This here is my Thriller Mood Board. I carefully chose my composition of pictures, each with an aspect of what I associate with a Thriller. I chose dark pictures, as it is mostly dark during Thriller films, the moon of which represents the darkness. There is usually a lot of fog/smoke whenever there is something suspicious. The evil character usually has a disguise of some sort, hence the mask. I chose a range of locations, city life because its crawling with life, and woodland, because its hidden and quiet. 

Media Studies 22/09/11 - Story & Theme

So, todays lesson was based around the Story and Themes incorporated into a Thriller film to make it successful. We also studied the program "Final Cut Pro" and pieced together our very own title sequence. 


We also looked at the opening titles for Rear Window, a film created by Alfred Hitchcock in 1954, and studied the 4 aspects used to create an effective opening: Sound, Camera, Editing and Mise-en-scene.


Sound: Throughout the titles, there is loud orchestral instruments, such as trumpets, drums, violins, etc. This gives a classical dramatic opening. 
The tempo is upbeat and cheerful, which just goes to show that although there is mystery, it is not necessarily a dark story line. 
Camera: To start with, we can see a still shot looking out a window (point of view)  as the credits appear on screen. 
It then turns into an extreme long shot, which establishes the setting/scene, whilst including the whole scene in one shot, showing us other peoples apartments in the city scene.
Editing: Starts with one shot, then continues into another. Camera shot, after whole scene shot, fades as a transition. 
The credits had been edited, as in almost every film, the text has to be added though editing. 
Mise-en-scene: The opening shows us the surrounding suburban lifestyle, as we can see how all the neighbours live and what they do, for example a women exercising like a dancer. 
We also see what the inside of the main characters apartment is like, with magazines on the floor and posters on the walls, suggesting that he is a photographer. 


Story & Themes

The narrative for most Thrillers usually involves an investigation of some sort, not necessarily a murder, but is often based around a psychological incident. 

• Aspects of a Story (typical synopsis, characters, plot, key events associated with a Thriller)
• Themes (psychological, criminal, sexuality, morality - right/wrong, society values)

I have learnt a fair bit in this session. I have learnt about the story and themes, and what types of stories thrillers are usually about. This will help when designing a story line to go on for producing my Thriller opening. I have also grasped how to use the software Final Cut Pro, in which I have created a 30 sec Thriller opening, of which I will upload a little later. I have also formed a group with Maisy Osbon and Jeni Hatt, of which we will carry out research and compose a final Thriller opening.

Thank you for reading

Chris T Rizzi

Media Studies 19/09/11 - Thriller Opening Titles

Hello again


Today's lesson was primarily focused around the Title Sequences of Thrillers and also about "The Art Of The Title". During the lesson, I analysed the opening titles of 3 films: Taxi Driver, Se7en and Departed. 

In the film Taxi Driver, I took note of many different aspects that made the opening credits pretty convincing. During the opening credits, the names of the actors were displayed all over the screen, not just positioned in one area of the screen throughout the duration. This forces the audience to follow the text as it cleverly trails around the whole of the screen, making us aware of what is happening. As we can see during the titles, the film starts off in a Taxi, as the camera shot shows a taxi driving around a corner in what appears a city environment. The camera then changes shot, to a close up of a mans face, we do not know who this is yet, but we assume he's the taxi driver, as the camera alternates in shots, from the mans face to the window, of which there is an atmospheric mist/condensation building up on the window. We can see through the window to reveal bright neon lights. The busyness tells us that its a well populated city area, most probably New York. The lights indicates that it is night time. Also, as the film starts, the music starts off rather intense, but as it progress to inside the taxi, the mood changes to slow jazz, which usually represents something romantic. So already, to me, the film is probably about action and love. 


I also looked at the relevance of a title sequence:
What are title sequences and why are they so important?
What is their role/function?
-Title sequences are used so that we can see who is involved in the film/production. It is important because not only can we see who is in it and look out for it during the film, but it also gives an insight into what might happen, which is key in Thrillers.
-The role is to create an image to the audience, whether or not it is straightforward or illusive, in order to make the audience think about what the film may be about.

