Suspense Film Openings

 

    For this blog post, I will be analyzing 3 different film openings for my film genre: suspense. In doing this, I will be able to fully analyze what elements of suspense are commonly used by directors and obtain an understanding as to how to effectively use them in my project.

Suspense Film Opening #1: A Quiet Place (2018)

    In researching suspenseful film openings, a commonly referred to sequence is the one for "A Quiet Place." I decided to analyze this opening because I believe that this is a perfect example of a modern, popular film utilizing suspenseful elements in its display of the plot. I also believe that with the lack of audio in this introduction, I will be able to fully dissect the actions and events the author had intended for these scenes.

    

    

    In the introductory sequence of "A Quiet Place," we are introduced to a father silently and carefully taking a loud toy out of his son's hands. This helps to first build the narrative that there is something wrong in this world. This is further exemplified through the unkept streets, dusty cars, and newspaper headline "It's Sound!" In the portrayal of these elements, the audience connects all of them to the idea that society has now collapsed in the face of a danger related to sound. The opening also helps to create a sympathetic feeling to the family displayed, with the father calmly explaining to the son that he can't have the loud toy and batteries and the mother smiling down at him in love. However, because she felt bad for the child who couldn't have the space shuttle toy, the daughter gives him the toy but not the batteries, silently telling him to be quiet. The boy then disobeys and grabs the batteries. This first section of the film also helps to display how the family is adapting to life in this new world. We can see this through the family not wearing shoes and having to walk very far to return to their house. A defining characteristic of this opening is the lack of sound, only utilizing tense sound for the scene between the father and son. This was purposefully done by the director of the film, because when the son activates the loud toy during their trek home, it is unexpected and not caught on camera. This helps to create a sense of shock and peril in the main characters and audience. We then see the shocked and scared reactions of the family, with the father trying and failing to outrun the fast monster trying to reach his son. In showing a blurry, but huge and fast monster, the creators of the movie are able to show the audience the threat displayed throughout the entirety of the introduction while still maintaining the mystery around it.

    In my analysis of the opening, I have been able to clearly see what the creators of the film were trying to create through a lack of audio information. In restricting the amount of assets that they have, they are able to create more focus and emphasis on the slight sounds they do use in these scenes and the movie overall. This, in association with the mysterious threat and small details such as the characters having no shoes, create a believable and dangerous world for the audience to enjoy. I will be using this information by emphasizing the detail and elements that I want to accentuate and set up the rest of the plot of my film.

Suspense Film Opening #2: Jaws (1977)

    For my research on suspenseful film openings, I had decided to use the first scenes from the movie "Jaws." With the introduction of this film being an iconic moment of film history, I believed that it would be a perfect example of suspense done in films as it uses both mystery and action to set up its central plot.

    In the first shots of the opening to "Jaws," we are introduced to a drunken man and woman looking at each other during a beach gathering at night. In showing their eyes between cuts to the two, we can clearly see that the two like each other, causing them to begin talking in the following shot. Although we can't hear what they say, they begin to run together towards the water, taking off their clothes as they sprint towards the ocean. In showing the two different characters taking off their clothes, we can clearly see the drunken man is struggling to run and take off his clothing compared to the woman. This eventually culminates in the man's inability to reach the ocean, leaving the woman to swim out into the sea alone. We then receive a shot of the woman inside the water swimming on the surface coupled with sudden music, creating an unsettling feeling for the audience. This is then accentuated with the slow camera movement towards the now still woman, with the iconic and tense music beginning to slowly build up as the camera moves closer. The woman is then violently moved around by a creature below her, causing her to eventually be taken under after screaming and shouting in the water all alone. In doing this, the creators of the movie maintain the mystery surrounding what exactly attacked the woman while still showing the gruesome death of the woman. This is aided by initially showing a shot of the ocean and basic sea noises, and after the woman is killed, the ocean continues to make the same noises at the same angle. In doing this, the creators are able to create the idea that the sea had enveloped the woman, causing the same conditions to be present before and after her death.

