The word convention means conforming or adhering to accepted standards. Elements and methods that are common within different film genres would be typical conventions of the film. Certain genres can be identified just from the conventions e.g the lighting, characters, narrative. Typical conventions of a thriller are abandoned settings, low-key lighting and hidden identity.
In this clip of scream we see a young women being chased and murdered by a masked killer. Hidden identity is present in this clip as the killer wears a mask. The fact that the killers identity is withheld, creates a more inhuman feel to the clip because there is no human facial features that the killer can display to the audience which means he is unable to portray any human emotion. You are unable to hear the sound of his voice and the audience is unable to gain any relationship with this character. This is due to the fact they are unable to identify anything about him. This is a typical convention of a thriller as hidden identity is usually used to make the audience question who it is and add enigma into the film.
The victim in the clip is female. Stereotypically in thrillers, females remain to be the weaker more vulnerable sex. This enables her to appear as innocent as possible. In thrillers the women normally act as the damsel in distress. Men are usually portrayed as more dominant and violent within a thriller film. This makes the audience build a relationship towards the victim as they feel sympathy towards her and often the females will be more likable as they appear to be the ones being attacked by a man. The female is attractive and usually blonde to support the fact she is innocent. Overall this is a typical convention of a thriller as the men remain dominant and in control throughout most thriller films. Creating a very tense atmosphere and relationship with all male figures.
The motive in this clip remains to be one of the most popular thriller conventions to this day. The use of a knife is present firstly, when the women tries to defend her self with 'fake knives' and secondly the killers actual weapon is a knife. This use of a knife causes the action and violence to appear more personal and emotional. The killer has to be very close to the victim to reach them and make contact. Compared to a gun more strength and force is put into stabbing someone compared to shooting. This creates tension within a thriller as it causes a fast tempo and fast-pass emotion. This gives the audience a feeling of urgency. They begin to feel threatened by the killer, becoming a lot more terrified of the killers behaviour. Towards the victim is where the sense of urgency and escape really sets home as they already have a bond with this character, due to their purity and innocence. The murder is usually very brutal. This fits the typical convention of a thriller as the deaths are usually more gruesome and contain more violence and anticipation then horrors.
The setting is also another aspect that can determine what kind of conventions of a film will fit into the genre. Thriller genres usually consist of isolated or abandoned buildings. This is displayed in the sequence when the security guard calls out to the woman checking she is still there, when he believes she isn't he closes the door and locks it. This creates shock within a scene as the audience are now aware there is no one to help her and there is now no escape. The isolation in the scene causes the audience to feel uncertain about the woman's safety. This is a common convention of a thriller due to the misconception that she will be saved. The isolated area in a thriller is what usually leads to the victims death as there is no help made available and there is no escape.
Low key lighting is another commonly used convention of a thriller as it consists of certain lights being positioned in a way that creates lurking shadows. In this scene we see low key lighting used often within the scene which creates a sense of foreboding by keeping the victim in dim light, making her the focus. This lets the audience feel fear for this character as they know she is the one that is next in line to be killed. This can all be suggested just through the dark lighting. This type of lighting can also portray how corned the character appears. Almost again letting the audience know that something is closing in on her. Which overall creates high tension throughout the scene
Conclusion
Overall these conventions are what make up a thriller film. They are what make the scene as suspenseful and shocking as possible, because this clip is represented as a thriller of the need for these conventions are crucial to make it as mysterious as possible. These conventions are what are typically found within thrillers and continue to make up the thriller genre in every day thriller films. I now know that it is necessary to add typical thriller conventions into my own opening sequence.
How does the opening sequence to Halloween, inform the audience of the conventions of a thriller?
The opening sequence to Halloween displays a clear, suspenseful display of how conventions and aspects of a thriller can contribute to making a thriller successful. The opening sequence of a thriller is needed to be able to be full of suspense and shock to pull the audience in and have them entertained throughout the whole film. The first 5 minutes of a film should be made to give the audience a small taster of whats to come. This can involve major narrative clues and typical conventions that give the audience a slight understanding of how the film is going to begin and end.
