Production of 'The Shadow'

Our assistant cameraman Callum recorded the behind the scenes and production of the film 'The Shadow'. The filming took place over two days and the footage shown here displays only day 1 of filming due to technical difficulties with the camera on the second day. You can also see the discussion of ideas we had throughout the filming process to alter the shots and ideas of our final piece.

Editing software and techniques

The software I used was Apple's IMovie 09

Conventions and Techniques within the Thriller genre

Q; With reference to Psycho and other thrillers studied discuss some of the key conventions and techniques used in the thriller genre.

Within the thriller genre there are many different conventions and techniques used to grasp the audiences attention and to connect with them in an emotional or psychological way. The use of disturbed characters and twisted story lines intrigues the viewers into entering the mind set of these types of people and the use of sounds, camera angles and story line also have a huge affect the audiences reactions.

The three thrillers I have studied Psycho, Seven and No country for Old Men all have different conventions and techniques to create tension and suspense throughout the stories. One key convention used in thriller films is the way in which character is represented and developed. Psycho, released in 1960, is the oldest thriller of the three and is considered one of the ‘pioneer’ films within the thriller genre. It went against the general traditions of films at this time and brought something people had never seen before. Psycho is based on a young woman, Marion Crane, who steals $40,000 from her employer when asked to pay the cash in at the bank for him. Due to this she flees her town only to arrive at a small, quiet motel ‘off the beaten track’. She then meets the young man Norman Bates. The film Psycho is a very clever and complex film in the way in which characters are developed and displayed throughout the film. The viewers growing understanding and awareness of key characters is in itself part of the thriller genre.

 The character Norman Bates is shown through an uneasy and almost awkward character and identifies to the audience from the first meeting that there is something suspicious and uncertain about this person. This is shown through his uneasy body language and tone of voice when talking to Marion. He has an excited and rushed like tone that displays to the audience his enjoyment of the company of another person however this seems unnatural to the audience watching as he seems to have no understanding on how to act and communicate normally around people. In the discussion between the two characters Norman displays his unnaturally close relationship with his mother which shows to the audience this character is quite lonely and closed off from the rest of the world and this is shown clearly through the way he acts towards Marion. He then goes on to describe his mother to Marion as "Mother--what is the phrase? She isn't quite herself today." Which we then find out is because she is insane and isn’t happy with the presence of a young attractive woman around Norman. Marion then returns to her room to unpack and prepare for the evening. She begins to get undressed and ready to go in the shower and as this happens Norman is shown to be taking down a painting on the wall and looking through a peep hole to watch her undress. This confirms to the audience the characters twisted mindset and that there is something not right and worrying for the situation that Marion is in. We then later on in the film as the story develops find out that the character of Norman Bates has a schizophrenic mind, one side is a confused young man with no real understanding of the world around him and one side which is the insane mother who has the mind of a disturbed killer. Norman then rushes up to the house where his mother is supposedly waiting and Marion begins her shower. The shower scene is one of the most iconic thriller scenes in the history of this genre as it displayed such a horrific act never seen before within film.

During Marion’s shower a figure appears through the door of the bathroom which the viewers are lead to believe is Normans mother but is in fact Norman, however we do not see the killers face throughout the scene, the scene then progresses and the most famous and shocking event occurs where he then stabs Marion to her death. After this horrific act Norman is his young man character cleans up after his ‘mother’ and carries on with his life as if he is used to the process. This is an unusual act to take place as we have only seen his ‘good’ side so far through the film. As the film progress more people come to the motel in search for lost Marion and one by one the are killed off by Normans ‘mother’ however the audience do not know it is Norman committing the crimes until the final scene of the film. Alfred Hitchcock develops and displays his character extremely well in masking his evil side through the film. 

In comparison to Psycho in the film No Country for Old Men the use of an deranged serial killer is portrayed in a completely different way. The character of Anton Chigurh played by Javier Bardem is a disturbing character who shows no emotion through his facial expressions and body language and takes the decision between life and death by flipping a coin. As this character is displayed throughout the film the viewers begin to see the inhuman and disturbed acts he undergoes and how he does them in emotionless way and this makes the audience feel awkward and uncertain at what he could do next. The Coen Brothers (the directors) have used this character in a very effective way to draw the audience into his insanity and affect them in an emotional way throughout the film. 