    For my analysis of the opening, I believe that it portrayed the common elements of a suspenseful film opening. It not only displayed a mysterious threat that it didn't reveal, but it had set up the plot for the rest of the movie through an initial reveal of information. I think I will use the information for these first two openings by not revealing the whole of my plot and only focusing on the introductory details to the it. In this way, I will be able to focus on their execution, increasing audience engagement and the overall strength of the opening.

Suspense Film Opening #3: Rear Window (1954)

    I had decided to research the opening for "Rear Window," because I believed that although it wouldn't have the action or mystery of "Jaws," or "A Quiet Place," it would still display the basic information for an iconic suspenseful movie by Alfred Hitchcock. 

    

    In the introductory shots to "Rear Window," the camera slowly begins to move towards a windowsill, revealing a cramped apartment complex. In the following shots, we are shown the surrounding apartment windows and buildings, with individual people in their windows living their life. In doing this, the movie reveals its major strength, which is its portrayal of surrounding background characters. This helps to not only exemplify the feeling that it is a real neighborhood, but it builds the setting for the movie that is to take place. We are then introduced to a man in a leg cast and wheelchair trying to rest in the initial windowsill. The camera then cuts to his desk, which is filled with memorabilia such as pictures and cameras, making it evident that his profession is a photographer. In the following shot of the man shaving while looking out the window, we are given information about him and his situation through a phone call he is on, such as how long he will have the cast on and how he is in his job. This helps to build a personal level between the character and audience. As he is having this conversation, he looks at his apartment neighbors and surrounding events such as a helicopter flying, helping to create a realistic city atmosphere. This eventually culminates in a prolonged shot of an apartment with a woman and man arguing. This coincides with the conversation on the phone talking about how there are nagging wives in the man's neighborhood. In the use of this harsh adjective, we can clearly see that the creator of the film is trying to use this to say the conversation between that man and woman isn't friendly. This is supported by the emphasis on their specific apartment and the tension between the two as they speak to each other.

    In my analysis of this opening, I saw that this movie had been able to set up the central conflict of the story extremely well, portraying it as a small and regular argument among the huge amount of windows and people. The specific focus on the man and woman arguing however helps to display the feeling that in this precise area, there is a problem among a general amount of happy and normal individuals. This is perfect when not wanting to reveal details but also identify problems in the setting of the film. I will be able to use this information by possibly having my central plot in characters be first built up to be portrayed as normal before revealing or hinting at issues with them or their surroundings.

    In the analysis and examinations of these 3 film openings, I now have a more thorough understanding of the different tactics film directors have used in displaying their plots. Although these films were made in different eras of Hollywood, they all share a similar theme of introducing story elements in an interesting and engaging manner or setting up the central plot. This was seen in "A Quiet Place," and "Rear Window," where we are introduced to the world that our main characters are living in and the conditions they are under. However, for "Jaws," we are only introduced to the central conflict, with the girl being killed by the shark. In these differences, we can clearly see the directors shifting the possibilities of opening the movie to coincide with how much information they want to reveal to the audiences.

    I believe that these openings were vital to the heightening of my knowledge relating to the topic. This is because I now know that I can introduce the central plot or idea in a unique and engaging way, not having to reveal the full extent of the story. In this way, my project will increase in quality and in storytelling, with our opening focusing more on the small details rather than trying to capture the full extent of our plot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpVxUvVXkGY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fnWMVv7q6g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_E5ZKX3XZc

Portfolio Project Schedule

    

    In order to accurately organize our tasks in creating this project, me and my group created a breakdown of our tasks along into a weekly schedule of the assignments that should be accomplished by that week. In doing this, we are going to have dedicated time towards different sections of our project, allowing our work to increase in quality as a result.

