Past Student Work Analysis

The Candidate

The micro areas in relation to the genre:

• Mise en scene: The prop used that indicates this is a thriller is the blood,  as this is usually used in thrilling films. There are also many other props that add realism for example the tooth brushes. The lighting is also low key at the beginning which adds a gloomy, mysterious atmosphere; this is commonly used in thriller films.
• Sound: The sound in this opening sequence is dominantly non diegetic, it is also contrapuntal and is made up of creepy classical instruments. This is also a typical element found in thriller opening sequences. But when the main character starts to rush the sound changes and becomes parallel to the scene this is because the sound track speeds up. This allows the audience to establish that this is a thriller. There is also some diegetic sounds such as the tap running and the dialogue, this adds realism to the sequence.
• Camera Work: In this opening sequence there are a few close ups this allows the viewer to see key details which help the audience to recognise the genre of the film. For example there is a close up of the blood running down the drain. There is also a depth of field shot where the main character looks over his shoulder at the gun and passport. At first the man is in focus and the gun is blurry but then it changes the gun is in sharp focus and the man is blurry. This is also commonly used in thrillers to add suspense and tension.
• Editing: The editing used in this sequence which helped inform the audience that this is a thriller was when the man was tucking his short in it was speeded up this was to show that he was in a rush and adds tension to sequence.

I would give this opening sequence a level 4 because they held the shot steady where appropriate, they used a variety of shot distances, the shooting material was also appropriate, the mise en scene was very effective, the editing conveyed the meaning very well, they also used a selection of shot transitions, used titles appropriately and the sound and editing was appropriate.