Prelim

Definition of Thriller

Thriller is a type of film genre that uses tension, suspense and excitement as its main elements. Thrillers affect viewer's moods giving them a certain level of anticipation, a feeling of anxiety, surprise and terror. In most cases, thriller is a villain-driven plot where he or she presents obstacles for the protagonist of the story to overcome.


Here are the two examples of thriller films:

Editing the Prelim

Editing Prelim 

This week we started working on editing our prelim. Using our knowledge from the lesson before, we began watching dragging clips that were successful from the log bin onto the underline. At the beginning it was difficult to find useful footage since during the prelim, we had to take a lot of takes because one if the actresses couldn't get the script right. Also some of the clips didn't turn out the way they needed to because the light either was dimmer or lighter than in other clips. Another factor we needed to watch out when editing our prelim, was the continuity. Even little details like the close up of the door could make a lot of difference. Since I was the one checking on the continuity during the Prelim Task, I thought I was very careful and didn't make any errors but when editing I realized how much more careful I should be about it.

Since we did some extra shots like close up on door closing, two reaction shots and high angle shots, we had more clips to play around with. The extra shots we did added more detail to the sequence and made the storyline seem more clear.

Overall, I am happy how the prelim turned out. From watching it, hopefully the storyline gets across and the shots are cut clearly and are making the sequence. Since it’s our group’s first project it is ok to make mistakes as long we make some progress and I think we did. I cannot wait to start working on the actual AS Opening Title Sequence assignment!

Lesson on Editing One

Opening Sequence homework part III

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Opening Sequence 

“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” a film by Shane Black

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKlSrxuLUPE

 Info

-       This film is supported by Warner Bros.  pictures and a Silver Pictures Production.

-       “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is starring big stars like Robert Downey Jr and Val Kilmer. In the opening sequences besides Downey and Kilmer, seven other actors were mentioned.

-       The title was shown very clearly and dramatically with a splatter of blood that represents the genre of this film.

-       The story is by Brett Halliday

-       Music is by John Ottoman

-       Joel Silver is the producer of “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” film.

-       The movie is directed by Shane Black

Action

-       The style of “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” opening sequence is between classic and contemporary. It is retro cool.

-       From the beginning, I could easily tell that this film is of crime genre. The opening sequence contained a lot of detective elements from blood splatters to jail breaks, guns and curvy femme fetales silhouettes.

-       The characters that are shown in the opening sequence are portrayed expressionless and undefined.

-       The score that is played on the background builds the anticipation for the rest of the movie. It also gives a feeling that the audience is on their way of solving some great mystery.

Opening Sequences Homework Part II

Opening Sequences Homework

“Catch Me If You Can” – film by Steven Spielberg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaLDyrun_Cc

Info

- Presented by Spielberg’s Dream Works production, Kemp Company and Splendid Pictures, as well as Parks/MacDoland Productions.

-       Directed and produced by critically acclaimed Steven Spielberg

-       “Catch me If You Can” starring Leonardo Dicaprio as Frank Abagnale and Tom Hanks as the FBI agent. In the opening sequence all together six actors are mentioned.

-       As the title pops up, the music speeds up and becomes more dramatic.

-       The film is based on the “Catch Me If You Can” novel By Frank Abagnale himself.

-       John Williams scores the film

Action

-       The opening titles of Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can” are a startling blend of style and narrative invention that straight away catches the eye of an audience.

-       The animation that gives an atmospheric look. It compliments the story to come of the notorious mid-century con man Frank Abagnale and the FBI agent who tries to catch him.  

-       The opening sequence is stylized and has silhouetted figures of Abagnale and the FBI agent interacting with the titles themselves. The titles are stretched and are referencing some moments the film’s story.

-        From the opening sequence, we learn that Abagnale is portrayed first as a pilot, then as a doctor and later as a businessman. The agent on the other hand is shown in action of pursuit and gaining ground. The audience feel the forwarding movement that is achieved by chase and the left-to-right trajectory, with Abagnale slipping down corridors and passing through transformative walls.

-       The music sets the opening sequence to a 1960’s jazz era with the hushed, tip-toe effect score.