Sound is everything you hear within a sequence. Sounds are able to create suspense without having any other elements to go with them, Without sound the whole atmosphere of a thriller would change.
Right at the start of the opening to Halloween there is an off-screen sound effect of a children's chant. This chant involves the sound of children laughing and singing about Halloween night. This immediately tells the audience what sort of night this is and also how disturbing this night may turn out. this is because chanting can be linked back to witchcraft and worshipping the devil. In addition to this the fact that children are the ones singing creates a very unsettling atmosphere. This chant indicates to the audience that a child will be involved in this murder, this creates a very unsettling atmosphere. The Erie sounds of children singing fit the conventions of a thriller as it plays with the audiences psychological mind set, involving children into the equation will create a disturbing scene within a thriller. Cinematography is the camera angles within a shot. It is purposely how the camera has been placed to change the angle, movement and perspective in a shot. Cinematography can affect the whole atmosphere within a thriller film. A high angle shot is displayed in the opening sequence of Halloween when the killers identity is revealed. This contrasts with the P.O.V shot that has been presented previously, throughout the sequence. This is to change the perspective of the shot. As the shot is now a high angle shot looking down on the little boy. The atmosphere of the scene changes. The audience is now looking down on the children and can see how inferior he is. This makes the audience feel differently towards him compared to how they would normally feel towards children. In thrillers story lines are often twisted and are full of enigmas to make the audience think about what is going to happen next. The high angle fits into the Thriller genre as children are normally insignificant and shown as the more vulnerable age. Having a high angle shot makes the child appear inferior, which fits the typical convention of how children are portrayed in thrillers.
Editing can be used to manipulate a scene and make it appear differently to how it originally may of turned out. The pass of different shots takes place in Halloween and the tempo suddenly increases straight after he has murdered his sister. The number of different shots increase creating a faster tempo. This shows an emotion of panic present as the antagonist attempts to make an escape. This excites the audience, as they try to keep up with the fast tempo within the scene. They want to be able to know what will happen next. This builds tension within a scene due to the panic the audience now feel for the antagonist to escape. This typical type of fast-pass editing is present in most Thrillers due to the conventional aspect of being chased. The tempo will usually increase when one of the antagonist or protagonists needs to find a way out of escape. This is why fast-editing is a typical convention of a thriller
Codes and Conventions of a thriller is vital because it gives the audience a certain expectation that needs to be followed. For example if the lightening within a film and remains very bright and colourful it is not likely to come under the genre of a thriller. Low key lighting is present at the beginning of the clip as the antagonist approaches the house. The scene is filled with shades of black and sharp, dimmed light that create shadows. This causes the audience to focus mainly on the house, giving them the idea that a terrifying event will take place in the house, because of this effect shadows are formed which cause the audience to try and guess what is lurking within the shadows this creates tensions and is intended to scare the audience and create the sense of unknown, leading to mystery and enigma. Low-key lightening is a typical convention of a thriller as it relates to the fact that things are going to be kept hidden and not everything that the audience can see, can be trusted as the shadows may be hiding secrets within the film.
Characters can make the scene in a thriller. Interesting and mysterious personalities are usually what makes a thriller. I the character seems mentally unstable, creates even more tension within a thriller as they are portrayed to be unpredictable. The antagonists identify, gender and age remains hidden until the end of the sequence this fits the typical convention of a thriller as it builds tension and anticipation. When the identity is finally revealed it leaves the audience to question why the boy in fact killed his own sister. This creates shock within a scene as they wander if this character is mentally stable. The female victim remains attractive and defenceless throughout the clip fitting the conventions of a thriller as females are stereotypically displayed as the weaker, more vulnerable gender. They remain to be presented as the damsel in distress. This leaves the audience feeling sympathy and empathy towards her, making them also begin to dislike the antagonist, Michael.