Breakdown:

• Research
• Discuss plans
• Identify specific genre
• Analyze different film openings and scene credits
• Analyze Media Theory linkage
• Planning
• Begin and finalize script and storyboard
• Hold first group meeting
• Plan mise-en-scene
• Organize audio plan
• Production
• Create company
• Begin and finalize film production
• Develop audio
• Editing
• Begin and finalize/revise editing
• Revisioning
• Revise and check work
• CCR
• Begin and finish researching CCR
• Post-Production CCR

Weekly Schedule:

• Week 1 (1/16-1/23) - Research
• Discuss plans
• Identify specific genre (learn about chosen genre)
• Week 2 (1/26 - 2/1) - Research 
• Analyze different film openings & credit scenes
• Begin script and storyboard
• Week 3 (2/2 - 2/8) - Research/Planning 
• Media Theory linkage
• Finalize script and storyboard
• Hold first group meeting
• Week 4 (2/9 - 2/15) - Planning
• Character development 
• Plan mise-en-scene
• Organize audio
• Week 5 (2/16 - 2/22) - Production
• Begin film production
• Develop audio
• Create Company 
• Week 6 (2/23 - 3/1) - Production/Editing
• Finalize filming production
• Begin editing process
• Week 7 (3/2 - 3/8) - Editing/Research (CCR)
• Begin researching CCR
• Finalize/revise editing
• Week 8 (3/9 - 3/17) - CCR
• Finish researching CCR
• Post-production CCR
• Revise everything

    I believe that by this initial setup of our project, we will be able to have dedicated time to have pure creative control and thought over what we want to do with this project. This will ensure that we not only reach the requirements of the task at hand, but also make something that we are proud of. I especially think that with this schedule, me and my team can make sure that we do not fall behind in our duties to fully complete our project, allowing the project to receive a higher quality.

Possible filming locations for our project:

Weston Regional Park, Florida

Weston Library Park, Florida

Weston Commons, Florida

https://miamionthecheap.com/weston-regional-park-offers-playgrounds-with-shades-sports-amenities/

https://www.westonfl.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/22/239

https://realestate.nuveen.com/retail/publix-at-weston-commons/

Lighting Schemes Blog Post Research

Lighting Schemes Research

What is it and how is it used in film?

        Lighting schemes are specific illumination techniques used by the producers of a piece of work in order to capture a particular tone or storytelling element. This can be achieved through artificially created light sources that help to act as controllable tool for the directors and content creators. With the use of these devices, by Gaffers, the management behind a production can use it for any intended purpose that they may have for it, aiding to the atmosphere and overall plot of their project.

    We can plainly see this come to life in the hit 1982 film "Blade Runner." In this film, a dystopian sci-fi film, our protagonist Deckard is a blade runner, with an objective to be to destroy 4 sentient robots before they meet their creator. In this action movie, the film makers use a mix of special effects, music, and sound effects in order to convey a feasible futuristic setting that also helps to engage the viewer. For specifically the lighting, bright neon lights are used to help convey the message that in this world, commercialism and businesses are widespread and are more important than livable space. This is made apparent in the introduction to our main character Deckard, where he is in a cramped street filled with neon advertisements and lights waiting for a seat in a restaurant.

    There are many different elements involved in the usage of artificial light. To be precise, this aspect of a film is closely related to the color of the film, causing the producers of the movie to utilize them in the same manner. For example, they would use darker lighting and cooler colors to convey a tone of possible loneliness or sadness in a particular scene of a production. On big productions, a Gaffer is especially needed because there are many aspects to consider in the achievement of a scene such as that. In order to achieve a saddened or depressed feeling, you have to account for the strength of the artificial light bulb as well as the temperature. This could allow for different colors at different heat settings, with cooler colors being created at higher temperatures and warm colors being made at lower temperatures.

    This information also has to be weighed alongside the factor of incidental light, which is how much of the light is actually reaching the subject. This can help to further convey the message or point of a segment in a movie, helping to portray a faded or intense atmosphere in that moment. In the usage of these factors and overall information, it is clear that in order to properly use artificial lighting, it must be properly planned and executed for the intended meaning to work.

