Research into Conventions - Miss Miller

Research into Conventions

Conventions are features of the film that are expected to appear based on the genre. For example, within thrillers, the audience would expect to see a murder take place and the identity of the killer remained hidden in order to create an enigma for the rest of the narrative to unfold upon this basis. Having researched the different conventions that are expected to be featured in a thriller film, I have chosen to analyse a clip from The Strangers in which I have identified many techniques such as Camera, Sound, Editing and Mise-en-Scene in order to portray the conventions usually associated with a thriller film.

The first convention that I identified within this clip was the use of non diegetic sound of an eerie soundtrack played over the image of the female character hiding with a knife in her hand which can be heard from 0:01 until 0:53. Although other sounds such as objects falling over is played, the soundtrack is continuously played at a low volume and pitch in order to build suspense and make the audience believe that something bad is about to happen. The music is a parallel sound to what viewers expect to hear in this particular situation. This is conventional for a thriller as it helps to build suspense as well as portraying the story and setting the overall tone of the scene. Sound is much more effectively used in place of dialogue as it portrays the story and shows the audience exactly what is going on instead of telling them. This allows for the audience's emotions to be heightened and played with therefore making them feel vulnerable as the film overwhelms them. The sound is reduced to a minimum when the female character approaches the curtain where the strange noises are coming from to connote that someone is on the other side of the curtain and that the character may not escape. It also helps to build suspense and immediately conveys to the audience that something is about to happen that is significant to the film's narrative. This builds the scene up to its climax and evokes a sense of shock from the audience when the character sees the strange figure at the window. Due to the nature of the soundtrack, tension is built and so the audience are left knowing that the girl shouldn't approach the window as they can sense that it will put her in a dangerous situation. The viewers as well as the female have no idea what may be at the window looking into the house therefore when the curtain is drawn and the figure appears, the audience are put into the character's mindset and makes them feel nervous as well showing that they have connected with the character due to feeling closer to her.

Another use of a convention evident within the clip analysed was the use of a female victim running from an unknown antagonist.The audience witness the female victim running around clutching a knife in fear highlighted by her facial expressions highlighting the fear and horror she is feeling. Characters in any film can be used to allow the audience to understand the narrative better and to possibly gain an overall feel for what is to happen within the scene. The victim's body language and facial expressions immediately tells viewers that although she is intrigued to discover what is beyond the window and watching her every move, she is also scared conveyed through the diegetic sound of heavy breathing as this is something that we would do when we are scared in a particular situation. This causes the audience to be on edge as it builds suspense and could also act as an example of foreshadowing implying that something bad is to happen to the female character, as her vulnerability and fear portrays her to be the victim. This is also highlighted through the iconography of the knife suggesting to the audience that she feels unsafe in her own home due to this mysterious figure constantly watching her and creates an idea of paranoia as later on in the scene we witness a man walking in and the female character explains that she knows someone is out there however the man seems to be completely oblivious to this.

Furthermore, another convention that I noticed was the many uses of cinematography in the clip. One of these was an example of over the shoulder shot. For example, this is shown when the female is walking toward the window. This immediately places the audience in the character's shoes and allows them to feel the same emotions as her and also makes them feel vulnerable as they can now only see what she sees and are left completely unaware of what is about to happen. This causes the audience to feel sympathy towards the female character as they now know that something bad is going to happen and that she is consequently walking right toward danger, something that is common for victims within thriller films. This sympathetic emotion is felt throughout the remainder of the scene and influences how the viewers will react to the events about to unfold.

Another camera technique that I identified within the clip was a partial high angle shot in which the camera was focused slightly downwards placing emphasis on the image of the female character sitting on the floor and is portrayed as being weak and vulnerable therefore suggesting that she is the victim which is a convention evident within the thriller genre. This angle also highlights the distress of the female which is also a common theme. This particular angle makes the audience feel the same emotions as the character therefore showing that they have created a definite relationship between the character in the film and the viewers. This shot could also act as the stimulus for the creation of an enigma for the remainder of the film to work around as the audience are unsure of what is to happen to the character. The camera technique also creates an idea of emotional distance as the shot is filmed not too close to the female which portrays the character as a conventional victim having shown obvious signs of fear and distress and is therefore walking toward potential danger which may connote a possible fatal consequence but she decides to investigate nevertheless.

A convention I have also noticed that was used within the clip was Mise-en-Scene shown through the examples of low key lighting. This style of lighting works as a definite indicator as to what genre the film falls into, which is the thriller genre. It is used to create eerie shadows and silhouettes and some areas of darkness throughout the scene which is conventional for a thriller film. The only light sources evident within this scene is the naturalistic lights in the house which helps to create a realistic setting. This is because it implies a tense atmosphere and foreshadows that something bad is about to occur. The low key lighting is used to hide a majority of the detail within a frame in order to focus the audience's attention on particular actions and emotions of a specific character. Therefore this makes the viewers question with the images in their heads of what they think they are seeing to the actual representation of what they are seeing, creating an element of confusion in order to prolong the enigma created and keep the audience in suspense and anticipating the climax of what is to follow. This effect helps to build a maximum amount of tension and therefore makes the climax much bigger meaning that the audience may be more shocked when this climax is reached, something that is extremely conventional to the thriller genre.

Another element of Mise-en-Scene that I identified when analysing the featured clip was the use of costume, hair and makeup. Due to being the main character within the scene, she is dressed in a simple checked flannel shirt with a black vest top underneath. This creates the idea that she is a normal person within society and has no other connotations attached to her. The colours of her shirt are red, blue and white. The little patches of white on the shirt can be interpreted as representing purity and innocence which portrays her to be more victim-like. In addition to this, she is wearing a minimal amount of makeup which, along with her hairstyle and clothing, represents her further as being a normal person. This causes the audience to relate to the character which makes them feel vulnerable as they realise that the situation being shown could happen to anyone, including themselves.

Finally, the last convention evident within the clip analysed was the use of editing. Throughout the scene, several jump cuts were used to focus the audience's attention when the mysterious figure appears. As well as this, when the man walks in, possibly the character's partner, a reaction shot was used to highlight the fear of the female as well as her relief that she is now not alone in the house.A reaction shot is an editing technique in which a subject reacts to a previous shot. In this clip, the female character is crouched on the floor listening to footsteps in the house and then realises that her partner has now come home. We can see from the fear upon her face that she is extremely scared of what is after her and the fact that she is even jumpy around her partner connotes that this may be psychological therefore making her paranoid. Her facial expressions support this and help to tell the audience that something bad is happening to her and there is no way of escaping it. This reaction has been used to evoke a sense of sympathy from the audience as well as being able to relate to her and the situation she is in. As the character;s emotions are reflected,
viewers now feel a sense of paranoia and nervousness as well as fear as they wait to see what will happen next.This is conventional to the thriller genre as it helps to encourage the audience to feel a certain way and also helps them be able to connect with the characters to feel properly engaged within the scene.

Having researched the different conventions which are evident within a thriller film, I have managed to gather some ideas of how to use these conventions within my own opening sequence. For example, I could use a High Angle shot to portray my victim clearly and quickly to my target audience. I have also learnt that the addition of sound to a scene creates dramatic effects in comparison to a scene with no sound,therefore taking away the suspense and fear usually felt when watching a thriller film. This is something that I will focus on in depth when creating my thriller clip.

Opening Sequence Analysis of Halloween

How does the opening sequence of the film 'Halloween' inform the audience of the conventions of a thriller film?