Narrative is the story that makes up the film. It consists of whats going to happen and why. In this opening sequence we are made aware of the date and season, being Halloween. This is because of the nessorcerry expectations halloween night brings. Halloween is a night that is sterotypically displayed as the night where the dead are able to roam free. According to legends on the 31st of october ghosts are able to come up from there tombs and terrioze citizens. The typically convention of halloween still to this day remains to be trick or treating. This is because of the masked young children, laughing and getting sweets how unusall it is to see one of those kids kill. This suprises the audience as the child remains to be young and innocent, causing them to form a relationship of curiousity towards the child. They want to know why he killed his sister and what can be done to save what sanity the boy has left. In additon to this Halloweens age ceriticate remains to be an 18. This is due to the intense narrative, aswell as the nudity and vilolence that takes place in the film.
Overall analysing this clip has made me understand and have more knowlegde on why different aspects of a film are initially what make it a good thriller. If people are able to feel intrigued and shocked while watching my own thriller sequence then i know i have suceeded in creating an accurate version of a real thriller film. I now know that i need to add lots of different things into the thriller opening to ensure that it remains dark and full of engima.
Sound is essential when trying to create effects and suspense within a thriller. When there is a scene that requires a build up to a jump scene. The tension in the film has to be at a peak. This can be manipulated by a number of different techniques. One of these could be sound.
Diegetic sounds
The footsteps of the character immediately add to the slow paced atmosphere that is used to build tension. The sound effects are minimum at the start this is to let the audience take special notice of smaller sounds, such as footsteps being presented in this scene. This is conventional to a thriller as it lets the audience concentrate on just the footsteps. This is often used to create the effect of how quiet the scene is. If the audience are only able to here footsteps it creates the feeling of isolation and loneliness which can create an unsettling feeling throughout the sequence.
The diegetic sound of the thunder which begins to create a suspenseful and chilling atmosphere, can also be heard in this clip. The weather of storms and thunder also can be associated with danger and this creates a sense of foreboding for the audience. The fact the heavy rain can be heard and the surprising sounds of harsh thunder tells the audience that the safety of the antagonist could be opposed. This is conventional to a thriller as it provides the harsh weather and the connotations that come with it. The audiences emotions and reactions wouldn't be the same without the dark colours in the sky and the heavy noises.
As the character begins to look out into the distance he notices a hand print and presses his own hand against it. This is immediately followed by a loud scream that will give the audience a sudden sense of shock, possibly making them jump. The diegetic scream is ultimately used to make the audiences senses be alert.This relates to a convention of a thriller due to the slow paced editing. Thriller films usually will focus on one significant sound such as a heart beat or foot steps and then this sound will usually increase in temp and sound and then finally end with a shocking action (such as the lady screaming through the window).
Non Diegetic
The erie sounds being used throughout the sequence continues to be played on and off and used when needed. The sounds in the background that were put in editing continues to sound like a light choir of a woman that remains singing in a high pitched tone. This actually continues to portray the more scary tones, that are present in this film. As the woman is what makes this film frightening and thrilling. This is conventional to a thriller as it creates a suspenseful atmosphere. When the audience is anticipating something and all they can hear is chilling music it builds tension within the scene and creates a relationship between the character and the audience due to that fact that they may be concerned for his life. After the woman screams there is a quiet non diegetic sound of a high pitched scream-like effect that resembles the emotion of being shocked. This is perfectly placed to soften the loud diagetic scream. This opposes the thriller convention as it is usually erie soundtracks that are played within a thriller film. In thriller films we will never usually hear a soundtrack that seems upbeat and enjoyable they are usually very dark and erie and slow-temped.