In the film Seven we follow two detectives hunting down a psychopathic serial killer and trying to prevent the murders that are yet too happen, however we do not see the killer until the end of the film and this leaves the audience guessing throughout the whole film who they are looking for. In “No country for old men” the disturbed killer character is present throughout the whole film in contrast to “Seven” where the serial killer does not enter the film until the final scenes.Throughout the story it follows two detectives, Somerset and Mills. Somerset played by Morgan Freeman is a very organised and very experienced detective who takes the leading role in their partnership. Mills on the other hand played by young Brad Pitt is an enthusiastic and eager character who without the guidance from a more experienced detective would rush into dangerous situations. He is also married to a woman played by Gwyneth Paltrow who is an innocent, kind, welcoming character who has a huge impact on the film in the later scenes. The story evolves around solving 7 murders relating to each 7 deadly sin, gluttony, envy, wrath, greed, sloth, pride and lust. The two characters develop a strong relationship as the story unravels and begin to share the same passion to stop this psychopathic killer John Doe played by Kevin Spacey and the horrific murders he is committing. The film is directed in an extremely effective way in that even though we do not see the killers face or body language throughout the majority of the film we have seen the acts he has committed and this connects with the audiences emotions and they can draw conclusions and be embraced into the mind of this crazed murderer. We also see through these well thought out plans that the killer is extremely intelligent, unlike the “kill everyone” method that Anton Chigurh has in “No country for old men”. His plan resolves in handing himself in to the two detectives with two murders left to complete all his seven murders. This confuses the audience as surely this cannot be the end, he wouldn’t have given up without completing all of his “work” however as we later find out it is all part of the process. John Doe leads the two detectives where to two final murders are going to take place. There is no music throughout the journey just the excited sound of the killers voice and this builds the tension as the neither the audience or the two detectives know what is about to happen. The penultimate murder is the most shocking, a perfectly timed package is delivered to the detectives with head of young detective Mills wife this then triggers Mills to shoot John Doe himself and this concludes the 7 deadly murders and the killer ultimately wins. This concludes the portrayal of bizarre mentality of this man and that he is willing to kill himself so that he can complete all his seven murders. His disturbed plan and method have a huge impact on the thrilling aspect of the film as you cannot work out why someone would do this and what is going to happen next.

The use of sound throughout films however often has the most effect on the audience and gives the film its main thrilling aspect. The iconic section of strings throughout Psycho has a huge effect on building tension and suspense as events unfold and murders begin to occur. When the music occurs throughout the film it highlights to the viewers that something bad is going to happen and gives them a sense of unknowing and anxiety for what is going to happen. This puts the audience on the edge of their seat and Alfred Hitchcock used this use of music extremely well.

In contrast to Hitchcock’s use of music, the film ‘No country for old men’ uses the absence of music throughout the film to create an uneasy and tense atmosphere. The removal of music means that the audiences emotions and feelings throughout the film are affected by the story and characters rather than the music. This method seems unconventional as they’re are thoughts that this could make the film dull and emotionless the absence of sound is incredibly vital in drawing the audience in and leaving them almost breathless at the events that are happening. For example, in the scene in which the character Anton Chigurh is closing in on his money at the motel in which the protagonist Llewelyn Moss is hiding, there is no sound throughout the scene apart from the ticking sound of Anton’s money tracker and this creates an incredibly tense atmosphere as it speeds up when moving closer to the money and the viewers begin to fear for the life on the other characters. “Seven” uses a mixture of silence and low, tense music to creates a uneasy, murky atmosphere throughout the film as the plot thickens and as they get closer  to finding the next clue and solving the murders. The opening credits have almost jittery and edgy use of music. This gives a first impression to the audience of the atmosphere and setting the film is going to have. In some sections such as when the two detectives are investigating an area where the killer may be hiding there is no music and just the sound of the rain falling in the background. This is used extremely well as it focuses the audience on the scene and creates an intimate relationship between the viewers and the emotion of the characters.

In all three thrillers discussed above the use of techniques and conventions of the thriller genre are used very effectively and have an impact on the psychological and emotional mindset if the viewers. They have all used mixtures of silence and low tense music that builds up to create tension and have the audience on the edge of their seats. The use of characters and casting is also extremely beneficial to the films thrilling aspect as the acting and writing draws the audience into the story line, this means that when a certain character is in the shot all focus is on him and every action and event that takes place throughout the film affects the audience in an emotional or psychological way as you develop a bond between the character and yourself.

Research and Planning

Before our group decided on the final idea to film we sat down as a team and discussed ideas and possible locations and stories to base our film around. This was a long and hard process as each individual in the team had different viewpoints and ideas however using mindmaps and combining ideas we could then decide on a final idea that we would use. An example of our mindmaps is shown here.

We also had multiple ideas for our story line which we eventually combined to create the final idea. These however are our original ideas and thoughts at what the story line could be.

      

           

BBFC Research

BBFC classification of films

The following information is found on http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/ 

The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912. It was set up to protect the public, and especially children, from content which might raise harm risks ,empower the public especially parents, to make informed viewing choices and to recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law.

The U classified films mean “suitable for all” they contain content suitable for ages 4 and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring opposites to any violence, threat or horror.

 

 Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

 These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless 

clearly condemned.

Drugs

Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror

Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence

Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

Suitable only for 15 years and over

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest  terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year old.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.

No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• Where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence 
• Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault 
• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category. 

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

Sex education at ‘18’

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.

Sex works at ‘18’

Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.