Within the opening sequence of the 1978 thriller film 'Halloween' a number of micro elements have been used in order to create shock, suspense and surprise within the audience. These techniques are key in providing an understanding of the characters for the audience as well as keeping them engaged making them want to watch on further. The purpose of an opening sequence in a thriller film is to introduce the narrative so that the audience have some knowledge of where the story takes place, in what era; for example, present day and this is usually demonstrated through the use of introducing the main characters as well as the location. Another purpose of an opening sequence is to immediately grab the audience's attention. The first 5 minutes of a thriller film are the most significant in order to keep their audience hooked instead of losing them early on in the film. To follow this convention, within an opening sequence a murder always takes place to set the scene and use as a stimulus for the rest of the film to carry upon this basis. This is also used for the audience to be able to identify the genre of the film and know straight away that they are watching a thriller due to the use of a mysterious antagonist committing a cold blooded murder. With the narrative introduced, this creates a way for the story to unfold and create a mystery that will need to be resolved by the end of the film. The narrative of a thriller usually always has an unknown killer which keeps the audience as well as the characters in the dark about who the murderer is and this mystery is unravelled throughout the duration of the film with the inclusion of major plot twists along the way to prolong the suspense and keep the audience engaged in what they are watching as they are eagerly awaiting the unveil of the killer.

Upon analysing the opening sequence to 'Halloween' I identified the many uses of cinematography in order to create elements of suspense as well as setting the mystery of the story line. For example, the entire sequence is from a Point of View (POV) shot showing things from the killer's perspective as he roams around the house in search of his victim. The POV shot is used continuously in the opening sequence. This is shown at the beginning when the killer is finding a way into the house. As

the audience are unaware of whos perspective they are viewing from, this can make them feel quite uneasy as they dont know who this person is and begin to wonder why they are lurking in the shadows giving them the impression that they are trespassing. The audience can therefore connect to this particular character as they feel uneasy about him and know that he shouldn't be there. The emotions that the viewers experience are lost as they don't know who to blame these emotions on

and so when they find out that the antagonist is the young boy, these emotions are heightened considerably. The entire opening sequence shows the killer doing various things such as, retrieving a knife from the drawer, creeping up on the victim and stabbing his sister to death before leaving the house. By only showing what the killer sees, this keeps the identity of the murderer a secret and creates tension as the audience watch on in anticipation to find out who the killer is. There is also an element of confusion and disorientation involved as the audience are left wondering what exactly is going on due to only being able to see through the eyes of what appears to be the antagonist. This also creates a sense of intrigue within the audience as they wonder why the mysterious figure is creeping around in this house and why they are planning such a demoralised attack on what appears to be an innocent victim. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the killer's identity is always hidden in order to create an enigma for the entire narrative to cover and sets the scene for the remainder of the film.

Another use of cinematography within the clip analysed was a high angle shot used to create a sense of shock and surprise. The audience see the killer standing over his dead victim, naked and covered in blood. This makes the killer seem as though they are the authoritative figure whereas the victim is portrayed as being weak shown through the use of levels of her laying dead on the floor with her murderer standing over her dominantly. As the antagonist has managed to kill her, this immediately gives the killer power. For the audience, this creates a sense of curiousness as they are left wondering how strong this antagonist really is and what they may be capable of doing further on in the film. This is conventional as the killer is always conveyed as being the dominant figure as the victims are usually left unaware of what is about to happen to them therefore already portraying them as being weak and vulnerable. This technique also helps to convey the mental state of the antagonist, huge questions are asked by the audience as to what could drive someone as far as to brutally kill their own flesh and blood in an attack completely out of the blue. This is shown by how the killer is stood over the body of his victim as they are making no attempt to escape the house quickly before getting caught which connotes that their state of mentality may not be completely stable. By interpreting these questions, it could also create shock within the audience as they wasn't expecting something as big as this to happen, let alone a young boy killing his sister in a fit of rage.

A zoom out is also used when the audience are shown a shot of two parents finding their child with a knife covered in blood. This particular cinematography technique helps to establish the location of the film which is shown to be an ordinary house situated in a friendly suburban neighbourhood, a location not generally associated with having a vicious murder take place that appeared to be completely out of the blue. It also creates emotional distance between the characters and the audience creating a relationship straight away and encourage them to attempt to develop an understanding of why this image is being shown. This zoom out shot is also used to expose the identity of the killer, which turns out to be a young boy. This creates surprise and shock within the audience as they wouldn't expect a young child in a quiet town to be capable of performing a murder of such a brutal nature upon his own sister. This also makes the audience wonder the young boy's psychological state as there must be a serious problem with his state of mentality to kill his sister out of a moment of madness. This technique could also act as an example of foreshadowing showing what to expect from the rest of the film and making the audience also wonder if this is really the killer or if this has been shown to create a plot twist in order to keep viewers engaged in what they are watching. This is conventional in thriller films as plot twists are introduced to throw the audience off and keep them guessing therefore wanting to watch more to see if this is the true killer or if there is more than what meets the eye. 

Finally, another technique I identified within 'Halloween's opening sequence was a mid shot of Michael standing before his parents holding the knife used to kill his sister. The iconography of the bloody knife links in with the brutality of the murder and signifies how much of a threat he is to society. This, again, creates surprise within the audience as they now wonder why he has done this. This is conventional to the genre as innocent people are shown as being murderers to create a diversion from the original story line and also to introduce a plot twist to keep the audience gripped and want to watch more to find out what will happen to this young boy, similar to the purpose of the zoom out shot. This particular technique also helps to build a relationship between the characters and the audience. The audience are forced to side with Michael's parents and could make an attempt to put themselves in the parent's shoes and try to feel what it could be like to have just found your youngest child clutching a knife and covered in blood. This image could evoke a sense of empathy as there could be more to the story, Michael may not have necessarily known what he was doing drawing attention to his state of mentality as well as feeling extremely concerned for his welfare.

Another micro element evident within this opening sequence was editing. An example of this was the use of a reaction shot when the audience witness Michael, the murderer, being discovered with the murder weapon by his parents. This shot helps to capture Michael's body language and facial expressions upon being caught helping to establish his reasons as to why he murdered his sister as well as showing the shock expressions of his parents having just found their young son covered in blood. Michael has a look of guilt on his face which connotes that he is aware of what he has just done and knows that it is wrong to have done this, the fact that he doesn't attempt to hide the knife and just remains in his standing position also supports this. This is conventional as the use of a child killer in a film helps to evoke a response of shock and surprise from the audience encouraging them to watch on further to uncover the enigma created.

An example of a Straight Cut had been used toward the end of the opening sequence which can be seen in the clip between 3:45 and 3:47. A Straight Cut is a sudden change of shot from one viewpoint or location to another, which may be used to change the overall mood of the scene. In the clip above, the audience can see that a Straight Cut has been used to change from the viewpoint of the killer (POV Shot) to an overall view of the young boy and his parents outside the front of the house when he is discovered. This is done to create suspense and emphasises the effect of the enigma as the viewer wouldn't expect a gruesome murder to be carried out by a young boy. This editing technique has been used in many thriller films to quickly change the tone of the scene and give the audience an impression that the edits are motivated by the events taking place on screen. 

Furthermore, sound is a significant element within displaying the codes and conventions of a thriller film. This is shown in the opening sequence to 'Halloween' when the technique of off screen sound is used represented by the sound of children chanting Halloween rhymes over the image of the antagonist finding a way into the victim's house. This is off screen sound as the audience can hear the sound but cannot see the source. This sets the expectation for a thriller as it is set during Halloween and children tend to go trick or treating at this time of the year, supported by the sound of the children saying 'Trick or Treat' which gives the audience an insight into what to expect from the film. It also helps to show that something bad is going to happen due to the time of year that the film is set in. Furthermore, from the title and the nature of the chants, the audience can make their own assumptions that the film is going to be based around the theme of Halloween however connotations of Halloween usually involve children dressing up and going out for some harmless fun. The viewers would not normally associate the children's chant with the stereotypical plot of a thriller such as a murder. This is conventional to the thriller genre as Halloween is the perfect time to create a thriller film as it helps the audience to identify straight away the genre of the movie and also keep them well engaged in the opening sequence. The use of the children chanting intensifies the tension created with the support the image of the 'killer' walking around his victim's house while she is unaware of this.

Silence is used in any thriller to build tension, and so the use of it between 2:23-2:43 in the above clip does exactly that. Although it is not completely silent, the only noise that can be heard is the faint sound of the fireflies telling the audience that the film is set near a forest which is conventional to the thriller genre. The period of almost complete silence helps to build tension as it is used, alongside the cinematography technique of a zooming in shot which helps to engage the audience and draw their attention of what is about to happen.