Off screen
Off screen noises can be used to increase the tension and suspense within a thriller film, as it causes the audience to question whether or not the sound is near or far and if it can be associated with danger? In the distance of this clip you are able to hear a wolf howling. This is conventional to a thriller genre as it results in the audience wondering where the sound is coming from. In this case the audience may wander if this wolf has any part in the narrative of this film. They may begin to create a relationship with the character based on fear. As Off-screen sounds are usually vital to the thriller conventions as they indicate what location the thriller film is set in.
Parallel sounds
Parallel sounds are often sounds that in fact fit the scene and genre of the film. For example if a girl was getting murdered in a part of a thriller film, the parallel sounds associated with this would be screaming, stabbing and even an erie non-diagetic soundtrack. Here in women in black we hear creaking footsteps that resemble a sneaky sort of behaviour, this is common in thrillers and is a typical convention as they portray secrets and mystery they also emphasis on the silence, letting the audience take notice of the quiet footsteps, this creates a very tense atmosphere as the audience focuses on where the character is heading.
Conclusion
In conclusion to this sound plays a massive part in making a thriller film suspenseful and thrilling. Each erie sound creates tension within a scene. Whether its a scream or the sound effect of a gun being shot, each sound is added for a reason and contributes to making the scene entertaining and enjoyable for the audience. I know that insignificant sounds now play a part in making the scene what it is which is why I aim to add as many sound as possible, within my own thriller opening. I've learnt that simple and engaging sounds that grab the audiences attention are what make a thriller film erie.
Editing is essential to a film as it can add a tempo and can process a film into completion. It corrects any issues that can occur and can add certain effects
This clip from saw displays a number of different editing techniques that all build tension and lead up to the character 'Jills' death. The timing of shots are one of the main editing techniques that change how the thriller film is perceived. As the timer counts down towards her death the number of different shots increase this is to display the panic of the timer counting down. The effect of this is to build speed and make the audience feel anxiety for the character in the chair knowing that time is running out until her death.This is a typical convention of a thriller because the audiences anticipation increases as the tempo of the film increases. This is a type of editing techniques that the audience like to see in a thriller film as it would usually initiate a chase. Overall this may result in the audience feeling nervous, they may become agitated and this is consequently what will cause the anxiety to heighten which will result in them becoming more scared for the character. Not only is speed in shots conventional in a thriller when there fast but also when there slow which is another technique that can cause the audience to feel exactly the same emotion. The use of slow editing in thriller results in anticipation to whats about to come next. The same as what the outcomes going to be here when using fast editing.
In addition to this Linking shots are used with a flash back to add emotional impact within the scene. This is present when the shots of the past are added at quick speed. The audience begins to feel sympathy for her as they see a part of her innocent life. They see her walking through the park and in hospital. This is to display an emotional personal side to the character. The fact that the shots of innocence and enjoyment are shown just before her death, almost acts as closure between the audience and the character, by adding such emotional clips within an overall very violent gruesome scene. Linking shots are are typical convention of a thriller as in detail it gives the audience a clue into what the scene is next going to entail. For example if the killer in a thriller is about to be discovered linking shots can be made adding up all the clues that suggest who the killer would be. In this case though it is conventional to a thriller due to the fact it fits with the audience feeling empathy with this character. They know she played a massive role within the film and as a result of this the linking shots may cause the audience to feel devastated. Which is one aspect thriller tend to have. They usually have more of an emotional connection the the character compared to other genres such as horrors.
Another editing technique that is being portrayed in the short clip is a reaction shot. After the continuous speed and flashbacks that have been added to this scene, a close up of Jill displays her reaction to the timer, with a terrified look in her eyes. This shot is to display a clear objective of her reaction towards death, the audience are able to see a true recollection of her emotion, by facial expressions. This make the audience again feel sympathy towards her, in addition to this it also give them an idea to what is about to come next, which is her gruesome death. Reaction shots are a common convention of a thriller as they are normally used after something shocking has happened. For example a convention of a thriller is sometimes usually the fact that the murderers identity is hidden. This suggests that when the killers identity is finally revealed then reaction shots are usually the type of editing style that remains present, as the audience are able to see the characters true emotion to what they are witnessing this is a way to build tension as the audience may actually feel that they have the same shocking reaction.
