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