The diegetic sound of a clock chiming as the killer is walking up the stairs to kill his victim is also used within the opening sequence of 'Halloween'. The sound of the chiming signifies the end of a life and that the time for the unfortunate victim is up, this links in with the genre as death is a symbolic convention for films of this particular nature. This is conventional as in thrillers, a murder always takes place within the first 5 minutes of the opening scene. The murder helps to create an enigma for the rest of the plot to follow and consequently uncover throughout the duration of the film. The sound technique is also effective due to creating the build up to the victim's death which is the climax of the scene. This could also represent the increasing pace of the audience's heartbeat as the tension and suspense built causes them to be on the edge of their seat as they wait to find out what will happen to the girl giving the scene an overall jumpy atmosphere. As the killer nears the top of the stairs and the audience see the image of the girl in her bedroom, we immediately realise what use the knife will be for and emotions are heightened as empathy is felt for the victim as she remains unaware of what is about to happen to her. This also shows a relationship between the audience and the victim as they have connected to the female due to the actions of the killer.

I also identified another example of diegetic sound when we can hear the sounds of owls howling and leaves rustling as the killer is making his way into the victim's house. These sounds are conventional aspects of a thriller scene as they evoke a sense of realism, that these sounds occur naturally on any night of the year. As it is halloween, the use of these sounds intensify the tension as they, along with the tense music played over the images, help to create an idea that on this particular night something isn't right and that halloween will end with catastrophe and misery. They also set the overall tone of the sequence and make the audience aware that what they are watching is a thriller film and that the film is going to feature a lot of jumpy and shocking moments. This is conventional to the genre as the purpose of a thriller's opening scene is to allow the audience to identify the genre of film that they are watching as well as creating their own individual expectations in their head of what will be featured.

Codes and conventions are also used within the opening sequence of the film 'Halloween' to create feelings of tension and suspense for their audience. Conventions are features of the film that are expected to appear based on the genre.  One of these is the use of a hidden identity, as the audience can only see an image of the killer grabbing the knife through their eyes creates an enigma fuelling the remainder of the narrative. As this means that the killer's identity is left unknown makes the audience feel scared as they want to find out who it is. Furthermore, the fact that the killer could be anyone is also terrifying for the audience which makes them want to watch on further to see who it is. This could also help to create a relationship as the audience can make guesses on who they think may be the killer and then watching to see if their predictions were correct therefore making the audience involved within the narrative. This is conventional as the idea of masking the identity of the killer creates senses of shock, surprise, suspense and tension, 4 devices vital for the success of a thriller film. It would also make the audience want to watch on to discover who the killer turns out to be therefore keeping them engaged in the story line.

Another convention evident within the clip analysed was the symbolism of the knife picked up by the antagonist used to kill the victim. This implies an element of danger as the weapon is dangerous if misused for a different purpose such as killing someone. This helps to create suspense as the audience are now aware of how perilous the situation has become and that someone is about to be attacked and consequently, murdered. This causes the audience to be on the edge of their seat watching on in apprehension as they wait to find out the victim's fate. This is conventional to the thriller genre as ideas of suspense and tension are supposed to be created in order to keep the audience hooked on the storyline so that they want to watch more to find out what will happen next. By including the iconography of the knife, it represents that the killer is knowledgeable in knowing how to be prepared for the forthcoming murder implicating his mental state. The audience are aware that people who are mentally stable do not kill out of cold blood therefore this particular antagonist may be incapable mentally of remaining sane justifying its reasons for killing the victim.

The time of year being Halloween where the film is set is an example of a convention used within the opening sequence. This is a typical time for a thriller to be created as this is conveyed as being the scariest time of the year therefore making it an ideal time of year for a murder to take place. This makes it easier for the antagonist to be able to get away with the murder as they could blend in with the backgrounds associated with the Halloween theme. This prolongs the suspense already created as the audience are forced to watch on to see if the murderer will ever get caught or if they will get away with it and be able to embark on a murderous rampage with more deaths occurring. This is conventional as, in thrillers, the killer is too clever to get caught and doesn't get what they deserve and causes the audience to feel as though justice needs to be served and involves them in the plot. This technique helps to create a relationship between the characters and the audience as they are placed into the character's shoes and are given the opportunity to make their own decisions on what they would do.

The final convention that I identified within 'Halloween's opening was the introduction of a plot twist to evoke surprise and shock from the audience. The plot twist in 'Halloween' came towards the end of the opening scene where the identity of the killer is revealed and it turns out to be a young boy. This helps to create surprise as children are never usually associated with being capable of committing such a horrific crime. This then causes the audience to start to question his state of mentality due to the nature of the murder taken place. This encourages an enigma to be created in order for the film to be able to continue and cause the audience to want to watch on to see what will happen to this boy, if he gets caught or if he gets away with it. This could also act as an example of foreshadowing, showing what is to be expected of the remainder of the film.  This is conventional as a psychological theme, the mental state of the killer, is always introduced in thriller films to play on the character's minds as well as the audience's in order to create even more suspense.

Representation of Characters is a micro element which is key in the making of thriller films. There are 2 characters within the opening sequence which are both represented in two very different ways. For example, the girl (victim) is portrayed as being similar to a damsel in distress seen when she was being approached by the killer while getting ready and again when she lay dead on the floor. Both of these representations suggest an idea of vulnerability as when she had her back to the killer, it showed that she was unaware of what was about to happen and this idea is shown again when she was screaming and trying to shield herself from the knife to no avail. This creates suspense within the audience as they are left wondering what could happen to the victim and why the killer had done this to such an innocent girl. The vulnerability is also supported by the images of the victim being killed while she was naked also conveying a sense of being oblivious to the fact  that a killer was sneaking up on her to kill her. This is conventional to the thriller genre as female characters are always portrayed to be inferior as they are usually one of the first characters to be murdered in opening sequences. This could be due to the fact that they are always shown as being unaware of what is about to happen to them and that they are not willing to fight back, relating back to the idea of vulnerability and innocence.

Another representation shown within the opening sequence to 'Halloween' was the representation of the male character (killer) as he grabbed the murder weapon from the drawer. This immediately shows that he is the superior figure as the knife gives him power over his unsuspecting victim. The fact that the killer turns out to be the victim's younger brother creates shock within the audience as this is an unexpected turn of events. This is conventional as thrillers are created to provide scenes of shock, surprise and suspense for their audience to keep them engaged and continue watching to see what will happen next. Male characters are also conveyed as being more superior as they are stronger than female characters and are always able to overpower their victim due to this power shift. Men are usually the ones to fight back and use violence as they are brave and not scared of anything whereas females are the opposite of this.

The narrative is also a significant element within thriller films as this is used to set the scene for the entire duration of the film. One example of this is the hidden identity of the killer as the audience only witness an image of the antagonist grabbing the knife which creates an enigma for the remainder of the narrative to focus upon. This is crucial in thrillers as an enigma can be used to drive the story forward and told in a way that causes the audience to want to watch on to see what twists and turns will be introduced while the narrative is attempting to solve the enigma. This also evokes a sense of fear from the audience as they are inclined to feel the same way as the characters therefore creating a relationship between the two. They will feel this way as they eagerly await to find out who the killer will turn out to be and if its who they expected or if it is to be a plot twist creating an idea of shock and surprise. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the opening sequence uses many aspects associated with thriller such as; the enigma and elements of shock, surprise, suspense and tension.