In the film Se7en, the way the titles are presented speak volumes as to what the film is going to be about. The titles alternate between text and imagery, of which it shows someone working on a secret document, however we do not know what it is, which in term creates suspense and mystery. During the titles, it has a light brown/sepia and grain effect to it, to make it appear old, as well as a variation of slow and fast motion transitions. The titles (credits) jump from side to side, with the font changing in size and focus, as it tends to blur. The music as well is deep and at certain points, distorted from a natural rhythm, which comes across as psychotic. It has a spooky vibe to it, which makes us think about the story line. At the end of the titles, we see a number of words/numbers flash up for a split second, with no relevance, which again creates suspense.


Design Elements
What elements are involved in the design of these sequences?

• Images
• Style (colour)
• Visual Effects
• Font
• Animation(s)
• Editing 

I then looked into the opening of Departed. The titles are rather simple, as it contains no real life, just a series of text, images and animations. It has one background image throughout, with a monochrome (black + white) theme, using red as a distinctive colour to represent blood. There are bullet holes that appear beside actors names, this gives the indication there are guns involved and violence is certain. The jumpy grain effect gives an impression that it is old. To keep the titles flowing, an animation that links each name to the next is used, noting that the credits flow down with the colour red showing us where to follow. This is a very effective title sequence, as it keeps us glued to the screen to follow this one red line.

From todays lesson, I have learnt about the effectiveness that the title sequence gives about the film in general. Without thinking about it, we the audience make assumptions based on what we think the film is about just be watching the titles. I will remember this for when I create my Thriller opening.

Chris T Rizzi

Media Studies 15/09/11 - Lights! Camera Shots! Action!

Hi again


During todays lesson, the main focus was Camera Shots and the affect they give to the opening of a Thriller film and Mystery and Suspense (The two are linked!). We looked at an example of an opening, and discussed about the effectiveness of it. This was without knowing about the specific shots. 


When looking at the use of the camera, it is essential to recognize the following:
- Camera Variety
- Steadiness
- Control
- Framing
- How does it create mystery and suspense?
- What is the most often used shot?


Here is a list of the camera shots and their description:
>Extreme Long Shot = The establishing shot. Sets the time and location at the start of the production. This is an important shot, as it allows the audience to think about what could happen.
>Long Shot = This shot is about the character, showing us the figure (head to toe) This shot is to show us the relationship the character has with their surrounding, whether they are familiar or lost.
>Mid Shot = Focusing on half of the character, eg legs and feet/torso and head, to show their body language/actions. (often facial expressions)
>Two Shot = Includes 2 characters in the same shot, may not be in same location.
>Close Up = Shows the character (head + shoulders) used to show their emotions. Note: this shot has no backdrop.
>Point Of View = Shows what the character sees, as if through their eyes.
>Extreme Close Up = Focuses on the characters gestures (eyes, lips, nose, hands, etc) or an object of significance.


There are also different angles of a camera:
- High angle: Above them
- Low angle: Below them
- Contend angle: Slanted


To create the mystery and suspense, Mise-en-scene is used, which includes things such as locations, lighting, costume, props, choice of actor and performance, all of which are elements to the film.


Camera Shots are used to show a wider insight into the characters and the environment, portraying their significance to the Thriller and building the plot/story through mystery and suspense. I have created a voiceover analysis of the opening Thriller "The Usual Suspects" that talks about the different elements and shots, feel free to view it. 


I have learnt a lot, and been able to put my skills to use this lesson, which I found enjoyable. I look forward to creating my Thriller opening even more so now. Thank you for reading.


Chris T Rizzi

Media Studies 12/09/11 - What Is A Thriller?

Today was my first Media Studies lesson, and I must say, I found it rather interesting! I learnt about the difference between a Thriller and a Horror, the elements included in a Thriller film and reflected on my knowledge of Thriller films. I also learnt how to use the internet site "http://bubbl.us/", of which my Thriller Mind Map was created on.


The difference between a Thriller and Horror is that Horrors are designed to be more graphical about blood and gore, whereas a Thriller has less gore, and focuses on psychological themes. This is something new i have learnt about Thrillers, and will remember it when creating my Thriller opening. 


The elements included in a Thriller are:
- Mood + Atmosphere
- Visual elements/Icronography
- Events/Character


I have learnt a lot this lesson, and hope to continue with my studies in Media, as I feel I could create a convincing Thriller!


Chris T Rizzi

Chris Rizzi's Usual Suspects Analysis (w/Sophie Daniels)

Chris Rizzi's Thriller Mind Map