Research: Narrative Themes



Narrative Themes

What are themes?

Themes are the topics or ideas a narrative would mainly consist of; for example, Death or Revenge. These are things the audience can identify and give them understanding or insight as to what the film is about. This can also help determine what sub-genre the movie would fall under.

do themes depend on genre?

Themes depend on genres/ sub-genres as they are what bring the different themes to life. If themes did not have any correlation to the genre it would cause confusion and would not make any sense as to why it falls under that genre/ sub-genre, this would cause the film to lose its appeal and put audiences off from wanting to watch it again or any sequels that may follow. 

examples of different themes:

Revenge:

Love:

Death:

Obsession:

Conclusion

Doing research on Narrative Themes has helped me understand the conventional themes that take place within a thriller, and it has also helped me build some understanding of what themes will be present in my own thriller piece. This will also help me determine what sort of audience reaction I will get.

Research: Lighting and Colour

Lighting and Colour

 

Intro

Lighting and Colour can be very significant when used to highlight or display the importance of a character or objects in the scene. Lighting and Colour are very important conventions to thriller films because they help to set the mood in certain films and scenes. It can also help to focus the audience’s attention to one particular person or objects. Lighting can be used to cast shadows and create silhouettes to create a chill or maybe suspense. Colours can be used to bring the scene to add life and emotion to the scene/ film.

 

Angles of lighting

 

Top lighting- This is lighting that comes from above the character, and creates a glorified look upon the character(s).

 

 

 

Under lighting- Under Lighting is the light that comes from underneath the person. This is used to generally give a distorting effect on the character(s).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back lighting- Back Lighting is the lighting that comes from behind the character. This is normally used to create silhouettes and tends to add a mysterious effect.

 

 

 

 

 

Types of lighting

 

Low-Key Lighting- This type of lighting tends to be quite dark and is used in scenes depicting desolate or run down settings. Low-key lighting is the most common/ conventional to thriller films because it helps to creates a dark and eerie atmosphere, this is so it adds suspense and tension for the audience; this adds a more fearful look towards the film.

 

 

 

 

 

High-Key Lighting- This is lighting that appears natural yet clearly brighter than natural lighting. This would be more commonly used in sci-fi thrillers, this is so that it gives an exaggerated look to the scenery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Lighting- This is when no extra lighting has been added to the scene, this is normally used when trying to create a sense of naturalism or realism.

 

 

 

 

 Colour in scene

Certain Colours are used in scenes to have different connotations to them, and can give different interpretations of the scene. For example:

 

Dark Blue/Black: Horror

 

 

 

Red would tie well with Soft Horror.

 

Blue would be associated with Action Thriller

 

 

The colour Orange would be suitable for Action-Adventure.

 

 

 

Green: Sci-fi Thriller

 

Colours that are conventional to thrillers are red, dark blue and black because it helps to make the scene/film look isolated surrounding by the dark atmosphere creating mysterious and evilness. The colours are also have different connotations from the audience to interpretate each colour to represent different objects or emotions in certain ways.

Research: Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory

 

Narrative Theory:

 What is a narrative, and why is it important to the audience?

 A narrative is the storyline that is used during the film; it's the story of the film and portrays all the things that happen to lead to the outcome. It's very important to the audience as it gives them an understanding of what the film is about, and gives them knowledge as to why some of the characters had motives.

 

What four elements allow and help the audience to find meaning?

 Four elements that help the audience to find meaning are:

The characters, The Connotations & Denotations, Structure and genre.

 Characters- Characters will help an audience to understand who they are, why they're important to the story and how they're conventional to the roles they play. 

 Connotations and Denotations- Connotations are the things that we infer or imply these are things that are not physically shown, whereas Denotations are the things actually are and what is seen.

Structure- The Structures role is to allow us to understand from Beginning, middle and ending, and to also ensure there is no confusion.

Genre- Genre shows us how conventional it is and what makes them conventional genre-wise

 

 

Propp (Characters):

Vladimir Propp looked the basic plot components of Russian folk tales to figure out their narrative elements. He was primarily interested in narrative folk tales as he believed their folk tales were based around the same problems, which meant that they had similar structures throughout.