Isolation is also an element evident within the opening sequence to 'Halloween'. This is first seen when the audience are shown an image of a detached house, set in a suburban street and a shot of the female victim and her boyfriend kissing. He then leaves which leaves the girl in the house all alone, a perfect time for a murder to take place with no one to witness what happened. The inclusion of a realistic setting gives the audience an impression that this is an everyday situation giving viewers something to relate to and connotes that everything is all as it seems and that nothing out of the ordinary should occur which helps to build tension as the audience are left completely unaware of the events about to unfold. A handheld shot is then used to show the antagonist walk through the back door into the house and pick up a knife. This is the main use of iconography within the entire sequence. The killer, assuming it is a he, then walks up the stairs and picks up a clown mask so that his female victim may not necessarily recognise him along with the chosen murder weapon. The next shot the audience then see is of the antagonist attacking his victim of which we only see minimal detail as it is shown only through the eye holes of the mask. It is then revealed to the audience that the killer turns out to be the victim's younger brother which is misleading as the viewers are left wondering of how it could have been him. This is conventional as an enigma is created to base the remainder of the narrative upon, created from the realisation of the young boy being the killer. A use of isolation helps to ensure that the antagonist is never caught and brought to justice, a narrative generally associated with the thriller genre as the antagonists usually strike again and commit multiple murders before they are caught.

To conclude, the main focus within the opening sequence of 'Halloween' is the use of the continuous Point of View shot in order to keep the identity of the killer a secret from the audience. This helps to engage viewers as they are forced to watch on to find out who the antagonist is later on in the sequence. When this is revealed as being the victim's younger brother, this evokes a sense of shock from the audience as it is completely unexpected and acts as a complete plot twist, something that no one would have seen coming. This has inspired me when creating my own thriller sequence as I would like to create elements of surprise for my target audience used by a similar idea to what is featured in 'Halloween'. I would like to create a plot twist in order to throw my audience and keep them in the dark about who the killer is until the last part of the sequence in order to prolong the tension created keeping the audience engaged in finding out who the antagonist will turn out to be. 

Research into Sound - Miss Miller

Research into Sound

I will be researching how different sound techniques are used within particular thriller films to create shock, surprise and suspense for their audience. The clip I will be analysing is The Reverse Bear Trap scene from Saw, I decided to choose this specific scene as there are a lot of different techniques used within it which all combine together to create elements of suspense and surprise for the viewing audience. Sound is used in films to create a relationship between the characters and audience as well as giving them a clear understanding in order to create meaning about the characters within the film and their emotions. It is also used to create a response from the audience and keep them engaged in what they are watching. There are many different techniques of sound used in many thriller films. Some of these include; Diegetic sound which is part of the film; For example, Dialogue. This sound can be on or off screen. Non-Diegetic sound which is not a part of the film for example, a soundtrack, sound effects or voice over narration. On screen sound is where you can see where the sound is coming from. For example, music coming from a radio. Off screen sound is where you can hear sound but cannot see where it is coming from but it still makes sense to the film world. Parallel sound is a technique which sound can be heard and matches the images seen within the scene and finally, contrapuntal sound is the opposite to this. It is sound which doesn't complement the image seen on screen for example, happy music played over a death scene. 

Within this particular clip, there are a variety of sound techniques used cleverly in order to portray scenes of violence evoking senses of shock, surprise, tension and suspense for the audience. This is key in thriller films as they combine together to keep the audience intrigued in the scene and make them want to watch on further to find out what will happen next.








The first technique evident within the clip analysed was the use of off screen sound which is seen when the audience witness the flashback to Amanda's death trap where a sound of high pitched screaming can be heard (0.52-0.53) Off screen sound is when you can hear the sound but cannot see the source, yet it still makes the film dynamic and is understood. This creates an element of disorientation as the image accompanied with the sound is of Amanda writhing around in the chair she is tied down to after waking up. This also creates a sense of confusion as to how she might have got in this position which also causes the audience to question what happened to her and why she has been put in such a horrifying situation. The sound also highlights just how scary and dangerous the situation must have been for Amanda as we can see her clearly struggling and crying showing how scared she is. The threat of the situation is intensified when Amanda hears the tape of Jigsaw explaining the game to her as we find out that this is a game of life or death. This is conventional to the genre as thrillers keep the audience on the edge of their seat in order to create suspense and make them want to watch on so they are able to find out if Amanda will make it out alive. By using the image accompanied with the sound, this also diverts the audience's attention to the particular sound being played and enables them to make their own judgement on the character. The image is shown abruptly and briefly before focusing on another image, this helps to create a sense of confusion as the audience are unsure what is happening at this point.

An example of on screen sound is also used within the clip which is seen when the audience see the TV screen turn on and the serial killer 'Jigsaw' starts to explain why Amanda is there and what she has to do to survive (1.18-2.30) This is on screen sound as the audience can see and hear exactly where the sound is coming from. Jigsaw's voice is accompanied with a reaction shot from Amanda where she immediately starts screaming and attempting to escape her restraints keeping her in the chair. This helps to build tension within the scene as the audience are unsure whether or not Amanda is going to survive or if she is going to die. By constantly having the sound of Amanda's struggle to escape, this helps to prolong tension within the scene and create an idea that Amanda will have to fight back bravely in order to save her own life. As the character herself is extremely anxious and scared, this causes the audience to feel the same way as they want her to live and escape this terrifying situation. This is conventional for thriller films as the use of on screen sound helps to build the tension within a scene so when the climax is reached, this is big and the audience are well aware of it. Furthermore, the audience are left hooked on what they are watching in order to watch further so they are able to find out exactly what happens to Amanda and how far she may go in order to survive.

Leading on from this, another technique identified within the clip analysed was the use of Parallel sound.This is when the sound and images on screen compliment each other. The audience see the image of Amanda stabbing her cellmate several times in order to retrieve the key needed to unlock the device on her head. This is accompanied by the sound of the knife going into the man's body therefore supporting the image shown (3.58-4.05) Parallel sound helps to convey feelings of despair as the audience can see that Amanda clearly doesn't want to kill the man but she is forced to do this due to having a strong desire to make it out alive creating tension within the audience. As the man involved is her cellmate, this demonstrates a vague indication into the relationship between him and Amanda as they had been previously involved with each other hence why he has been brought into the game. The initial sound of the knife penetrating the man's body every time can be heard as being sharp and harsh with the sound of blood spurting after the knife has been inserted. This creates shock within the audience as they are witnessing a woman desperate to live performing an act which is horrific and diabolical, something no one should ever have to go through. This is conventional to the thriller genre as this creates a 'jumpy' atmosphere for the audience therefore heightening the emotions they may already be feeling. This also helps to build suspense as it conveys that the genre is in fact a thriller and make the audience wonder if Amanda will be able to get to the key in time.

Finally, the use of Diegetic sound was evident within the clip which was shown when Amanda stood up and the timer on her trap was activated and started ticking (2.44). The sound is accompanied with the image of the string becoming detached and the timer is initiated which also makes this sound parallel as the sound matches the image being shown on screen. Diegetic sound is music or sound which belongs within a frame that can be considered to be a natural part of the narrative but is not always visible on screen. Although we cannot see the source of the ticking, the audience can assume due to the death trap she is participating in that this is part of the narrative and is therefore considered to be an example of Diegetic sound. The ticking can consequently represent the countdown to either her survival or her death, at this point the audience automatically assume that, because of the terrifying nature, that Amanda will not be able to escape alive. This creates senses of tension and suspense as the audience are now witnessing the possible last moments of Amanda's life and her fight for survival. This keeps them on edge as the consequence of life or death is uncertain and that the situation could go any way. It also causes the audience to fee; empathy towards both Amanda and her cellmate as they have been put in an impossible situation knowing that at least one of them will die at some point. The sense of danger is also highlighted due to the screaming and desperation heard within Amanda's cries and screams as she realises the timer is slowly ticking leading up to the crucial moment in which she will either live or die. This is conventional as the theme of danger is constantly demonstrated in thriller films and is effective with the addition of sound as it helps to engage the audience and build suspense.

Having researched different techniques of sound used within thriller films, I now fully understand how these techniques are used to create feelings of shock, suspense, surprise and tension to a dramatic effect. They can be used to create an idea of understanding within a particular scene and adds meaning to an image, an effect that would not be possible without the addition of sound. Sound helps the audience to connect with the characters within the scene by placing them in that specific character's mindset, which aids the audience in creating an emotional response. I have noticed that many thriller films create the largest amounts of tension through sound and cinematography combined together. From researching this certain film, I have identified that the different sound techniques are used mainly to mirror the mood of the scene and create feelings of tension and fear to intensify the overall tone of the scene. I will look at this in depth when creating my own thriller sequence when deciding on which sound techniques to feature.

