredictability to create suspense and occasionally the audience may never come to understand the antagonist of the film which can be all the more frightening and suspense inducing.





Joseph Power

Preliminary task

For our preliminary task we were asked to film "A continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse/shot and the 180-degree rule"

Story boarding the task first helped us to remember the focus of each shot when filming so we were able to film a coherent sequence without being side tracked or forgetting what we wanted to feature. Although the sequence was not an exact match of the story board because of location and  changes in dialogue (both speech and ambient sound) it still shows a very similar sequence to the final product.

A problem we noticed during filming was that the camera used for filming picks up all sound in the environment which meant that somethings could not be avoided and we had to include. This will be easier to deal with when it comes to filming the thriller opening sequence because there will be mostly people involved with the film and so they will not disturb the filming but we will probably have to make some exceptions if we film outdoors and in public.

We included the three requirements for the task and of the three match on action was the hardest to film. It took multiple takes and multiple shots to film get a relatively good sequence featuring match on action. By filming for long periods of time both before and after we had seen what we required we made the editing much easier for ourselves rather than if we had stopped and started with exact timings.

Some parts of the film appear to overlap each other because when we move the camera to film the same scene from a different angle (when Taro walks through the corridor) we have to film the sequence again and it can be hard to get everything to move at the same speed for example doors opening and closing.

Everyone in the group made a contribution to all the areas of filming so although they may not have necessarily been filming they may have suggested what camera angle to use for example. This meant that everyone was included in every element of the process which should be helpful when it comes to filming the thriller sequence because everyone will have some level of experience in the film making process.

Joseph Power

History and development of the Thriller genre

The thriller genre began originally in novels and other literature forms. Homer's 'Odyssey' is regarded as the earliest thriller because of its elements of suspense. Other examples of thrillers in literature include 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', the Sherlock Holmes series may be said to be a crime thriller even 'Hamlet' could technically be considered a thriller.



Thriller films took off between the 1920's and 1930's and Alfred Hitchcock and Fritz Lang capitalized on this. Initially the films were silent but then they began to incorporate sound so many of the typical features of thriller films in terms of sound became the traditional features as did elements of mise en scene when colour film was introduced. The trailer for Hitchcock's 'The Lodger' is below.

In the early 40's psychological thrillers were introduced to a more widespread audience, welcoming them into a very different type of suspense. Alfred Hitchcock's 1940 film 'Rebecca' featured a woman seeing ghostly visions of her husbands deceased first wife. Elements of the psychological thriller can be seen in the scene below 

 George Cukor released the 1944 film 'Gaslight' in which a husband attempts to drive his wife insane in order to gain a vast inheritance. 

By the 1960's thriller films became more violent and by the 70's more commonly became inspire by real life events. The 1962 film 'cape fear' portrayed an ex convict stalking the family of the lawyer who failed to defend him in court, this film contained scenes of sexual violence and gore and was originally rated a PG13 although more 1991 remake was rated 18R. The 1971 film 'Dirty Harry' features an antagonist called "the Scorpio killer". This character was based on the real life "Zodiac Killer" who had been active during this time. The increase in violence and realism shows the development of thriller films, which had to increase these areas of its plots in order to actually provide more of a thrill to audiences then the news. 

Thrillers are also likely to be inspired by other sources typically novels. Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter series has inspired five thriller films. Similarly Stephen King's novels frequently become the basis for films although these are typically associated with the horror genre. The film Indian Runner was based on a Bruce Springsteen song 'Highway Patrolman'. 

'Nothing lasts forever' by
Roderick Thorp

inspired by Harris' 'Red Dragon'

"out of my head"
Didier Van
Cauwelaert

Joseph Power

Opening titles

The opening titles of a film are that film's first chance to make an impression on the viewer.  A well crafted sequence will introduce the audience tone and theme of the film as well as its cast and crew.

Opening titles traditionally are at the films beginning and commonly over black or animation. over an image the image typically features a panning shot which then puts the camera in focus of a specific thing, person, location or object. They also open with montages occasionally.

Pulp Fiction opening titles, starts over animation and 

eventually becomes over black

The opening titles typically include production companies, producers names, the films title, main actors, director and sometime, but not always, the writer or writers. Roles which are more behind the scenes are shown at the films end. The opening titles usually feature a score of some kind which tend to be indicators of the overall feeling of the film. If the music is loud and fast which expect a high octane film not a period romance drama. If the music is bleak we expect the film to have a reflective theme overall.  

Halloween opening titles. The music sets up the

the mood for a sinister and ghostly thriller. 

