Evaluation - Question 1

In what ways does your media product use, develop and challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Throughout my thriller opening I have used many conventions of real media products, such as those seen in 'Seven' where there are close ups of the protagonists hands and the objects involved, like the writing in the notebook. Blurriness or having the titles introduced on the screen by an object flying by are another couple conventions I have used. However, I have developed some of the titles to be incorporated into the scenes as part of the prop.

I challenge some of the forms of real media products as the villain and the victim are females but it is gives the impression that it may also be the males. Therefore, I am using snares throughout to keep the audience guessing to who the miscreant is, same as many of the other thriller film.

As you see below, there are images and explanations of specific moments used in my thriller film opening where I either use, develop and challenge forms and conventions of real media products:

 

1. This image shows the dark and mysterious scenes associated with the thriller genre. It sets the tone of the film and introduces the  villain in a hidden way, keeping the audience guessing to who it is.
2. Here the image's colours have been changed to appear more dreamlike, giving the illusion of a flashback. It has also introduced and highlighted the red watch, signifying the running out of time as well as a connection between the victim and the villain as the red connotes danger and evil.
3. The white coat and the brushing of the hair emphasises the innocence of the victim as it uses the typical colours associated with innocence, naivety and purity.
4. The distortion is a well known convention used and associated with a thriller as it establishes the mental state of the protagonist. Also, it suggests to the audience that everything isn't always as straight forward as it seems.
5. Here I have developed the titles to be a part of the shot as it appears to be parted down the middle by the reflection of the glass. This insinuates the different sides to the characters' personalities. Additionally, the red nail varnish resembles blood as it is smeared onto the nail. This challenges the thriller genre by implying the villain is a female rather than a male as accustomed.
6. The close up of scissors enforces the typical thriller genre as it is unclear who is holding the scissors, what they want with the stained straw and by having the scissors it makes the audience wonder if it will appear again later as a weapon.
7. Image seven uses the well known over the shoulder shot but focused on what is seen in the mirror. This is used to give the feeling of being watched yet it isn't clear whether it's the villain or not doing the watching.
8. This is a typical shot used in a thriller as it is an extreme close up, preventing the audience of knowing who is writing and what is being written.
9. The final image here shows the paper of the repeated words 'DIE' burning. It enforces the idea of violence, obsession and danger and leaves the audience to wonder as to who is going to die and why.