Research into Cinematography - Miss Miller

Cinematography

Within this essay, I will be discussing the different cinematography techniques used within the thriller genre. Cinematography is the art of capturing moving images in film using a combination of elements. There are 3 main camerawork elements in cinematography which are; Angles, movements and positions. Camera shots are used to demonstrate different aspects of a film's setting, characters and theme. As a result, camera shots are significant in shaping meaning within a film. The different shots include; Extreme Long Shot which shows a large amount of landscape used to establish a location also known as an Establishing Shot, a Long Shot which still offers the audience some landscape but focuses more on the specific idea of setting, an Aerial Shot which looks directly down upon a scene. This angle is often used as an establishing angle, along with an Extreme Long Shot to determine location within a film, a Full Shot which contains a complete view of the characters. From this point, the audience can pick up on their costume, hair and makeup as well as creating an idea of relationships between particular characters. Furthermore, a Mid Shot is where the shot contains a character from the waist upwards. From this shot, the viewer can see the character's faces more clearly as well as their interaction with other characters. A Close Up contains just one character's face. This enables the audience to understand the character's emotions and also allows them to feel specific emotions towards them such as empathy. An Extreme Close Up contains one part of a character's face or other object and is used to create specific tones or moods for scenes. This also provides interaction between the characters and audience. Camera angles are used to position the audience so that they are given an understanding of relationships between characters. These include; a High Angle is a camera angle in which the camera looks down upon a particular object or character. A character shot at this angle will be portrayed as inferior and weak. These angles are commonly used to demonstrate to the audience the perspective of a character. An Eye-Level Angle puts the audience on an equal footing with the character(s) involved within a particular scene. This is the most commonly used angle as it allows the audience to feel comfortable with the characters. A Low Angle is an angle which looks up at a character or object. This is the opposite of  High Angle and is used to portray characters as being powerful. This can make the audience feel small and vulnerable by looking up at the character. This can help to evoke a sense of empathy if they are viewing the frame from another point of view. Film makers also use camera movement to shape meaning. A Crane Shot is often used to signify the end of a scene.  The effect is achieved by mounting the camera onto a crane to move around above the level of the ground, it can also move up or down. Panning is used to give the viewer a panoramic view of a setting which can also be used to establish a scene. It is the technique of the camera moving sideways to follow a moving object. This is usually featured within action films during a chase scene to capture the chase taking place and enable the audience to feel involved. The specific clip I will be analysing is from the thriller film House At The End of the Street. 

I decided to use this particular clip as I identified many different cinematography techniques that came from a range of different elements. 

To begin with, the first technique identified within the clip analysed was a canted angle which was shown when Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) is walking down the hallway towards the door. This specific angle suggests an idea of instability which also acts as an example of foreshadowing showing what to expect from the remainder of the film. It creates suspense as the female character is unaware of what lies ahead of her which demonstrates a feeling of vulnerability. This also builds up the tension as the audience are unsure of what lies behind the door and what may happen to her if she discovers what's beyond the door. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the victim is always the last to know that they are in danger and something bad is going to happen. This particular angle could also connote a sense of danger or disorder due to the relationship between the character and the camera.

Another cinematography technique used within this particular clip is a close-up when Elissa is standing at the door checking it out. The look of curiousness on her face is highlighted by this technique and also how scared she is as she has a feeling that something isn't right about this door. This creates mystery and suspense as the audience are left wondering what could happen to her if she was to go in. This is also a good way in which to present Elissa to the audience as, just by looking in her eyes, we are able to see the fear she is feeling which makes us feel in the same way. This helps to create a relationship between the audience and the character as whatever she is feeling, we are incline to feel as well due to the nature of the scene. This is conventional to the thriller genre as the audience are thrown into the scene along with the characters and through this they are able to experience the suspense and tension associated with this sequence.

Another technique evident within the clip analysed was the use of a Point of View (POV) shot which is shown when Elissa is looking around the room. The camera is placed where the audience expect the character's gaze to be focused upon. This is a technique of continuity editing as it allows us to see what the character sees without being obtrusive. This puts the audience in the character's shoes and are able to see exactly what she sees which also suggests a sense of vulnerability as we are now in a position where we are unable to know what lies ahead. Whatever she experiences, we experience which intensifies the tension if something was to jump out unexpectedly which is conventional to the thriller genre. This cinematography technique also helps to present feelings of

Handheld is also used within the clip which is shown when the camera is unsteady and shaky at the beginning when Elissa is standing at the end of the corridor. This, ultimately, signifies an element of disorientation and confusion which leaves the audience wondering what will happen next. This is conventional as it creates suspense due to the fear of the unknown and causes the audience, as well as the character, to be left guessing.

To conclude, the research into different cinematography techniques has helped me to understand what is used, how they are used to create the suspense needed by films in the thriller genre and why they are conventional. This will aid me in creating my thriller sequence as I will know to use techniques that are not widely used in thrillers such as canted angle or point of view in order to create the maximum amount of tension for my audience as they are not able to see who the antagonist is and makes them want to watch further to find out. For example, a canted angle suggests an idea of instability and confusion making the audience assume that the character's state of mentality may not necessarily be in the most stable of positions, this would create tension as the character's fragile state would make them more vulnerable and more likely to be attacked or even murdered therefore causing the viewer to see what happens next. 

Research into Editing Styles - Miss Georgiou

Research into Editing Styles

Why are a variety of editing styles essential in the thriller genre?

Using a variety of editing styles is vital in the thriller genre as their sole purpose is to follow the codes and conventions of a thriller film and build suspense within the audience. For example, fast paced editing can be used to quicken the pace of a scene and create a reaction from the audience making them scared and want to watch more. This is key in keeping the viewing audience engaged within thriller films.

The clip that I have analysed is 'My Name is Edward Daniels' from the film Shutter Island. One technique that I have identified within this particular clip is a Jump Cut which is shown when Teddy suddenly grabs the gun and aims at the two doctors. This signifies his confusion and  frustration as they are trying to persuade him that he is someone that he's not. As an audience, it creates tension as we know the truth and that Teddy is actually who what the doctors are saying he is. This particular editing technique helps to convey the possibility that a death could occur represented by the use of iconography of the weapon therefore creating further elements of suspense as the audience wonder what will happen next.  This adds to the psychological effect as they are playing upon the character and the audience are left engaged in what will happen to Teddy. This is conventional to the thriller genre as deaths always occur in thriller films highlighted by the use of the gun that Teddy is holding. However, this was a trick on Teddy's mind as the gun proves to be a toy which intensifies the psychological theme within the film playing further tricks on the character's mind.




Another editing technique identified within the clip analysed was a Shot Reverse Shot. This is evident within the clip when Dr Cawley and Dr Sheehan are trying to convince Teddy of his real name, Andrew Laeddis. This particular editing style highlights the confusion in Teddy and shows that he is wondering why they are doing this. It creates a psychological impact upon the character which keeps the audience engaged. As we, as an audience, are aware of the plot, we believe the doctors over Teddy which keeps the viewer engaged as they wonder if Teddy will realise his real life or remain stuck in his imagined world he believes is his life.  Furthermore, Teddy is dressed in the uniform that the patients in the mental asylum wear which connotes that he is, in fact, mentally unstable and is exactly what the doctors are telling him. This is conventional to the genre as a psychological theme is present within the codes and conventions of a thriller film which keeps the audience hooked on the plot and keeps them wondering what will happen to Teddy in the end.

In addition to this, a Reaction Shot was also another editing technique used within the clip. This is shown when Dr Sheehan jumps back after Teddy pulls out the gun on him and his colleague, Dr Cawley. This particular technique captures the initial reaction to Teddy's outburst which is fear. This could also act as an example of foreshadowing and that the doctors could be lying to him in order to destroy his state of mentality and have a reason to keep him on the island as he slowly starts to believe that he is someone that he's not. This creates a diversion to the original plot making the audience be in suspense as they wait to see what happens to Teddy and if he ever escapes the island. This is conventional to the thriller genre as either the characters or the audience are usually played with to create a realistic representation of the psychological theme in order to keep them engaged in what they are watching.

