BFI Research

Opening sequence focusing on NarrativeThe 39 Steps

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Use of Shadows

Shadows have been used effectively here in order to hide the individuals identity, in order to create mystery and confusion.

Use of Mise-en-scene

The Mise-en-scene used here emphasises the wealth of the individuals at the venue. This has been done by the director using a establishing shot which focuses on the appearance of each character.

Use of Low-key lighting

The low-key lighting used here has been effectively executed in order to create a dramatic and suspenseful atmosphere due to the predominantly dark tones and colours.

Opening sequence focusing on Genre and Characters being introduced

Peeping TomDirector: Michael Powell

Creation of mystery and suspense

The use of mystery and suspense have been used effectively in this shot (and the ones that shortly follow). In this shot we are shown a intense scene which we do not find out any further information about. We are never told or shown the result of what happens to this woman.

The use of Close-ups

The use of this close-up of Tom’s eye foreshadows the sinister idea that you’re always being watched by Tom. This idea is further emphasised by the title of the film ”Peeping Tom”.

The use of Establishing shots

The establishing shot used here sets the scene for the viewers. The urban location used does serve some significance to the narrative of the movie. Following the storyline & narrative of the movie, we would expect that the concept of ”Peeping Tom” would most likely exist in a more urban location as opposed to a posh location.

Opening sequence focusing on TitlesThe Arbor

Director: Clio Barnard

Use of colours in titles

The symbolism of the colour white represents vulnerability, purity and innocence. All these different concepts can be shown in the this film by the roles of the children.

Use of narration

The title “The Arbor” is significant in the story world. The “Arbor” is a actual location in the story world, so the use of the word in the title fits in with the surroundings of the story world.

The absence of sound whilst the titles are being shown suggests that the director’s intention was to draw attention to the title of the film, and to therefore neglect any sound.

How does your chosen thriller conform or subvert the conventions within the thriller genre?

The ArborDirector: Clio Barnard

As an overall conclusion, I would definitely say that the movie ”The Arbor” conforms with the typical conventions of the thriller genre. The two pictures above will help me to discuss some of the points I have which supports my point. The picture on the left shows a boy walking into a room. The overall lighting is pretty low-key, which helps create suspense and mystery (concepts we’d expect to see in the thriller genre). The picture on the right shows a fire burning in a bedroom. This act can be seen as pretty sinister and overall simply dangerous which contributes to the idea of the thriller genre.

Evaluation – What have I learnt?- I’ve learnt some of the main concepts featured in a opening sequence

in the thriller genre. With this research I am able to create similar content that can be implemented in my opening sequence.

- The narrative should be shown from my opening sequence.- Main characters must be introduced in the opening sequence.- The use of titles can be extremely significant when it comes to giving

the viewers a better idea of the overall film concept.- Conforming with the thriller conventions is important so that the

viewer can have a strong understand of what is happening in the opening sequence.