Conclusion
Overall the effect editing can have on a film, can change the whole dynamics. This has educated me on presenting a good thriller film myself. I have learnt about all the different techniques that can change the pace and dynamics in a film. This is to build tension and continue to add suspense within the sequence. I now know that I can change the speed of the shots and give examples of specific shots such as reaction shots and montages.
Cinematography is all the different ways a camera is positioned and moves. It is the camera in film-making and the creativeness of photography, which involve different shots, angles, movements and positions. Cinematography in a thriller is used to make the scene appear even more thrilling and suspenseful, by using sharp movements and interesting degrees. Examples of these different uses of cinematography are low angles, medium shots and long shots. Even techniques and movements such as panning and handheld are all apart of cinematograhy. The film I am going to analyse is Orphan. I chose it due to the suspenseful atmosphere and different angles and movements it had to demonstrate how cinematography can be manipulated to make a scene appear more thrilling and dangerous.
The first type of movement shows a
panning shot from the young girl to a gun. This portrays the guns importance, it almost hints that she is contemplating using the weapon, this gives the audience a hope that in fact the mother and daughter will survive and ester will be the one to be defeated. This is conventional to a thriller due to the fact that the audience are being given clues into whats happening next just from the type of camera angles and movement used. This is going to make the audience feel comforted in the fact that this could be the escape and help that the mother and daughter are after. This type of shots also represents the frustration the young girl feels. If there focuses on her and then panning straight onto the gun. This can almost suggest the need to help her mother. Overall this successful fits the codes and conventions of a thriller and it can support the theory of good stereotypically overcoming evil this is common in most genres and even thrillers and shown from this shot.
A POV shot is used frequently throughout the scene, for example when the mum is being attacked and begins to try and crawl back we see her through esters point of view, this is to see the side of the killer, almost giving the audience power within the scene making them feel superior against the mother. This is conventional to a thriller because it is often that POV shots can be manipulated into achieving what power looks like from an antagonists perspective. This POV shot is also used in a different way as seen in the screen shot here. We are able to present a POV shot from the mothers perspective, now changing the view on power and leaving the audience feeling helpless, for themselves and the character. This shot in particular shows the character of Ester jabbing a knife into the mothers leg. This aggressive scene is conventional to a thriller as it displays how painful and scary it would be to be in the mother position. It overall makes the audience feel empathy towards the character as they are able to see and almost feel what it would be like to actually see out of the victims eyes.
Throughout the fight the camera shots remain to appear very shaky, this is to create a handheld effect during the fight. For the audience this creates a personal relationship to the film, it makes the film flow with a much higher speed and make the violence seem very realistic. This is conventional to a thriller as it presents how well the action and violence can pull the audience into the scene. We are able to feel apart of the film as an audience due to the shaky footage looking as if it is your perspective through the camera lens. This is because if the audience where the ones in this fight there vision would be blurred and the focus would be to just fight for there life. This handheld effect fits the codes and conventions of a thriller also due to the fact its creates panic. A smooth steady shows indicates how well put together a scene or character is. Here we are able to view the opposite and become very frightened at what is currently happening in and throughout this scene.
There is a close up shot of the mothers head slamming onto the ice this is to show the pain of her hitting her head. This could begin to give the audience doubt for that character as it seems she is being defeated This is a very stereotypical aspect of films which continues to exist throughout many genres. This one shots lead the audience into thinking that she has been defeated by making her seem weak and then she is in fact the one that defeats the antagonist. This type of shot is conventional to a thriller as is exaggerates the feeling and motion of her head being smacked down onto the ice. If this was demonstrated with a long shot it wouldn't be as effective because we wouldnt be able to see the intensity of her injury. In addition to this the audience reaction would be different. Here they would cringe at they thought of her head smashing down hard onto the ice where as from a distance they may not notice they impact this would have or the pain it would cause, like it does through the use of a close up shot.
