Setting-The setting for the beginning of Se7en is an unknown area. The shots used (close ups) don't show enough evidence to give an actual known location. The dark, dreary atmosphere along with rain creates tension and suspense. A generic city is used showing a mysterious and gloomy outlook.Props-During the opening scene of Se7en a metronome is used this signifies counting of time and can also connotate the wasting of time.Characters-The two main characters in Se7en are;Sommerset (Morgan Freeman) the patient one of the two he is also an analytical thinker.Mills (Brad Pitt) the most aggressive of the two; he would prefer to take action straight away rather than think out a logical strategy.These two characters are the opposites in several ways; race, personality, dress sense, age, relationship status, experience. These all conflict each other and keeps the audience intrigued as to how they will be able to work together. The relationship between the two men is also like a Father/son relationship with Sommerset regularly helping Mills out in difficult situations. Narrative-The narrative of the film is centered around the number 7. This can suggest:
- The seven deadly sins; the main plot of the film.
- A countdown till Sommerset's retirement
- The days of the week in which the murders happens
Titles-
Graphics, Props and Sound-
Props:During the titles for Se7en many props were used to signify different things.
Pages of old books signified the passing of time. This also shows the knowledge of the killer; he is educated and has purpose. As well as this he is shown stitching pages of books together this can connotate unnatural behaviour.A razor that is used to cut his fingerprints off is keeping the person anonymous. This brings relevance to the name the killer chose to change his name to - John Doe making him unidentifiable.The American dollar that he is cutting the word 'God' out of has a big significance to the film. The phrase he is cutting to word out of 'In God We Trust' can suggest that he thinks god isn't relevant to society anymore or that he is trying to play God in the acts he is carrying out. He is shown blacking out the eyes of his victim on a photo. The eyes are said to be 'the gateway to the sole' suggesting he wants the victim to remain anonymous and have no attachment to them; he is a sociopath.Sound:
The sound used during the titles of Se7en creates dramatic tension the whole way through. The musics screechy pitch reminds the audience of nails on a chalk board and the repetitive rhythm can connotate a heartbeat signifying the passing of time.Graphics:
The main colour used was black and white (monochrome) this links into several things; the race of the two main characters as well as good and evil (Sommerset+Mills and John doe) and purity and darkness. Another colour regularly used is red this reminds the audience of anger and blood. The writing is sketchy to suggest the state of mind the killer is in; he is psychotic.Quick flashes of images and text are shown they are almost subliminal messages making them stick in the audiences mind.Ghosting is often used in the titles of Se7en putting one frame on top of the other in sync connotates the passing of time and the unnatural feel to it all.Se7en is a successful thriller because it uses all the codes and conventions of a traditional thriller film as well as less traditional techniques. The colour sound and settings during the title used creates tension and suspense. As well as this the images used almost give away the script although unless the audience has seen the film before this isn't obvious. instead as the plot continues they can gradually link the story into the titles.
Narrative-The narrative of Red Eye starts in 3 different strands the first shows that the film is based around the first character we see. Several pictures of a woman is shown from this we can deduce she is well educated and sporty (foreshadowing). The next strand is about a wallet an unidentified character is shown stealing the wallet later on in the titles another picture in the wallet is shown suggesting this person is an important character in the film. The last strand is of an industrial dockyard. here the crate is shown to hold something important, but it isn't clear to the audience what it is therefor keeps them guessing.Thriller Codes and Conventions-The film Red Eye uses many traditional Thriller codes and conventions for example;
- There is something hidden in the crate this creates mystery - enigma
- The initials JR on the wallet gets the audience asking questions - who is JR?
- Not reveling any identities creates mystery
- The typical henchman shows aggressive behaviour (opening envelope)
- The false ID - espionage
Camerawork-
Many different camera shots were used for different effects for example; close ups/extreme close ups were used to emphasise detail that the director wanted the audience to know (close up on the wallet to show the initials JR). A jerky hand shot shows the audience the characters point of view followed by tracking shots to follow the characters and action as it happened. The title scene ended with a low angle establishing shot of the hotel showing that it is an important part of the narrative.Mise-En-Scene-The scene starts in what seems to be the main characters house. The light homely feel gives the audience a sense of security. This then contrasts with the next scene which is of the industrial dock yard. The dark mysterious location creates suspicion in the audience.