    I plan to use this information relating to artificial lighting by considering its different aspects in indoor scenes. To be exact, with sequences that take place inside, I would be able to have full creative control over how I want a scene to look, being able to experiment with different colors and lighting styles. This can help me to fully bring out the meaning I had intended for my shot to carry and entertain my audiences with my creative decisions.

    However, although artificial lighting is vital to controlling the lighting aspects of different scenes, natural light is also widely used in the film industry. This is because it can help to capture an individual shot using natural elements as well as pertain to the storyline being created in the media. However, it is more complicated to complete a natural light scene compared to an artificially lit scene because of the extensive planning needed in relation to the sun. With the scene recording at the perfect time, it will allow for not only the perfect tone and feeling to be created, but also create stunning visuals that will entertain and engage the viewers further into the wider plot. 

    We know this to be the case because of the extremely popular film "Star Wars - A New Hope." To be precise, in this movie, when Luke Skywalker is walking outside of his Aunt and Uncle's home, he stares at the two suns of his home planet. This scene is iconic because it allows for the movie to truly feel like it is taking place on another planet as well as represent his frustrated emotions and attitudes in that moment.

    I plan to use this knowledge to my benefit. In knowing the meticulous planning that goes into naturally lit scenes, I will research the weather and environment of our outside filming locations beforehand to coincide with me and my partner's schedules. In this way, we will be efficient in our filming, allowing us to make the most with the time that we have for those specific moments.

    In the culmination of this huge amount of information, I have learned a lot about how lighting is a key aspect in the film industry. Not only does it help support a narrative or tone of a scene, but it also allows for emotion to be properly represented in a variety of different ways. I believe that I will now have the knowledge and foresight of this aspect of production so that when the time comes to film, I will be able to accurately execute the ideas I have surrounding my project.

Award-Winning Movies for Cinematography:

Oppenheimer (2023)

1917 (2019)

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Glory (1989)

Apocalypse Now (1979)

https://gamma-sci.com/2022/08/05/cinematic-applications-led-lighting-for-modern-film-sets/?srsltid=AfmBOoqlHDh_udb5EYMEshU8uSxyA_9dOamq6Ew-xlvqjrmoYKxA7Ywj 

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/film-lighting/

https://fiveable.me/key-terms/media-literacy/lighting-and-color-schemes

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083658/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePbK0tiVWKY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ak2jr55fE

https://www.imdb.com/list/ls026321202/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oppenheimer-movie-christopher-nolan-poster-1235184180/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2019/11/25/review-1917-might-be-the-best-movie-of-2019/

https://www.zinnedproject.org/materials/glory-film/

https://www.imdb.com/de/title/tt0078788/

Transition Into Portfolio Project

 

    For my portfolio project, I wanted to initially research topics that I have a lot of knowledge  so that I can use it for the introduction. This is specifically why I chose to research both the action and suspense film genres because of the information I have in how these movies operate and are overall successful. 

                                                                   

                   (Die Hard: 1988)

           (The Silence of the Lambs: 1991)

    In creating my introduction, I also want to use the vast amount of background information that I had gathered from the action and suspense genres. Even though I knew the major features regarding these categories of film, I didn't fully understand the techniques and strategies used to make these productions such a success. So, for the project, in the limited amount of time that we have, I want to include a strong plot that doesn't reveal too much but does display the common themes and qualities of the genre that I chose.

    I had decided to work with my group partners, Vanessa and John Paul, for the project and I initially began to suggest possible ideas for our project, revolving around a suspense or action based narrative. We then decided on a story about a young boy being bullied and then obtaining revenge against his bully. We are going to be able to build the story more as we continue through our time, which will allow us to make sure that the execution of our ideas are the best that they can be.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard

https://www.vintagemovieposters.co.uk/shop/silence-of-the-lambs-movie-poster/

Portfolio Project Genre #2

Suspense Genre:  

    In researching for my portfolio project, I have decided to fully research two categories: action and suspense films. For this blog post, I will be focusing on the suspense genre of films and why their main audiences enjoy them as well as common techniques used in the production and marketing of the category.