The final technique used in this sequence is the zooming in effect when the girl is about to shoot the gun. This gives the audience an idea of how much importance the shot of the gun has with the final outcome of the scene. She is able to break the ice and send the two of them flying through into the lake. The zooming in effect fits the codes and conventions of a thriller as it contributes into slowing the scene down for a few seconds. This already has a huge impact on the audience as it gives them a shot time to react and take in what is about to happen. As the zooming in effect reaches closer to the girls face we are able to see the fear and tension in her face. This causes the audience to feel sorry for the girl. Knowing that her mother is in danger and trying to help her the audience are able to guess that she is going to try and shot the gun and kill Ester. This is all done through the use of a zooming in close up. Conclusion After researching and analysing the different techniques and shots that can be manipulated within the film industry, I now know how important it is to use creative and effective shots within my own thriller opening. Already I have started to think of my own characters and narrative and now I am beginning to come up with certain shots that I know I will certainly use within my thriller opening sequence. These shots include the close up as I know its very effective at over exaggerating and showing detailed emotions. Another would be a POV shot as this way they audience are able to see different perspectives from different characters and understand what its like to be in there shoes.
Everything that goes into a film is Mise-en-scene, it is everything that makes up a scene and everything that supports it to fit a certain genre. Aspects of the mise-en-scene could be the scenery and stage properties or it could be the surroundings or settings in a clip.
Shutter Island Analysis
Teddy is portrayed in a white gown, that almost resembles to a hospital/mental institution suited uniform. This causes the audience to associate him with looking 'unwell' or 'mentally unstable'. In addition to this he is wearing white which could portray that he is in fact the innocent protagonist and the other two characters are in fact the darker antagonists. This contrast between good and evil, is often presented through the use of colour in thriller films. Chuck and Dr. Cawl are dressed very smartly, in suits that appear tailored and expensive. This use of costume indicates that their the powerful and educated characters within the scene. This is a typical convention of a thriller as in normal physiological of crime thrillers the detective is normally dress in more expensive clothes to show that the character is far more education and in control, compared to the weaker mentally weakened character in more scruffy clothes, which make him appear not very put-together.
The Iconography in the film is demonstrated by the use of different props in the scene. We see the character Teddy grab the gun and hold it up to the other too. The gun represents danger and adds a sense of foreboding to the scene. The use of guns are not normally stereotypical to the thriller genre but in this care it represents the power Teddy believes he has over the other two. In contrast to this Teddy is able to break the gun, which can portray his mental instability. He is beginning to crack in this scene, almost as if he is coming to the realisation that he is no where near stable and actually needs some sort of help. The blood that Teddy imagines after shooting Dr. Cawl, states that death could be near, as the deep, red blood represents death and danger. In addition to this Teddy is shown pictures of his supposedly dead children. This could portray his loss of innocence as children initially are represented as pure and good. It could also show how disturbing Teddy's mind actually is. The confusion of Teddy's mental capability leads the audience to question all the characters in the scene. All of this is supported by the iconography as the gun although can do alot of damage in fact breaks just like Teddy's mind.
The scene begins with what appears to be a abandoned light house. The use of setting is very erie as it is high out of sight and all that is seen is the blue sea from a distance, showing us that there is no escape for Teddy. Isolated locations are very common within thriller films as it shows the impact the events that are about to unfold will have on the character. If there is about to be a murder seen we know that there is no escape for Teddy is not able to run as he is trapped within the lighthouse. His only escape would be to jump and this would consequence in his death. The gloomy setting with grey undertones are also stereotypical colours of a thriller film. Bright and vibrant colours are usually more conventional to a cartoon genre where as colours in a thriller remain dark and gloomy.