Timing of shots was the final editing technique I identified within the analysed clip. This was used when Teddy appeared to shoot Dr Cawley but it turned out to be a figment of his imagination. This builds suspense as the audience wonder why he did what he did but then is relieved to see that it didn't actually happen. Again, this adds to the psychological theme within the film and plays once more upon the character in order to prolong the tension and keep the audience wanting to watch on to see what happens next. This is conventional as the audience were left shocked by the events that took place therefore intensifying the plot and keeping them hooked. This is vital within thriller films as their sole purpose is to keep the audience engaged using the three S's; Suspense, Shock and Surprise.


To conclude, this research into editing styles has helped me massively in creating my own thriller sequence as I now know what all the different techniques are, how they are used and how they are conventional to the thriller genre. In order to make my sequence remain as close to the conventions as possible, I think that I will use editing techniques such as jump cuts and timing of shots in order to create a focus point for my audience to keep gripped on. This way, they will be left wanting to watch further to see what happens to the characters and therefore is conventional to the genre.

Research into Mise-En-Scene - Miss Georgiou

What is Mise-en-Scene?

Mise-en-Scene is a french term meaning 'placing on stage' and is the arrangement of everything that appears in a frame in a film or play. Mise-en-Scene consists of five main elements which are; Setting & Iconography, Costume, Hair & Makeup, Facial Expressions & Body Language, Lighting & Colour and Positioning of characters/objects within the frame. The setting  & location is a significant factor within a scene and isn't just a background. Sets are usually built from scratch or a considerable amount of time is spent looking for a suitable setting that already exists. Settings can manipulate an audience by building certain expectations and then taking a different turn. Costume, Hair and Makeup indicate to the audience straight away of the portrayal of a character's status, personality and profession. They can also be a clear sign of the era a film is set in whether it will be set in the present or in the future as well as the society or culture the film may be based around. Facial expressions clearly present us with an idea of how a character is feeling, for example if someone is smiling, we can assume that they are happy but we may think differently if this is accompanied with mysterious music. Body language may also indicate how a character feels towards another character and reflect the state of their relationship. Positioning of characters within a frame can cause the audience to focus upon a particular character or object. This can be used by film makers to indicate relationships between characters. Colour carries two meanings in Mise-en-Scene; denotation; the first meaning and connotation; the implied meaning. They can be used for dramatic effect or to reflect the mood of a scene There are many different lighting styles, these include; Low key which is created by using only the key and back lights, produces sharp contrasts of light and dark areas and also creates deep, distinct shadows/silhouettes, High key in which more filler lights are used, the lighting is natural and appears realistic to the eye and produces brightly lit sets such as a sunny day. There are 3 main lights within a scene; the Key light which is the brightest light source positioned directly in front of the camera, back light which comes from outside positioned behind the actor and filler lights which are the smallest lights that get rid of any sharp contrast. It can be used to place emphasis on certain characters and objects as well as reflecting a character's mental state or emotions. For example, bright colours signify happiness whereas dark colours connote that that character may be disturbed in some way.  Each aspect of Mise-en-Scene has  hidden meanings within a film and sends signals to the audience about how we are supposed to feel at a certain point.


The thriller sequence I decided to analyse was from The Exorcist where the Father allows Regan to pass the demon into his body.

Costume was a key element of Mise-en-Scene used in this clip. The Priest and Father are both wearing their religious robes while Regan wearing her nightgown. The robes give both the Priest and the Father a sense of authority as their costumes are carefully thought out relating to the nature of their profession. However, Regan's nightgown suggests an idea of purity and innocence due to the simplicity of it and the colour of it being white, this costume also reminds the audience that this character is just a child caught up in an unnatural cause of events. This is conventional to the thriller genre as it creates an air of suspense and leaves the audience wondering if the Priest and Father are able to help Regan or if the demon is too strong even for their ability. Having the scary unknown presence of a demon also adds to the tension as the audience are enticed to watch on in order to find out if the demon is ever defeated.

Another element of Mise-en-Scene identified within the clip analysed was Setting & Iconography. The scene is set in Regan's bedroom and the iconography is the use of the restraints tied to Regan's arms intended to stop her from harming anyone. The setting provides a realistic feel to the scene causing the audience to be on edge as the realism causes them to realise that this situation could happen to anyone. This is conventional as it creates suspense because a setting so normal holds so much danger. The restraints on Regan highlights how dangerous she is to herself and others and also connotes that she could be capable of doing anything. Again, this is conventional as it builds the tension as the audience wonder what she could do if she wasn't tied to the bed.

Another element of Mise-en-Scene used within this sequence was facial expressions which was shown when the Father is hesitantly approaching Regan's bedroom looking very scared and anxious. This highlights the power of the demon due to a fully grown adult being terrified to deal with it creating tension as the audience are unaware of the events about to unfold beyond the bedroom door. This is conventional for a thriller film as it builds tension and keeps the audience engaged wanting to watch on to see what happens next. It creates suspense as we see the protagonist being afraid, it makes the audience feel as though they should be worried as well of what is about to take place.

Colour is also a significant element of Mise-en-Scene evident within this scene. Dark and mysterious colours (white and blue) are the overriding colours used which are also cold colours. There is a blue tint to the scene which connotes an idea of coldness showing that the Father may be out of his own comfort zone with dealing with a demon of this nature. It may be hard for him to go against the antagonist (Demon) which creates suspense as the audience don't know who will overcome the other. This mirrors the mood of the scene as the demon passes through another body and claims the soul of another. This creates tension as the audience are waiting for something to happen. This is conventional as, again, it builds suspense, the cold colours highlight the nature of the scene as demons suck the life out of a room.

Furthermore, another element of Mise-en-Scene used in the clip was body language. This was within the scene where Regan was being attacked by the Father for killing the Priest. As he is continuously punching and shaking her, the Father's body language evokes a feeling of anger toward Regan due to her killing his colleague and sitting there laughing while he was making a failed attempt to resuscitate him. This also connotes that he is fed up of the demon possessing her and it all comes to a head where it results to violence and Regan being hurt. This creates sympathy within the audience as they feel sorry for Regan being viciously attacked as they know that it isn't her fault that the demon is making her behave in this way. However, this isn't conventional to the thriller genre as the villain, in this case the demon, is usually always more powerful but this scene shows otherwise, the Father has a sense of power over Regan and the demon and it looks as though it may be defeated.

Positioning of characters is also a key element of Mise-en-Scene used within the Exorcist clip. This is shown when the Father is on top of Regan as he punches and strangles her. The Father represents innocence and integrity as he is part of the Church, because he's on top of the girl this demonstrates that good will always overcome evil. Evil is represented by the little girl being possessed showing that she is becoming corrupt and behaving in an erratic manner, the demon's ability to overcome a little girl, a girl who's conventionally shown as being innocent shows the power of the antagonist and how the protagonist will have to work harder to defeat it. This is supported by the images of the Father attacking Regan displaying his fight to defeat the evil presence. This technique creates a power shift as the Father is now above Regan and consequently, the demon, and this gives him power over her and shows the audience that the demon doesn't phase him, he just wants to stop all of this once and for all. This is conventional as in thrillers, the villain (demon) is always defeated and the problem resolved in the end. This scene, the way that good and bad are grappling, evokes a sense of surprise as the audience wouldn't expect the Father to go as far as to physically attack the possessed girl but is justified by his desperation to end the suffering felt by Regan as the demon slowly eats away at her.

An element of Mise-en-Scene I identified within the clip analysed was a use of low key lighting which was shown when the Father is demanding that the demon possesses his body instead of letting Regan suffer. This builds tension as the demon has now moved into another body therefore prolonging the action causing the audience to wonder if the demon will ever disappear completely. This is conventional as this type of lighting casts shadows on the right side of the Father's face capturing the exact moment that the demon possesses him which, although we can see half his face that isn't in the shadow represents how a part of his soul is still present, the darker side shows that the demon is slowly taking over his body and the fact that he has been attacking a child supports this as he is becoming more corrupt as he is attacking what can be seen as innocence. This keeps the audience engaged in what they are watching and make them want to watch on to see what will happen to the Father now that he is possessed. It creates shock within the audience as we don't expect someone of such authority to be able to be possessed by the antagonist as his profession should prepare him for these situations.