    Suspense films are a genre of movies in which the audience knows what will happen more often than the characters in the movie. This is achieved through a process of introducing instability, then creating emotional attachment to the character, and an outcome from the tension that has been building up. In this repeated process, the suspense films are able to entertain their audiences throughout the entirety of their productions.

    We can see the success of this framework in movies such as "The Silence of the Lambs," where the plot revolves around an FBI agent and an intelligent cannibalistic serial killer, with the agent trying to obtain information and help to catch a kidnapper from the murderer. In this film's portrayal of the dynamic between the two sides, they are able to show intense sequences of dialogue that raise tension. They would then end the conversations with an eventual revelation of information, giving purpose to the events in the first place. In doing this, the film is able to create a strong series of intense dialogue that not only grabs the attention of the audience but also add to the story. For my project, I will utilize this information by frequently displaying tense sequences that are uncut. In this way, the tension of the scene is able to naturally build up as it had with "The Silence of the Lambs."

(The Silence of the Lambs: 1991)

    The main audiences that enjoy the suspense genre are mainly younger and middle-aged audiences, particularly women from the ages of 15-34. This is because it creates a feeling of intensity and uncertainty for the audience, and in doing this, the film genre creates an immersive atmosphere that the viewers are instantly drawn to. In addition, with the lowered attention spans often associated with Gen-Z, it allows for increased success with films that are consistently stimulating and engaging the audiences. This reflects throughout the entire suspense genre, with spectators always being interested in the intense storyline and tactics used to convey it. I'll use this information to my advantage by condensed sequences of intensity to keep viewers entertained throughout my entire project.

    For the editing of the suspense genre, it heavily relies on uncut sequences of dialogue or events, the use of unconventional angles such as Dutch angles, and a series of close-up shots. In the usage of these unique editing techniques, the overall category is able to gain a specific and defined feeling when you are watching it. Additionally, in this genre, lighting is used in low-key lighting in order to support that cautious and tense atmosphere created with the editing of the production. The unnerving feeling generated from these ideas allow the plot to be supported by unusual and intriguing camera shots and lighting. I will use this information by making sure my project includes low lighting and uncut shots backed up by close-up shots of the character. This will help to build the feeling of suspense and initial relatability to the main character.

    For the marketing of suspense films, they rely on their carefully edited and framed scenes in order to create an atmosphere of mystery and uncertainty for the audience. In choosing scenes that specifically express uncertainty and fear, the trailer is able to pull in more viewers in the condensed format that it is shown through. Furthermore, by slowly revealing the underlying plot of the film, the trailer is able to build tension alongside its plot progression, increasing viewer engagement. Through the usage of carefully selected scenes coupled with the tension-building sound and lighting elements, the movie is able to distinctly present itself and its qualities without giving away key plot details. I will use this knowledge by not divulging in the backstory of my main character immediately and instead build the initial plot of the story through what they are doing.

    An example of the advertising is seen in the film Nuremberg, where in the 1st official trailer of the movie, they include low key lighting, a gradual revealing of the plot, and condensed scenes of intense dialogue and action. In doing this, the film exemplifies the properties of a suspenseful film, slowly revealing the storyline as well as including a tense and important atmosphere.

    

(Nuremberg: 2025)

    In the usage of these different techniques editing, marketing, and lighting techniques, I will be able to create an engaging and suspenseful intro that will be able to actively portray the plot through a mysterious lens. In doing this, I will have successfully created a suspenseful opening that clearly exemplifies the qualities of the genre.

    Here are some of my favored suspense films that I will hopefully be able to use as inspiration in the creation of my introduction. 

