Analysing three different title sequences of thriller films.

The audience never really give any credit to the title sequences of a film even though some are spectacular and actually have a large effect on the audience even if they don't realise or appreciate it. In this blog I will be taking you through two great title sequences.

The opening titles of "Rear Window" are based in two colours, black and white. Both of these colours have a large impact on the audience as they contrast with one another. The bland and dull colours create a mood, which a film using other colours cannot achieve as well for the simple reason that colour can tend to overwhelm the viewer. These colours linked with the music played in the background adapts very well with one another and from the beginning of the film you can already acknowledge what sort of film it is going to be. It has a lasting effect on the viewers as that linking with the colours helps set the mood even further.

Another Alfred Hitchcock movie, "Psycho" also uses the same effect on the audience to help them to get into the mood of what is to come. The fast paced orchestral music makes the viewer already controlled and sets the mood. The audience become aware of how this film is going to be from the title sequence and the contrast of colours and music. Its just generally wild and frantic. The text is coming down randomly and moving around constantly which shows instability. This could relate to Norman Bates split personality later on. The music is also unpredictable with a heavy dramatic effect of the string instruments being played at a very fast pace. It is dark, discordant and full of suspense.

Typical conventions in the thriller genre.

There are many typical conventions featured in many thriller films for many reasons. A thriller film consists of creating tension, suspense and shock to the audience. This is created in many different ways including camera positions, angles, movements, shots, music and lighting.

 

Alfred Hitchcock is considered one of the most highly rated film directors of all time due to understanding how to create such suspense. For example in the film "Psycho". From this clip you can see many ways of creating tension in a short period of time which has a larger impact on the audience.

 

 

• Music : Fast paced and normally orchestral.
• Silhouettes and shadows : Are what give a thriller the enigma and mystery for the audience. It creates eeriness and tension.
• Knives : Typical weapon used in thrillers. When you see a knife you immediately associate it with somebody about to get brutally killed.
• Confined spaces : This leads for the audience to feel the characters struggle and you feel chlostrophobic as a result. You really feel the characters emotion as they try to escape.
  
•  Obtrustive editing and quick shots : Accentuates the feelings of suspense and tension.



"Psycho"



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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