This research has helped me considerably in deciding which elements to include within my own thriller sequence as I now have a full knowledge of the 5 specific elements that make up Mise-en-Scene and I know that you have to include every element in order to achieve an accurate representation of MES. Within my own sequence, I am going to ensure that I include cold colours to reflect the nature of the genre to keep my audience engaged, low key lighting to cast shadows either on my characters or behind them to portray a sense of innocence and leave them unaware of what is about to happen to them as well to build suspense as well as making sure that the body language and facial expressions are sinister and sharp to show that the character is extremely scared of what is happening and also that they may be unable to get away therefore making the villain seem superior.

Research into the BBFC - Miss Miller

BBFC

The BBFC, British Board of Film Classification, is an organisation responsible for censoring and providing age classifications for newly released films. The BBFC do this for many reasons, one of these being to protect the public, especially children, from content which may raise potential risks of harm.  They also empower the public, particularly parents, to make informed viewing choices. Furthermore, this organisation respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media content through discussions with the public and research. They also recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law.



Age Classification


There are many different certificates the BBFC can award a specific film. These include; U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 & 18. They base this decision upon the nature of the content. For example, if a film has a lot of blood and gore as well as scenes of a violent manner it would be awarded a 18 certificate as it is inappropriate for an audience of a younger age.



U Certificate

The U certificate stands for Universal, this means that films awarded with this are suitable for a viewing audience of all ages.  However, this only applies to young children at an age of 4 and above with an insight stating particular films are suitable for preschool children. The U rating means that no significant issues are raised regarding discrimination, drugs, imitable behaviour, strong language, nudity, sex, threat or violence. Very mild language is generally used and it is ensured that this language is used infrequently, for example bad words such as 'damn' or 'hell'. Furthermore, very few images of a sexual nature are shown in u films however some films may include characters cuddling or kissing but no immediate focus is placed upon sexual behaviour, language or innuendo. Consequently, sex and sexual references are treated identically to sexuality so there could be mild or undetailed references with the U certificate. Also, violent scenes are also used very mildly sometimes but not often featuring a brief fight sequence and a position where certain characters may be placed in danger. However, moments where emotional stress is clearly demonstrated is resolved quickly with a reassuring and positive outcome. There also may be scenes which may scare some viewers that are always balanced with consoling elements such as a comical interlude or uplifting music. Characters portrayed as being villains may carry weapons such as guns or knives however there is no emphasis upon this. Children or 'hero' characters are very unlikely to use weapons outside of context, for example; Historical settings. Within a U film it is highly impossible that it would encourage any form of anti social or dangerous behaviour that children may copy and is clearly disapproved of by the BBFC. U films cover a wide range of themes as long as it is appropriate for a young audience. Children's films will generally include positive messages about loyalty, honesty and friendship ideal for children. Normally at U, there will be no references to drugs or drug misuse unless the film has been created to carry an anti- drugs campaign within its storyline that children are able to understand.

Finding Nemo is a story about a clownfish, Marlon who becomes a single father after his wife Coral is killed by a shark. He is left to raise their son, Nemo on his own. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlon ventures on an epic journey to get his son back with the companionship of a forgetful fish named Dory with a lot of twists and turns on the way. This film details the importance of family and love. It is rated a U as it is an animation and shows an adventure which immediately appeals to young children as they are usually very bright and funny and can keep children entertained. Although there may be specific scenes where the plot is twisted and can come across as quite scary, this is always resolved in the end.





PG Certificate

PG stands for Parental Guidance which means that a particular film is suitable for general viewing but some scenes may be inappropriate for young children. A PG film shouldn't unnerve children aged 8 years and above. Parents are asked to consider whether or not the content may unsettle younger, or more sensitive, children. A PG film will not contain content inappropriate for children however, films with this classification can tackle social and emotional issues such as; Bullying, bereavement or racism. There may be some mild uses of strong language such as 'shit' or 'son of  a bitch' but is always shown in context and delivered by a character in a moderate way. For example, if the language is delivered in an aggressive manner or there is a clear frequent use of strong language, the film may be passed at a higher category. Furthermore, sexual references are very rare to appear in films of this classification but if there are, they are usually undetailed and infrequent. However, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, this may be allowed at PG. Comedy may also be used to minimise the impact of sexual references and innuendo. Violence and threat are used mildly in a PG film. Although there may be a scene where blood is shown, there will be no focus upon how the injury was inflicted. Violence is acceptable in the appropriate context such as in an historical, comedic or fantasy setting because of the elongation this provides. It isn't uncommon for PG films to detail 'roller coaster' action elements where emphasis is placed upon the journey or adventure of the main characters unfolding rather than the detail of violence. Some 'jump' moments or frightening sequences may be allowed as long as they aren't prolonged or intense. Films falling into the PG classification will rarely demonstrate behaviour which can be portrayed as being antisocial or potentially dangerous that children may feel encouraged to copy such as bullying or playing with electricity. Realistic or weapons that are easily accessed, such as knives, will never be glamorised in a PG film. Smoking and alcohol will not be focused upon and if child characters are seen to be drinking or smoking, there should be a fair message that this is a negative action. If drugs are mentioned or seen, a PG feature should represent them in an innocent manner or emphasise that they are harmful.

An example of a film classified as a PG is Minions. This quirky film details the story of minions Bob, Kevin and Stuart who are recruited by a super villain, Scarlett Overkill, who, alongside her husband Herb, hatches an evil plan to take over the world. The minions are much loved by all children after the successful release of Despicable Me. As it features a villain, some scenes may include some undetailed uses of violence which are inappropriate for some young children. This passes the restrictions required to be classified as a U which is why it is asked parents accompany their children to watch this film falling into the PG classification.






12A and 12 Certificates

Films classified as being 12A or 12 contain material that is unsuitable for children aged under 12. No one under the age of 12 may see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child to see a 12A film who is under the age of 12 should make an appropriate decision whether the content would be suitable for their child to view. The 12A certificate requires, by law, an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film in the cinema. This is enforced by cinema staff and a cinema may lose its licence if adult accompaniment is not enforced with children under 12 accepted into a 12A film. Accompanied viewing cannot be enforced in the home therefore the 12 certificate remains for DVD and Blu-Ray, instead of the 12A. The 12 is also a simpler scheme for retailers. This means that they cannot sell or rent the item unless the customer is over the age of 12. There is no lower age limit for the 12A, the BBFC consider the content of films of this classification to be suitable for children aged 12 and over. The overall tone of a film, and the way it makes the audience feel affects the classification significantly. For example, a film creating an overall dark or unsettling tone which could possibly unnerve the audience would be unlikely to be passed at a 12A even if the individual themes were considered acceptable to be classified at a 12A. BBFC guidelines state that strong language such as 'f**k' is deemed adequate for a 12 or 12A film, based on the manner it is delivered in, who is using the language, its frequency and the justification for the context it has been used in. Aggressive or frequent uses of bad language may result in a specific film or DVD being passed at a 15 certificate. However there is some allowance of innuendo on strong language in this category. There may be moderate language at 12 and 12A such as 'bitch' or 'twat'. Any discriminatory language or behaviour will not be approved as a whole. If this is used in an aggressive manner, for example; Homophobic or racist terms is unlikely to be classified as a 12A or 12 unless it is completely convicted. Sex will possibly be shown briefly and discreetly at this classification. Verbal references to sexual behaviour shouldn't surpass what is appropriate for young teenagers. Comedy may diminish the impact of some moderate sex references or puns but frequent crude references are unlikely to be passed at this category. There may be nudity in some 12A films but would be only abrupt and considerate. Moderate violence is allowed but should not bide on detail. There is usually no focus upon injury or blood but occasional gory sequences may be accepted if they can be justified by the content. For example, a brief show of blood in a medical drama. Action scenes and weapons may be permitted at 12 or 12A and there may be long fight sequences. Weapons, such as knives, which may be easily accessible to 12 year olds should not be promoted in films under this classification. Sexual violence, such as rape or assault, may only be connoted or briefly and discreetly designated at 12A and 12. Scenes of this nature must have a strong contextual justification. Some horror films are passed at this classification as long as horror sequences aren't frequent and the overall tone isn't deeply disturbing. Moderate physical and psychological threat is allowed at 12 and 12A. Dangerous behaviour, such as hanging, may be present in 12A and 12 films but will not emphasise on detail which could potentially be copied or present these images in a way that children feel inclined to copy. Anti-social behaviour is not promoted and there may be infrequent use of drugs and drugs misuse but the portrayal should not be glamorised.

