Props & Costume

Demographic and Psychographic Profiling

Demographic and Psychographic profiling are used to see the audiences interests and preferences which may depend on trends. Profiling is used so that the production of a movie can be adapted to appeal to different groups of people.

Psychographic is the social research covering personalities, values, attitudes, interests, and lifestyles of the general public.

Demographic is when people are classified under a certain area like age, race or gender.

We believe that our movie ‘Affiliation’ will warrant a certificate 18. There a certain films which influenced and determined our decision to rate our film an 18, these films are; ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘Kill Bill’ Vol. 1&2 .

The Importance of a Title Sequence

A title sequence is essential to a good thriller as this sets the standard for the whole film. As a thriller needs to be dramatic and get the audience’s attention as soon as possible, a good title sequence is a key way of doing this. A director should not under estimate the effect of a title sequence so therefore should take care on the way they make this.

A title sequence needs to also portray certain messages to get the audience thinking. Films have metaphorical meanings to them which mean something to the audience as the film goes on. An example of this is in Cape Fear, there is an eagle that appears the same time as Robert De Niro’s name which relates to the hunting that the character does in the film. Also the water flowing in the title sequences relates to the dramatic ending. ‘Taxi Driver’ also has metaphorical meanings in the title sequence. There is a taxi coming through fog which relates to danger and hell. There is also an image of De Niro’s eyes looking around which shows that he is never still, he is also looking around for something. It relates to his psychotic outlook on life.  Also the rain on the windscreen shows a blurry view which also relates to how he is never clear at what he is doing and going.

The title sequences also have the actor’s names along with the director and the company who made the film. This gives a good impression to the viewer as a reputation comes along with actors, directors and companies. For example ‘Jason Statham’ is a very type cast actor. So by seeing his name in a title sequences, you would therefore expect him to be a fighting character.

Pulp Fiction Title Sequence

In Thriller Movies there is an opening title sequence that gives an insight to the movie. The title sequence will include the movie title and actor’s names. It can also state relevant information to the story line such as dates or locations. During the title sequence ominous or eerie music played which builds tension, the title sequence is put in place to catch the attention of the audience.

The specification requires us to have a title sequence. At this stage we are not sure as to how we are going to create a sequence and what we will involve in it. However, we appreciate that a title sequence of a high standard will be a good introduction to our movie as it will lure the audiences’ attention.

An influence of ours is the movie ‘Pulp Fiction’ by Quentin Tarantino. I think that the opening scene of the film tells the audience what to expect from the film. The opening 10 seconds shows a definition of the movie title, this gives an insight to the structure of the movie. 3 minutes and 21 seconds into the opening there is a close up shot of Amanda Plummer as she is talking, over her right shoulder we can see the character Vincent (played by John Travolta) who we are introduced to later on in the movie, walking past. To a first time viewer it may appear to be a continuity mistake, however to a fan of the movie we see the first example of the theme that continues throughout the movie.

The title sequence begins with the theme tune ‘Misirlou’ which starts to play when the screen freezes on Amanda Plummer pointing the gun and shouting, immediately after that we see ‘Miramax films presents’. This is the start of the title sequence which to us is a perfect title sequence as the racy music sets the tone for the rest of the movie. ‘A band apart’ follows with the logo and then ‘Jersey films production’ appears.  After that we see ‘A film by Quentin Tarantino’ which is then followed by a wipe up transition which contains the title ‘Pulp Fiction’.  Towards the end we are shown the cast; John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Maria de Medeiros, Ving Rhames, Eric Stolz, Rosanna Arquette, Christopher Walken and Bruce Willis.

Pulp Fiction - Diner Opening Scene - Misirlou [HQ]

Cape Fear (1991) - Part 1

Cape Fear Textual Analyse

The opening introduction to ‘Cape Fear’ shows lots of evidence for a thriller. There is calm flowing water during the title sequence which could be seen as a metaphor for the main character played by ‘Robert De Niro’. The metaphor is that he and the water look calm on the surface but you never know what is underneath. This is also shown by brief shots of two different eyes, which gives the connotation of that being the victim and the other eye being the murder. There are also shots of other facial features until it builds up to the full body. Then we see a shadow with a green outline which has means envy and jealousy. This gives the audience the impression that ‘Robert De Niro’ is a jealous character which could relate to the reason that he is in prison. There is also an eagle shown in the calm water which represents the hunter side of ‘De Niro’ which shows that is either the reason he is in prison or something which is he is going to do when he gets out. ‘Robert De Niro’s’ name appeared at the same time as the eagle which shows that his character is the hunter. These are all enigmas posed by ‘Martin Scorsese.’