 

Propp's narrative stages:

 

Complication: Protagonist(s) plan to take action against the Antagonist(s)

 

Transference: The Protagonist reacts to the donor

 

Struggle: The Antagonist(s) has to be overcome

 

Return:  The hero arrives home and is not recognised

 

Recognition:  The false hero or villain is unmasked

 

 

 

 

Todorov (Equilibriums):

 

Zvetan Todorov firmly believed that narratives should consist of 3 main equilibriums.

A state of equilibrium where everything is perfectly normal.

A disruption (disequilibrium) which causes disorder, chaos or mayhem.

And a New Equilibrium which is the restoration of natural order/ balance.

 Although, Todorov chose to add more micro equilibriums within the main three to give them more understanding.

 

Todorov’s narrative stages:

 •Equilibrium

 •Disruption

 •Resolution

 •Restored Order

 •New Equilibrium

 

 

 

Aristotle: The Importance of Plot

 
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who believed that a film should have a beginning, middle and an end. The events must casually relate to one another as being either necessary or probable. It is important to arouse emotions from the visuals/text.

 

 

 

Barthes: Semiology within Narrative

Roland Barthes was not only a French literary theorist but also a philosopher, critic, linguist and Semiotician. He believed that the narrative can be explained by using these five things:

 

Action- the Understanding and resolution is understood by the action.

 

Enigma- Teases the audience by presenting a puzzle or a riddle that needs to be resolved.

 

Symbolic- The Connotations

 

Semic: The Denotations

 

Cultural Understanding- Events that can be recognized by different groups of people.

 

What narrative structure do thrillers tend to take and why?

The narrative structure thrillers tend to normally take are storylines in which everything begins normally, until someone or something causes a form of disturbance or disruption which causes an unbalanced state, bringing a climax. For this to be solved or equalised someone must go up against the force causing the problem. These are the basic steps of Todorov's theory and narrative stages.

 

 

Conclusion:

In the research I have done I have found out what sort of storyline would be conventional to the thriller genre; this will help me when it comes to planning and writing my own thriller storyline. This also helps me to understand what sort of reaction I will gain from the audience.

Research: Sound

 

Sound

Intro

Sound is one of the most crucial elements in film production; this is because sound assists what can be seen to add an audial effect. Sound is used to create understanding for the audience and to help give an insight into what may be coming next. A Powerful soundtrack can create different responses from the viewers.

There are various different types of sound being used in films such as:

- Diegetic sound:

Diegetic sound is the sound which comes naturally in the film world e.g. Dialogue, music /Talking from a radio or television. The sound can either be on or off screen. For example in the clip of "The Dark Knight Rises" we see the two characters sat down talking.

 

 

- Non-diegetic sound:

Non-diegetic sound is sound that has been created to put into the film world for example a soundtrack, voice-over or even a sound effect. In the clip of "The Dark Knight Rises" straight into the scene we hear Non-Diegetic music being played as we are being showed the city buildings.

 

- On screen sound:

On screen sound is when the audience can see exactly where the sound is coming from for example a radio, television or a telephone ringing. The used of this type of sound is used to create naturalism, make sense and to make the scene more realistic. This helps to make the scene more believable and helps to keep the audience aware of the surrounding. an example of this is at 0:06 - 0:10 where we see a large crowd of people in the stock exchange, we are then aware that it is them making the noise.

 

- Off screen sound:

Off screen sound is sound that can be heard but you cannot see where it is coming from, but it makes sense to the film world for example a phone call, building site, traffic or people in the background. The use of this type of sound helps give the audience awareness of what’s happening around the character.

 

- Parallel sound:

Parallel sound is the sound when the sound(s) in the back ground make sense to what’s going on on-screen for example. This trailer down here of a mystery-horror film 'One Missed Call'' is an example, the used of parallel sound in this trailer helps to give the viewers an idea of what's the film is about by allowing them to hear what's in the phone and the mysterious story behind it. This helps to engage the audience attentions to watch the movie and find out for themselves.

 

- Contrapuntal sound:

Contrapuntal sound is when the sound does not match the image going on on-screen for example in the movie “Jaws” we see kids playing happily in the water to then hear a dramatic soundtrack come in at 1:32, at first the audience may not fully comprehend why that sort of soundtrack is being played; but then have an understanding that there is impending danger, this then makes the audience feel sympathetic knowing that one of them is about to be attacked.

 

Conclusion:

 

I have looked at all these types of sounds used in film, and it has given me a better understanding as to why they would be used and the emotions that they generate. This has also given me a better understanding as to what sort of soundtrack to create during my own film production.