The next clip is showing the blueprints for a lower level floor plan of a penthouse. During this scene you see the wallet again. When the cards inside the wallet are thrown away it suggests that this isn't about money. The use of photos (like in the first shot) to show the characters is used when the wallet is opened up and shows the 2 pictures; one of the woman we think to be the main character, and a new character (the wallets owner JR?). The way the camera zooms in on this picture suggests he is an important person in this scenario.Here we can also link the industrial dockyard into the scene as on the crate that is being moved it says 'Florida' this also is shown on the card in the wallet. Sound-The music starts off fast paced which instantly creates tension and suspense this makes the audience wonder whats going to happen. What sounds like an aeroplane rev is heard this is used to give the audience a clue to the plot. In the first scene a psychological beat is used it goes quiet to mirror the shot. Diegetic sounds (the creaking of the door) are now used along with none diegetic sounds to create tension. The music starts to pick up pace as the action starts in the film this builds up to a crescendo. orchestral music makes it seem mysterious and each different sequence now has its own music sound. from here diegetic sound is emphasised more e.g the ripping of the envelope and each of the instruments have started to link up and get louder. The music ends by being linked into the shot; a person banging on the back of the van is synced into the last two beats of the music.Editing-Different editing techniques are used to make the audience feel a specific way. foreshadowing is used at the start of the shot to make the audience feel curious. crosscutting shows different shots quickly and slow dissolves are used to give a gradual transmission between locations. nearer the end of the scene the time between each shot gets less this then links into the musics pace to create excitement.Graphics-The titles are shown monochrome (black and white) this can connotate good and evil. They are shown on a blank background moving into the distance.'Red Eye' are the last words to be shown like this. It is coloured in red to give the audience the idea of blood. The next set of titles are shown by putting text over an image. these are Produced, written and then directed by. This is done so that the audience pays more attention on what is happening in the scene instead of the writing.
Narrative-
State of play is a political thriller. The film has a clear beginning, middle and end which shows equilibrium. Opening with a chase scene intrigues the audience as to whats going on, this also involves them in the drama and makes them want to find out what happens later in the film.Thriller Codes And Conventions-During the opening scene the chaser remains unseen until the last seconds of the scene adding drama to the shot and creating mystery. another factor in the scene that creates mystery is the briefcase which instantly makes the audience wonder whats in it.Camera work-The Chase scene uses a wide variety of shots during the short amount of time it is shown. Each type used is chosen to give a specific effect for example; Still shots like pans and tilts are used to set the scene with an establishing shot this is followed by a hand held/stedy cam following the man. To create suspense the camera then switches to low and high angled shots showing that the emphasis is on watching him. Jerky camera effects connotate peril and danger as well as close ups of the man to show emotions. During this time the two men are kept in separate shots clearly showing one is the chaser and one is being chased. points of view shots are now introduced giving the pizza mans perspective before getting shot. to end the chase scene a forward tracking shot to the man who was previously being chased face showing hes still alive and creating drama which the audience will therefor be intrigued to watch further.Mise-En-Scene-The establishing shot of Washington shows the city at night. The effect of it being Dark but also raining creates suspense as well as the the naturalistic action of the extras/characters that is used to make it believable. The alleyway that is shown is used to connotate evil in the city as we later find out in the scene when the men get shot. The assassin is shown to be professional once again making it more believable.Sound- The ominous sounds (helicopters/sirens) of the city are used to set the scene this then links to the none diagetic music which later builds up to a crescendo. To create suspense to this diagetic sounds for example panting are heard. The mans last breaths are also heard at the end of the shot to add drama to the scene.Editing-Slow takes and basic cuts are used throughout the scene as match on action is the main form of editing throughout the opening. The camera doesn't cross cut between chaser and chasee as the Assassin is kept as anonymous as possible until the last couple of seconds in the scene. Editing however increases speed throughout the last couple of minutes showing the chaotic nature of the chase (shots here last between 1 and 3 seconds).Graphics-Logos are shown at the start of the film followed by titles which are then seen over the action of the opening scene. these are all shown in the same colour; blue, red and white. These connotate the American flag and link back to American politics.
Narrative structure-The basic outline to the opening sequence is-
- Two strangers meet on a train
- Bruno imposes himself upon the the man he meets (tennis player)
- He then suggests they swap murders (creating the perfect murder with no motive)
- By the end of the sequence Bruno takes it seriously whereas the tennis player doesn't.
The narrative to the film is to create the idea of fate or destiny.
Thriller Codes and Conventions-
The unidentifiable characters here creates mystery and is one of the many well known codes and conventions of the thriller genre.
Camera Work -
The cameras are used here to set the shot up so the audience knows they are destined to meet. However the low angles of the shots are used to keep the identity of the characters hidden creating mystery. Shot-reverse-shot is used as well as the 180 degree rule to show the conversation between the characters upon meeting yet still keeping the identities unknown.
Mise-En-Scene-
A taxi is used in the first shot of the film as it is an anonymous way of traveling therefor keeping the people intrigued as to who this character is. The shot of the entrance is shown for the audience to see the amount of people in the train station (all strangers) once again creating this idea of fate as he is destined to meet one particular person.The train is used as a metaphore for life (lifes journey) aswell at the tracks which connotate the different paths you can choose. The changes in directions suggests that life does change direction and that you cant go back (just like a train)
Sound-
Omonous, creepy sounds are linked to Brunos feet intreguing the audience as to whether he is the protagonist or the antagonist in the film. The music helps signify when the two characters meet aswell as showing somethings about to happen. In general the music in the opening scene is old fashioned, loud and not at all creepy it can even be said to be slightly cartoonish (e.g tom and jerry style) this type of music doesnt fit in with the stereotypical thriller genre which therefor entises the audience to continue to watch.
Editing-
The main type of editing used in the opening scene is crosscutting between the two characters this aswell as the music being insync with the characters helps establish a connection. Many shot-reverse-shots are used to show the conversation between the characters when they finally come together on the train.
Graphics-
The titles of the film are shown in a chaligraphy style font. The text is big and bold aswell as being in monochrome which adds drama and effect.