The lighting is set up so that Teddy is the focus of the scene. The key light is set up behind the camera facing Teddy so that his body is highlighted. Behind the character we see small candles and trinkets to block out heavy shadows. A lot of natural light is brought in through the windows to portray to the audience that in realisation he is not who he thinks he is and the light is now focused on him because he is the main focus in the scene. This is conventional to a thriller opening as it resembles the fact that the main characters are in focus and the background is dark to build anticipation and expectation, as you are unable to know what is lurking there.
The characters; Chuck and Dr. Cawl are assembled in a way that makes them stand as equals they are both stood next to each other facing Teddy, this shows the audience how they are almost trying to 'gang up' on Teddy. The way they stand shows that they are making Teddy feel very hostile. By the way Teddy stands and the body language he uses shows how attacked he feels. His posture is very defencive and aggressive. His facial expression appears to be very shocked and confused and the other two may almost be described as manipulative. Overall by the positioning of the characters Teddy is portrayed as the weaker character in the scene. This is conventional to a thriller as the victim in the scene is often cornered or over powered by the antagonist in the scene. This is portrays the dominance that the antagonist has over the victim.
Conclusion
Analysing the Mise-en-scene of a thriller has helped me to evolve my own ideas of a thriller. I know now that the way a character is dressed can portray there personality and mental stability, for example. If a character is dressed in white they are being represented as an innocent character. Also, things like the abandoned setting and dark lighting can lead an audience to feel isolated themselves which would reflect on how the characters feel too and what there future holds. The positioning of characters is one aspect that can determine how powerful or dominant a person is. This is a useful method and will be used to show the protagonist and antagonist in my thriller opening.
The BBFC stands for British board of film classification. Their aim is to protect the public by educating them with a guide to what films each age group should what and what content they believe is suitable for all audiences. The BBFC was set up in 1912 in order to make sure that films that where being released where suitable for certain age types and particular people.
Age Certificates
U
The lowest age certificate they produce is a U. The BBFC state that films classed as a U, are usually suitable for all age groups. These films are usually full of very bright, inviting colours. They normally would be based around fairy tales and characters such as knights, princesses and princes. The example I have used is 'Barbie the princess and the pauper'. This film consists of a storyline of two girls that look very similar and find each other. One of them a princess which is a typical convention of the U Certificate. The other a poorer girl from a family who has no money and is now in debt, working as a dress maker. The Atmosphere within the film remains very magical and full of talking animals and handsome princes for the princesses. These sort of films usually come with an inner meaning. They have morals hidden in them for example to always be honest and kind etc. The ending finishes happily and continues to remain good and lively, always upbeat and on occasion presents songs about being magical and brave and following your dreams, most U films contain a message that enables characters to express to the audience that happy endings do happen and that dreams do come true. This is common in films such as Barbie and Disney as the content remains innocent and full of fairy tales.
PG
The next age certificate the BBFC have is a PG. This stands for parental guidance which means that for the younger ages the parents should watch first to decide whether the film is suitable or to actually accompany the child when watching the film. These types of films normally have the same sort of story lines, except there could be more violence or anger in this story line. Meaning that parents may have to watch to decide whether the content is too sensitive for their child. Harry Potter is a perfect example of this. In the first Harry Potter movie. It shows Harry's life and how horrid it is. It then goes on to him joining a magical school and making friends and learning spells. Although Harry Potter does contain the typical magical, make believe story line, there could be content that is too harsh for the very young generation. Characters and creatures that may be humorous to one child, may be very frightening for another which leaves the parent to decide whether there own child should be able to watch the film or whether the content is too sensitive for them. This is why the BBFC came up with PG's as although they are professionally inclined to decide whether content is suitable not all parents may agree.