The titles are big bold and white which isn’t what the audience would expect as you would expect them to be black but this creates further suspense. They also have a cut through them which shows the violence in the film. The whole title sequence is distorted which gives an added affect for the audience as they are confused about what is happening and what is going to happen. At the end of the title sequence, it cuts to a young girl who is wearing white clothing which is buttoned up the top. The white symbolises that she is pure and innocent which makes the viewer fear for the girl and shows that she could be the victim. Also the fact that the buttons are fully done up symbolises that she could be a virgin and doesn’t want her flesh on show.  The camera also shows her face as going a red colour which shows the danger that she could be in.

There is loud dramatic eerie music throughout the opening to film which really sets the tone for the thriller by grabbing the audience’s attention. The music is almost too much as it is so loud and dramatic. It also gives the feel of a fight or revenge. It is also monotonous which could link to how the main character felt in prison. The music continues whilst introducing the main character which emphasises that he is the danger posed.  The music links to the enigmas opposed by directors which are why is ‘De Niro’ in prison, what he is going to do when he leave and how dangerous is he.

After the title sequence is shows ‘De Niro’ in prison. It pans across his wall and has pictures of fighting and fire which emphasises his beliefs that he has about revenge and justice. Which are also shown with the tattoos that he has all over his skin. There was also a picture of ‘Stalin’ who was a left wing politician which further shows his beliefs. He also has bibles in his room which shows that he is a religious man and wants revenge for some reason.  Whilst he is in prison, he is also working out which shows that he is on a mission for when he gets out. It is further shown that he has no one waiting for him outside and he is taking nothing with him. When ‘De Niro’ is exciting the prison he leaves through three doors which emphasise his freedom that he has now got. Also he leads the guard out which shows that he is the leader and is in control. You also do not get the stereotypical chants from the rest of the in mates which shows that they are all scared of him. Also once he leaves there is a huge thunderstorm which is symbolic to his character and it also links to the storm which is at the beginning of the title sequence. Also once he leaves he walks directly into the camera which shows that he is in control.

Influences

Mood Board

Our mood board highlights certain films that have inspired and influenced us in the planning of our thriller. The mood board shows films which are regarded as classics (such as 'The God Father') and newer and less well known thrillers such as, 'Adulthood'. As a group we have found ourselves to be following the idea of a gangster thriller rather than a horror as our opinion is that psychological plots are more effective than shock horror movies.

'Goodfellas' which was directed by Martin Scorcese, is influentual to us as it is a gangster film and displays the ways that gangs work. This is helpful to us as we can use ideas from the film in the making of our film. Another influence of ours is Quentin Tarrantino's 'Kill Bill'. Large sections of the film are black and white with an occasional colour shown for emphasis. We hope to include this feature in our film.

Poster Analysis

POSTER ANALYSIS

There are bright colours used on the poster to capture the audience’s attention also it links to colours that Bruce Lee famously wore which link to the genre of the film, as it is an action thriller. The colour of the background is also represented of the main character on the front which goes with the theme so the woman does not look out of place.  

The writing of ‘Kill Bill’ is big, black and bold which grabs the audience’s attention and also gives an impression of what the film is about. The writing is bold which represents Uma Thurman’s role in the film as a tough action role. Also Uma Thurman is holding a sword which shows the action that is going to take place in the film, and also links to the chosen colours of the writing on the poser, with the black representing danger and the red for the rest of the writing representing blood.  The sword could also be seen as a phallic symbol for the audience.

The size of the sword is also very important because it is so big; it creates an ominous surreal feel as that is an unlikely size for a sword. Also it could make the viewer want to watch due to the fact that it goes against the stereotype of women. 

The fact that the poster has ‘Volume 1’ on it means that there is a sequel which would make the audience more interested that the story follows on and is not just a one off.  There is a lack of reviews on the front which could have been done for affect to give the impression that it is an action killing film. Therefore the reviews would be likely to be on the back. Also name the ‘Quinton Tarantino’ is on the poster who is a big name director so some people would see the film because of his name. That is why his name is above the title.