Research Costume

Costume and Body Language

 

Costume is very important in thriller films and can indicate what role that character plays within the narrative E.g. Protagonist (Hero), Antagonist (Villain)… this is also important as you can tell a lot about the characters personality. Body Language can also help give in insight into the characters personality and emotions.

Victim- The conventional costume for victims tend to be quite light colours, this connotes there purity and or innocence.

For example in this image we see the victim from the opening of the movie “scream”; as seen she is wearing a cream coloured jumper this not only connotes innocence but also shows her youth. we also see that her body language is quite huntched, this shows that she is quite vulnerable.

Antagonist- Antagonists tend to wear dark colours so they can blend in with a darker surrounding; some antagonists also wear masks to conceal their identity, this is also done to keep the mystery within the storyline.

Here we see the murderer from “scream”, we clearly see he’s wearing all black this connotes that he has bad intentions. His mask also conceals his identity; his body language is fairly upright, he is almost taking a confident stance, this connotes that he knows exactly what he's doing and how he's doing it.

Protagonist- a protagonists costume would normally also be quite bright to show that they are good and that they are trust worthy, this is an obvious indication that they are the "good guy".
 

This image is of the fictional hero "spiderman" he is represented in the colours red and blue because these are very warming colours and connotes that you can trust him. he wears a mask to conceil his identity but to only protect his family and friends.

Here we see the movie hero "Batman" although he's wearing all black he is still a protagonist who fights villains. in the film world he is classed as an "anti-hero" this is because he seems to be quite dark and at first may appear to be an antagonist. he also has a very confident stance, this not only shows that he has power but also that he is very confident and trust worthy

Children- children who play a protagonists or victims tend to be shown in white, this is to show there vulnerability and innocence and tend to have a meek stance, which make them seem like really esy targets. When they are seen playing the role of an antagonist they can also be depicted in white, this can be to show a form of vulnerability which tends to very misleading.

here we see the girl from the movie "Exorcist", although we clearly see that she has been possessed and is a antagonist, we see that her gown is white which is a symbol of purity. this makes us feel sorry for her as we that she's just a child being possessed by something evil.

Conclusion
My resaerch has given me further insigt into what type of costume characters conventionally wear and what they represent. This will help me during my film development, and will help me choose the appriopiate costume for individual characters.

Scream Analysis

How is the opening sequence of Scream

Conventional to a thriller opening?

 

At the very start of the opening sequence, we see establishing shot which is used to set the scene/ surrounding. It shows that the scene will take place in someone’s home; this is clearly dramatic irony as the home is supposed to be a place of safety and comfort. The image of the house has quite chilling feel to it, because it is in a quite secluded area, at night time; this instantly puts the audience in an uncomfortable feeling, as they await something horrific to occur. This scene is very conventional to thriller movies, as people expect dangerous things such as murder happen during night. This will make the audience feel sympathy towards the victim because they can estimate that her safety is at stake.

In scene, the female victim appears very relaxed in the comfort of her own home; we are shown this with the use of her relaxed posture, and facial expression. As the phone rings the first time, she is very calm, and seems to be a little playful or a little flirtatious with the mysterious caller. This indicates to us the audience that she feels very secure. This is conventional to the thriller genre because scenes normally start off with equilibrium, with an innocent, unaware victim.

As we continue further into the scene, we see the victim’s body language change into a different state and become more uncomfortable, as her body language changes to more stiff state and movement becomes edgy. Her facial expressions show a more fearful look; this shows she is slightly more aware of impending danger. At this moment in the scene, a very eerie non-diegetic soundtrack starts to play faintly, connoting that something is about to happen and accompanies the victims movements, body language and facial expression. This instils a sense of fear into the audience as they are more aware of the actions that are about to come into play. This is very conventional to the genre because fast paced soundtracks are normally used to indicate danger.

Once the female victim realises that the mysterious caller is quite suspicious and poses a threat, the diegetic clown like laughter of the caller becomes much creepier to the audience, because what we first thought was something playful has been turned into something evil. A shot of medium close up is used when we see her peering out of the back door. Here, we notice that she is wearing cream, this suggests to her innocence as a teenager. This is quite conventional, because most female victims tend to wear white or clearer colours because it connotes purity, and vulnerability.