Opening credits can also feature whats known as a 'cold open' which features a brief snippet  of the film or programme in the hopes of grabbing the audiences attention immediately although this technique is usually used in the comedy genre. Cold open's are generally short although sometimes can be extended making the opening titles almost a surprise. This is done sometimes to point out to the audience that they were so gripped they did not even miss something they expected. The 2004 film 'Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind' has a cold open of near 17 minutes. 

Joseph Power

Target audience research

 

Under the rating of a 15 no theme is prohibited as long as it is appropriate for people aged 15 and over. This allows us to use all elements of sub genres for the plot as well as a more matured one.

The sequence can include;

• strong violence
• frequent strong language
• portrayals of sexual activity
• strong verbal references to sex
• sexual nudity
• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• discriminatory language or behaviour
• drug taking

Many thriller films are rated 15 because the rating allows for a strong threat and scenes of violence however particularly gory scenes are likely to not be permitted. 

12 and 12A means the film is appropriate viewing for anyone aged 12 or over however if the film has an overall dark or unsettling tone the rating may become a 12A meaning people younger than 12 must be accompanied by someone elder than 18 however discretion is still advised and it is up to the accompanying adult to decide whether is appropriate for the person they accompany. 

Language can be moderate and strong as long as it is infrequent. 

Scenes of violent are acceptable if they do not dwell on particular elements of it and are justifiable by the films context. Weapons which are easily accessible most not be glamourised in any way. 

Some thriller films are given a 12 or 12A rating as long as scenes of physical and psychological threat are moderate, not sustained and not too frequent. 

Although PG rated films tend to be films made for young children not all are aimed at young children as displayed by some of the above films the PG rating means that there are no extended scenes of distress so a child could watch it but this does not necessarily mean they would want too. 

Some thriller films are rated PG or PG 13 but rarely. 

Joseph Power

BBFC classification guidelines (what we can learn from this)

TARGET AUDIENCE RESEARCH



The British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) was established in 1912 and is n independent, non-governmental body.

The BBFC watch both adverts and films the whole way through and then determine the age rating which will be applied to these films. A criteria establishes what rating a film will receive. Here are a few examples of ratings and their criteria.




U rating - Universal and suitable for all
Although it is impossible to predict what will upset any one child in general a U should be appropriate viewing for all age groups. Films with this rating should work within a positive moral framework and any scenes of terror or acts of violence should be balance and should offer reassurance to the viewers.


Discrimination
No discriminatory language or behaviour unless 
clearly disapproved of. 
Drugs
No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless 
they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear
educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable 
for young children.
Horror
Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to
cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome
should be reassuring.
Imitable behaviour
No potentially dangerous behaviour which young 
children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic 
or easily accessible weapons.
Language
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity
Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and 
references only (for example, to ‘making love’).
Theme
While problematic themes may be present, their 
treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for 
young children.
Violence
Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or 
menace only.












PG- Parental Guidance. Generally appropriate for children although some scene may cause distress for young children so parental discretion is advised.


Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to 
be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an
educational or historical context. Discrimination by 
a character with which children can readily identify 
is unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be
innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
Horror
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or
intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Imitable behaviour
No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which
young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation 
of realistic or easily accessible weapons.
Language
Mild bad language only.
Nudity
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be implied, but should be 
discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and 
innuendo only.
Theme
Where more serious issues are featured (for example,
domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should 
condone unacceptable behaviour. 
Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed,
if justified by its context (for example, history, 
comedy or fantasy).





15- suitable only for people aged 15 or over.


Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory 
language or behaviour.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not
promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily
accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example,
aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic 
or sexualised.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and
self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be
copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example,
‘fuck’). The strongest terms  may beacceptable if justified
 by the context. Aggressive or repeated
use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without
strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a 
non-sexual or educational context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail.
There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour,
but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable
unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is
sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is 
appropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction
of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to
be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also
unlikely to be acceptable. 
There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence
but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and
have a strong contextual justification.





18 - suitable only for people aged 18 or over


In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public
consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the
BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override
the principle that adults should be free to choose their
own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the
following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, 
or has been created through the commission of a 
criminal offence

• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to 
risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, 
to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of 
violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, 
which may cause harm to public health or morals. 
This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised 
violence which might, for example, eroticise or 
endorse sexual assault


What can we learn from this?

From examining the criteria it is likely the groups short film sequence will fall between ratings PG or 15 however because of the nature of the work an entire film would likely receive a rating of 15. The only criteria for these guidelines which we are likely to cross are themes, horror  and potentially language. I doubt the sequence will contain any of the other areas of criteria therefore are film will be targeted to an audience of 15 or older.

Joseph Power