Thriller Clip Analysis

Psycho

We think that the clip would fit in the psychological/crime thriller sub genre.

The clip is reasonably steady however there are times when the camera is a bit shaky.

They use an appropriate range of shots for example when she puts her hand on the door handle to lock the door, a close up is used which emphasizes the fact she is trying to stay safe.

Apart from the close up that is used the shot distances are all pretty much the same.

A range of appropriate material has been shot, the clip almost crosses the barrier between thriller and horror, however we don't actually see the killing so it is definitely a thriller.

The mise-en-scene is good because they have selected a good location, have used lighting well etc...

Editing has been done very well, the music has been made to link in with the editing, for example, when the individual credits come up the music becomes more up beat, the editing has been nicely fit together, everything flows nicely; we understand clearly what is going on.

They use a lot of effects and transitions on the writing, they also use the credits to cut the camera into a different posioning, this is a really good idea, we should defiently bare this in mind for when we come to our opening.

We don't hear anything that needs a sound effect with the image eg. a knife stabbing through someone but the music flows well with what we are shown, the music corrasponds with what we are seeing.

It introduces the antagonist through killing this girl but we arn't introduced to any other main characters.

It introduces the themes of the film by showing us it's a mysterious killer with a mask, we know it's going to be a crime thriller and perhaps with the slight horror element it may be pychological. We already know about the killer and how he kills but who is the man/woman hiding behind the mask and that is what we watch it for.

It doesn't really show where they are, it only shows us where the girl getting killed lives which is crucial to the scene but not really to the story.

We can tell the kind of narrative structure by how it's been set up. We can tell this psycho killer will kill others before he is figured out and caught by the protagonist, justice will be served in the end.

The music isn't heavy metal to indicate a psycho killer (more horror style) its more mysterious and interesting which works really fantastically, the music makes this clip and tells us exactly where it's heading.

We are shown the killers persoanlity; ruthless, carefree but we don't know yet if his kills are random or if they're reasons behind his choice?

Acheiving a Top Grade

Marking Criteria - Level 4 - 48/60

Demonstrate excellence in the following:

• Holding a steady shot
• Framing a shot appropriately
  
• Using a variety of shot distances
  
• Shooting material appropriate to the task
  
• Editing so meaning is appropriate to the viewer
  
• Using varied shot transitions and effects
• Using sound with images

Needs...

• Introducing the main characters
• Revealing the themes of the film
• Introducing the setting/location of the film
• We should have an idea of the narrative structure
• Music should indicate the genre of the film
• Indication of the character personality.
  

Psychological Thriller

Psychological Thriller Conventions

*Drama/Mystery
*Danger is on a mental level
*Two or more characters preying on eachothers minds to create conflict
*Characters try and discover their purpose
*Characters often have a fear or fascination with death
*Narrative, confusion over what is real

The Sixth Sense


How this meets the conventions:
The drama and mystery is shown through the mystery of the unknown, it draws us in and their is drama the whole way through. The mystery also expands towards the end.

The ghosts only interact with him and this is a mental struggle as he is the only child with this kind of ability. They are not all friendly ghosts which is a big threat and he cannot seek help.

The ghosts torments his mind and causes him problems mentally and when it comes to interactions with others.

He has to try and figure out what they're for and that he has to help them, he learns that they are not initially there to cause him trouble.

The whole story is linked and connected to death. He is frightened all the time as they won't leave him alone, Bruce Willis is fascinated and sticks with him as a friend and a helper.

We don't really understand fully until all is unraveled at the end. We remain confused because certain things don't add up like his wife getting married again and her ignoring him. We don't realize until the end that infact the psychiatrist (his friend) is actually dead and the boy is just seeing him in his head.