Also, the low key lighting of the lights outside, are faintly shining on her face, which highlights her terrified facial expression, as well as makes the rest of the setting around her appear more scary, as more shadows of the objects behind her, are cast. This represents a thriller film, because shadows and silhouettes create a fear of the unknown in both the audience and characters in the scene.

 

Research: Cinematography

Cinematography

Cinematography is the frame of the shot i.e. the different movements and the angles and the distance they are taken at.

Extreme Long shot- this is used to show the character(s) at a distance, this is primarily used to show the background or setting, this is used to show type(s) of surrounding where the character operates.

Long Shots are used to focus on the character and their profile; this can give the audience a clear view of the characters height, gender and any costume that they may be wearing. Unlike the Extreme long shot, the long shot only shows the character and what’s directly behind the character. This will give the audience a better look at the character’s costume and their stance; this may also give an insight into the characters personality.

Mid Shot – Mid Shot’s are used to show the character from the abdomen up this gives the audience a better look at the characters features e.g. facial expression.

Mid-Close-up - this is used to show the character in more detail, this is a shot taken from the chest up and gives the audience an even more detailed look at the characters face this shot will reveal whether the character has any features like scars.

Close Up – a close up is used to display the characters face fully and either create a sense of comfort or discomfort depending on the type of character. This is also used to show the audience in detail what sort of facial expression the character has.

Extreme Close Up – An Extreme Close Up is used to zoom to look directly into the characters face, this is normally done to show the characters eyes and reveal an in depth look into to their eye colour and show pupil dilation.

Establishing Shot – An Establishing Shot is used to build the setting and give a wide view of the surrounding. This is used to show the area where the story is taking place.



Camera Angles

The camera angle is important to the shot especially when it comes to character representation, this is because there are certain ways the camera will ca the 

High Angle - A high angle is where the camera is placed above a character looking down on them, this usually makes the character diminutive and weak. this may the audience to feel pity for the character 

The high angle makes the character look less powerful and as an audience we are looking down upon this character. This then generates feelings of pity towards this character.

Low Angle - A Low Angle is where the camera is placed underneath the character and usually represents them as mighty, this is because the character looks taller and powerful.

this example was taken from the film 'Se7en', in this mage we see a low angle shot of both Detective Mills (left) and Detective Somerset (Right), the use of the low angle establishes their power; this also connotes that they have power or hold rank.

 

Eye Level - This is used to put the audience on the same height of the character and look directly in the characters face to either create attraction or maybe instill fear among the audience depending on the character depicted.

This example was taken from the film 'Exorcist' here we are looking at the character at eye level, this is used to instill fear into the audience
 

Camera movement


 

Panning- panning is the movement from left to right with the camera this can be used to give a wider view of the scenery, this can be used in action shots such as a high street chase. This can also give the audience a better look at what's going on amid the action.

Tilt- tilting the camera up and down and lets the audience see the height of the scene, this can also be tied in well with the point of view shot to give the effect of someone looking up and down.

 Crane - a crane is used to capture things at a higher vantage point, this may be used to capture an establishing or extreme long shot. The crane can be placed on a helicopter to add extra and more flexible movement and more height; This can be done to show the audience an even wider look at the city that the story may be set in.

Zoom – zooming is a technique done to either move in or out of a scene, this would normally be used to focus primarily in on one thing.

Point of View- This is where the camera is used to show someone’s perspective; this is used to give the effect of looking straight out of the characters eyes.

Handheld- this is where the camera is held in someone’s hand and filmed as if it’s actually being filmed by a character in the film, this is good for depicting scenes of paranormal interference or like a video diary.

Paranormal Activity 4 is filmed mostly using the Handheld camera technique, this is to give the impression of watching the characters actual video footage of paranormal interferrences happening in her home. This is very effective when using unexpected scares, this because the audience feels as if that they are at the very front of the action. It's almost like a point of view shot with the exception seeing the camera record time or battery life guage being displayed around the edge of the frame, or that character may occasionally put themselves in the shot by turning the camera.



Conclusion 

looking at cinematography techniques has furthered my knowledge on the different camera elements and the different types of shots and angles used in filming; accompanied by other various on screen elements to get great shots that can be used to add a more thrilling, suspenseful or chilled feeling among the audience. This will help me to understand and know what shots to use and how to use them to generate certain emotions within the audience.