(Heat: 1995)

(Take Shelter: 2011)

(Jaws: 1975)

(The Fugitive: 1993)

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-suspense-definition/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102926/

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/elements-of-suspense/

https://indiefilmhustle.com/hitchcock-create-suspense/

https://theasc.com/articles/terror-through-lighting#:~:text=The%20makers%20of%20suspense%20and,t%20reach%20for%20a%20light?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Silence_of_the_Lambs_%28film%29

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29567915/mediaindex/

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1675192/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106977/

Portfolio Project Genre #1

Action Genre:

    In researching for my portfolio project, I have decided to fully research two categories: action and suspense films. For this blogpost, I will be focusing on the action genre of movies with what makes them so appealing to their core audiences and common features of them.

    Action films are stories where there is a clear hero/villain dynamic established through clear actions and motivations made apparent as the story progresses. These films also include goal-based plots, fast-paced narratives and shots, and assets such as CGI and stuntmen. A perfect representation of this is in the film "Die Hard," which utilizes a strong protagonist and heavy amounts of fast-paced action sequences that involve shooting and explosions.

(Die Hard: 1988)

    The main target audience for action films are younger demographics, especially males, from the ages of 18-34. This is because with the intense plot lines and huge amount of action involved in these films, they are heavily entertained and engaged. Also, at movie theaters, young audiences will be heavily engaged in the strong visual and sound aspects of action films. 

    For my portfolio project, I will use this information along with the shortened attention spans of Gen-Z in order to continuously use fast-paced cuts coupled with engaging visuals and storyline. I will also make sure to include realistic but quick dialogue with defined protagonists so that the audience will be able to connect to my story. This is represented through the famous "SEAL Team," show, where genuine military units were used to help create realistic war sequences that would heavily engage the audience due to its authenticity. 

  (Seal Team: 2017-2024)

    

    I will apply this to my own project in acknowledging what realistic actions would be taken by the protagonist and antagonist in their roles in the plot. In doing this, my film would become more realistic and appreciated for its attention to detail, heightening the engagement the audience has to the production.

    For the editing of the action film genre, it is heavily reliant on quick cuts between events during a sequence of action. This allows for more attention to be given to the film by consistently stimulating audiences and moving the plot along. Additionally, loud explosions and fast-paced music are utilized by these productions to couple with the entertaining action scenes that they are trying to create.

    Furthermore, for the action genre, the advertising is a very centralized and simplified structure. To be specific, the marketing of an action film revolves around condensed sequences of action, a brief explanation of the plot, and exposure for the major actors associated with the project. The marketing also includes minimal dialogue as well as the large action aspects of the film such as huge explosions and revelations in the plot of the production. This aids the movie in gaining prestige as well as attention through its engaging features, effects, and plot. 

    Action films also heavily market the star of their film alongside their smaller cast members. They achieve this through branding them on their major movie posters as well as trailers, teasers, and their advertisements overall. In doing this, the audience is able to develop brand recognition for the film and closely associate the production with its main character.  For my project, I would be able to use this by using the major stars of my film throughout my opening, having them become instantly recognizable and synonymous with the project.

    In the using of all of these resources, I will be able to create a condensed, action-filled sequence of events that heavily exemplify the action genre while keeping viewers engage. In this way, I will be successful in executing a classic action opening with an entertaining plot that makes sense.

    Here are some of my favorite action films that I am hoping to use for inspiration in creating my project.

 

(Mission: Impossible: 1996)

(The Fast and the Furious: 2001)

(Top Gun: Maverick: 2022)

(Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: 1981)

(Star Wars: A New Hope: 1977)

 

                            

https://the-jh-movie-collection-official.fandom.com/wiki/Action_film

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far/

https://nofilmschool.com/action-genre

https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?title_type=feature&genres=action&sort=num_votes,desc

https://diehard.fandom.com/wiki/Die_Hard

https://www.amazon.com/Seal-Team-Complete-DVD/dp/B0DPB964Y3

https://fastandfurious.fandom.com/wiki/Fast_%26_Furious_(franchise)

https://vidiotsfoundation.org/movies/raiders-of-the-lost-ark/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1745960/

https://moviedatabase.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Wars_Episode_IV:_A_New_Hope

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117060/