Comparison between four Psychological thrillers, over four years and with a variation of age groups.
This can be used as research for our main task film to compare target audience and how that affects the story, conventions and whether we will stick to them or try something different, popular camera angles, lighting, colour and props (mise en scene) that will help us convey the right image.
The Number 23 - 2007 15
Synopsis
Walter, an animal control officer, is bitten by a dog at work. This event causes him to be late in picking up his wife, Agatha. Agatha is waiting for him in front of a book store, and decides to go inside to kill some time. Today is Walter's birthday so she purchases a book, "The Number 23," as a gift. As Walter reads the book, he finds the story is almost a parallel to his life, as if the writer was writing about him. The only problem is that people in the book become obsessive with the number 23, and they end up dying. The number becomes a curse to anyone who discovers its meaning.
Walter, an animal control officer, is bitten by a dog at work. This event causes him to be late in picking up his wife, Agatha. Agatha is waiting for him in front of a book store, and decides to go inside to kill some time. Today is Walter's birthday so she purchases a book, "The Number 23," as a gift. As Walter reads the book, he finds the story is almost a parallel to his life, as if the writer was writing about him. The only problem is that people in the book become obsessive with the number 23, and they end up dying. The number becomes a curse to anyone who discovers its meaning.
Conventions
Murder, Obsession, Blood, Killer, Insanity, Fantasy turning into Reality, paranoia & Psychiatrist.
Murder, Obsession, Blood, Killer, Insanity, Fantasy turning into Reality, paranoia & Psychiatrist.
Camera Angles, Lighting, Colour & Props
Close up to show emotion, Shots from above to show the outside picture you are looking into the action, Shots from below to show intimidation and emphasis on height and dominance. Dark lighting, everything is poorly lit or takes place at night; very few scenes are set with clear blue skies. The colours are often subtle, sepia or a chilling blue (see poster). Props used are often scribbled on tatty note books, weapons such as knives and the vibrant red book; I think red was used for the book because of its connotations such as blood, the devil and hell.
The Strangers - 2008 15
Synopsis
After returning from a wedding reception, a couple staying in an isolated vacation house receive a knock on the door in the mid-hours of the night. What ensues is a violent invasion by three strangers, their faces hidden behind masks. The couple find themselves in a violent struggle, in which they go beyond what either of them thought capable in order to survive.
After returning from a wedding reception, a couple staying in an isolated vacation house receive a knock on the door in the mid-hours of the night. What ensues is a violent invasion by three strangers, their faces hidden behind masks. The couple find themselves in a violent struggle, in which they go beyond what either of them thought capable in order to survive.
Conventions
Harassment, Murder, Paranoia, Insanity, Blood, Invasion, Killer & Violence.
Harassment, Murder, Paranoia, Insanity, Blood, Invasion, Killer & Violence.
Camera Angles, Lighting, Colour & Props
Close ups to show the emotion of each character, Panning shots towards the danger, Mid shots to get the bigger picture. Again the lighting is dark, poorly lit by either candles or torches. Most of the film appears to take place at night. The colours are again rather dull, sepia or subtle. Props used are masks for the killers which makes the audience more uncomfortable, their identities are hidden. Knives are used again to show a sense of vulnerability but trying to survive.
Lady in the water - 2006 PG
Close ups to show the emotion of each character, Panning shots towards the danger, Mid shots to get the bigger picture. Again the lighting is dark, poorly lit by either candles or torches. Most of the film appears to take place at night. The colours are again rather dull, sepia or subtle. Props used are masks for the killers which makes the audience more uncomfortable, their identities are hidden. Knives are used again to show a sense of vulnerability but trying to survive.
Lady in the water - 2006 PG
Synopsis
Cleveland Heep, a stuttering apartment superintendent, encounters a girl named Story swimming in the complex's pool. He soon learns that she comes from the Blue World, and has a message for mankind. Will he be able to help her complete her mission?
Cleveland Heep, a stuttering apartment superintendent, encounters a girl named Story swimming in the complex's pool. He soon learns that she comes from the Blue World, and has a message for mankind. Will he be able to help her complete her mission?
Conventions
Healers, Attack, Accident, Insanity, Fantasy turning into Reality, Invasion, Fear & Unusual.
Healers, Attack, Accident, Insanity, Fantasy turning into Reality, Invasion, Fear & Unusual.
Camera Angles, Lighting, Colour & Props
Establishing shots, Close ups on water, Hand held camera moving with characters adding fear as if you are there experiencing it. Most scenes take place at night and areas are poorly lit. The colouring is much the same, dull and subtle. Not many props are used in this film to add much to the story.
Establishing shots, Close ups on water, Hand held camera moving with characters adding fear as if you are there experiencing it. Most scenes take place at night and areas are poorly lit. The colouring is much the same, dull and subtle. Not many props are used in this film to add much to the story.
Hard Candy - 2005 18
Synopsis
For three weeks, 14-year-old Hayley Stark has been chatting on-line with 'Lensmaster319', a 32-year old fashion photographer, named Jeff. The two agree to meet at a coffee shop called Nighthawks. They hit it off, despite the massive age difference. Hayley appears to flirt with Jeff, and Jeff generally restrains himself, even admitting that he must wait 4-years until he can be with her. But his reservations are apparently not enough to decline when Hayley invites herself over to his house. Once at the house, manipulation becomes the name of the game and Jeff has to endure her torture.
For three weeks, 14-year-old Hayley Stark has been chatting on-line with 'Lensmaster319', a 32-year old fashion photographer, named Jeff. The two agree to meet at a coffee shop called Nighthawks. They hit it off, despite the massive age difference. Hayley appears to flirt with Jeff, and Jeff generally restrains himself, even admitting that he must wait 4-years until he can be with her. But his reservations are apparently not enough to decline when Hayley invites herself over to his house. Once at the house, manipulation becomes the name of the game and Jeff has to endure her torture.
Conventions
Torture, Violence, Psychopath, Abuse, Blood, Murder, Revenge & Stalking.
Torture, Violence, Psychopath, Abuse, Blood, Murder, Revenge & Stalking.
Camera Angles, Lighting, Colour & Props
Close ups on faces and eyes, Establishing shots and shots that show a change in time. Most scenes take place in a house during the day but the rooms still appear dark and cast shadows. The colours are brighter than expected for a thriller. Props used are unusual as well such as wheelchairs and scenes in the bathroom.
Close ups on faces and eyes, Establishing shots and shots that show a change in time. Most scenes take place in a house during the day but the rooms still appear dark and cast shadows. The colours are brighter than expected for a thriller. Props used are unusual as well such as wheelchairs and scenes in the bathroom.