A defined example of a film classified at a 12A is Insurgent. This film focuses upon the main character, Beatrice Prior, as she battles her inner demons to continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to eradicate society with help from others on her side. This film falls into this category as it contains frequent images of violence and fighting sequences which may be unsuitable for anyone under the age of 12 to view. As it is a 12A the adult may decide to let their child see it with their accompaniment. Mild uses of strong language is also used supporting the adult accompaniment law. Weapons are also a big factor in this film which would be inappropriate for a child under 12 to be seeing unless accompanied by a responsible adult.

In 2009, James Cameron directed the Box Office smash hit, Avatar which went on to break records making a staggering total of $760,507,625. This film documents the story of a paraplegic war veteran, Marine Jake Sully, who decides to take his life into the exquisite world of Pandora after the untimely death of his brother. Inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. There he begins to bond and quickly fall in love with one of their species, the beautiful Neytiri and Jake is caught up in the war between the Na'vi and an American corporation, led by ruthless Parker Selfridge whose only tactic is to obliterate all life in Pandora. The solder is forced to take a stand and partake in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora. This is rated a 12 as the violence is suitable for those over the age of 12 to view without having to be accompanied by an adult. Although these scenes may be intense and there are some images of smoking, it is deemed suitable for anyone aged 12 and over. Furthermore, the clothing worn by the Na'vi tribe is similar to what can be seen in a documentary about some indigenous groups.



15 Certificate

No one under the age of 15 is permitted to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated DVD.  Films classified at a 15 aren't suitable for children under the age of 15. No individual theme is completely restricted provided that the content is appropriate for 15 year olds. Films falling into this category usually always feature; Strong violence, frequent uses of strong language such as 'f**k', portrayals of sexual behaviour, strong verbal sexual references, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or activity and drug taking. Potentially, in a film of a high classification as a 15, there is usually a large amount of strong language. There is no upper limit of uses of bad language such as 'f**k' and there could possibly be uses of the strongest terms. For example, 'c**t' depending on the manner it is delivered in, who is using the language, its frequency and how it is justified by the context it has been used in. However, continued and aggressive use is not passed at 15. There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language and the film may explore themes related to this. However, at 15, the film shouldn't encourage discriminatory language or behaviour as a whole. Sexual activity is acceptable in a 15 film but usually with no attention to detail. Although, in this category, some sex scenes can be long. Similarly, although there may be scenes of nudity, there will normally be no strong detail. There are no restrictions on nudity in non-sexual or educational content. Violence may also be strong but should not focus upon the infliction of pain or injury and the strongest, goriest images are not likely to be passed at a 15. Strong, sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be precise verbal references to sexual violence. For example, descriptions of rape or sexual assault in a courtroom scene but any portrayal representation of sexual violence must be reasonable and justified by context. At 15 there could be strong threat and horror as long as there is no continuous focus on sadistic or sexualised threat. Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote the theme of drug misuse for example through the use of instructional description. The abuse of accessibly and highly dangerous substances like aerosols or solvents is highly unlikely to be accepted at 15. As a highly acclaimed organisation, the BBFC carefully consider the risk of potential harm to susceptible teenagers. For example, emotional issues such as self harm and suicide should not be clearly emphasised which could be copied. Whether the depiction of easily accessible weapons is acceptable will be based upon factors such as realism, context and setting.

Knocked Up details the story of a rising journalist, Alison Scott, who makes a huge mistake after a one night stand with irresponsible slacker, Ben Stone that results in an unexpected pregnancy. Instead of raising the baby on her own, she decides to give Ben a chance to see if he could be a good father to their child. However, he is unsure if he is ready to be a parent, and both wonder if they could be compatible partners raising their baby together. This particular film has been rated at a 15 as the story line focuses upon sexual activity and pregnancy as well as including frequent uses of strong language and drug misuse. There is some images of nudity as well however this is censored and is shown briefly and discreetly. The birth scene is also very graphic which would be inappropriate for anyone under the age of 15 to see.






18 Certificate

Films rated at an 18 are strictly for adults only. Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18 rated DVD. No 18 rated work is suitable for children. No theme is prohibited in this classification. Adults are free to choose their own entertainment provided the content is not illegal or potentially harmful, consequently it is possible that some themes addressed in 18 films may be offensive even to some adult viewers. Issues which could feature in 18 films include; Very strong violence, frequent strong language such as f**k and c**t, strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror sequences, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances) and discriminatory language and behaviour. There is no limit on the number of uses of strong language such as f**k or even very strong language such as c**t which can be passed at 18. Uses can also be used in any manner or form of context. For example, aggressively, directed, frequent or accompanied by strong violence. There may also be racist, homophobic or discriminatory language at 18, and any film under this classification can explore a range of themes relating to discrimination. Although it is possible for discriminatory language or themes to be the main focus of the work and for main characters to engage in discriminatory behaviour, it must not breach any relevant legislation. There can be strong and detailed sexual activity at 18. There may even be emphasis upon the infliction of injury or pain and contain scenes of strong sadistic violence and threat or sexual violence. The strongest, goriest images are permitted at this category. There can also be strong and detailed scenes of sex in films classified at an 18, including full nudity. There are no pressures on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Very strong, crude and explicit sex references are allowed at 18. An 18 film may also contain portrayals of real sex, as long as it is not a sex work. A sex work is a work with its primary purpose being to create a feeling of sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be stimulated are usually passed at 18. Those containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material and sexually explicit images are generally passed at the R18 category. At 18, many horror films may contain very strong gore and constant threat. Drug taking is also shown in an 18 film but must not encourage drug misuse. Though 18 films may address difficult themes, harm is still a possibility. To take this into consideration, very dangerous or criminal behaviour, for example behaviour which poses a significant risk to a person's safety if copied, may be cut from the film.


A prime example of a film classified at an 18 is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

After many years in banishment for a crime he didn't commit, Benjamin Barker returns to London under the new name of Sweeney Todd, only to find his wife dead and his daughter in the arms of evil Judge Turpin. In his anger, Sweeney embarks on a murderous rampage across London against those who made him suffer and lose his beloved family. Enlisting the help of Mrs Lovett, he opens a barber's shop above her pie shop and they form a deadly alliance. Todd's business lures the customers in with a charming smile only for it to end with him slashing their throats with a flick of his barber's razor. This film has been rated as an 18 due to the frequent uses of extreme blood and gore unsuitable for any child to view. As adults can make their own choices on what they deem suitable for their entertainment, this would be appropriate for them to watch. There is also a clear emphasis upon the infliction of pain and injury for example, the slashing of the victims' throats with the blade which children would be able to pick up on and possibly copy therefore having to classify this particular film at an 18.
                                                                         

To conclude, this research has helped me significantly in choosing what classification my own thriller sequence will fall into as I have a clear understanding of what each certificate restricts and allows as well as knowing the difference between them. As it is a thriller, it will fall into either the 12A or 15 classification due to the nature of the genre but it will depend on whether there is gore or focus upon the infliction of pain or injury which would set it aside from the 18 certificate for example. I know not to include too much blood and gore so as to appeal to as wide a viewing audience as possible. If its too graphic, it will only be suitable for adults to view and I want my thriller sequence to appeal to adults as well as teenagers/young adults.