12A & 12
The 12A certificate states that the film is suitable for anyone above twelve but anyone younger may watch the film as long as they are accompanied with an adult. This is one of the newer age certificates and was brought in due to the popularity of films such a 'Spider Man' as content was too harsh for young viewers but because of popular demand the younger generation still wanted to watch it. These films normally consists of content that could be too emotional or frightening to some children but others it may be fine for. This gives parents a chance to decide whether or not the film is suitable or not. The 12 age certificate is similar to the 12a except the BBFC have decided that the content is far to mature for anyone under the age of 12. Even with adult supervision. Spider man is a film that consists of a super hero going around and saving citizens from robbers, murders and other nasty and criminal people. The characters in spider man consist of the protagonist 'spider man' and the damsel in distress 'Mary-Kate' finally the antagonist 'The Green Goblin' Which is a very violent and evil character that is more for the mature audience, this is why parents may be needed to watch the film also.
15
The 15 certificate is for ages over 15 the content involved in this age limit is usually, violence, sexual behaviour, strong language and drug abuse. Normally these films will contain moderate examples of each, nothing too gruesome or inappropriate that would disturb a 15 year old, but sensitive enough for anyone younger then 15. American Pie is a film that is rated 15. It is a story of a teenage boy going through experiences. This is a comedy that allows the audience to laugh at the boys embarrassing sexual encounters. They are able to laugh at the awkwardness and feel humiliated for him. The film consists of endless amounts of parties and drinking and teenage experiences that often end badly and humorous. It is a film that contains strong sexuality and dialogue. The film involves a alot of drunken encounters that is not suitable for anyone younger the age of 15 due to the fact the younger teens may look up to some of these actors and actresses and want to inspire to be like them they might take things the wrong way into believing that it is acceptable in society to drink at a young age.
18
This rating is one of the most common, highest rating there is in cinemas today. This is because the films content is normally very disturbed or unsuitable for anyone younger then an adult. It usually contains story sexual content and violence and even drug use. The BBFC would rate films of extreme content at an 18 due to the fact if anyone under this age was to witness this it could emotionally damage them in some way. 'Pulp Fiction' was rated an 18. In the link below is the trailer of this film. Although this is only the trailer we are able to witness what type of film this is. It contains heavy crime and violence. Possible heavy sexual content and overall disturbing scenes. All from well-known actors which would've influenced the BBFC even further. Knowing that fans of these actors may well want to see the film regardless of whats its narrative is. Overall 18's often contains story's about gangs and crime. All things that are too disturbing for a child or young teen to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7EdQ4FqbhY
Conclusion
Overall the BBFC are there to provide reassurance for parents and guardians that what there children are watching is suitable. If there where no restrictions on what children and teens could watch, Overall it could influence them in negative ways. Having a professional company's guidance and opening entitles the parents to make more valid decisions when letting there children watch films. When creating my own thriller sequence I have decided to follow the guidelines that accompany a 15. This is due to the fact this is the type of audience we are aiming our thriller at as well as the content is going to be violent but not to harsh for anyone aged 15 and over.
The victim in the clip is female. Stereotypically in thrillers, females remain to be the weaker more vulnerable sex. This enables her to appear as innocent as possible. In thrillers the women normally act as the damsel in distress. Men are usually portrayed as more dominant and violent within a thriller film. This makes the audience build a relationship towards the victim as they feel sympathy towards her and often the females will be more likable as they appear to be the ones being attacked by a man. The female is attractive and usually blonde to support the fact she is innocent. Overall this is a typical convention of a thriller as the men remain dominant and in control throughout most thriller films. Creating a very tense atmosphere and relationship with all male figures.
The setting is also another aspect that can determine what kind of conventions of a film will fit into the genre. Thriller genres usually consist of isolated or abandoned buildings. This is displayed in the sequence when the security guard calls out to the woman checking she is still there, when he believes she isn't he closes the door and locks it. This creates shock within a scene as the audience are now aware there is no one to help her and there is now no escape. The isolation in the scene causes the audience to feel uncertain about the woman's safety. This is a common convention of a thriller due to the misconception that she will be saved. The isolated area in a thriller is what usually leads to the victims death as there is no help made available and there is no escape.
