Conventions of a thriller

Inception:

However, at the beginning of the scene it is visible that the male character is trying to require something from a secure concealed object for which is a safe. While he is in the safe, he begins to change a brown envelope with an identical envelope, however while in the process to do so he is caught by the owner of the property who have his companion hostage. In order to get his companion back he was required to hand back the stolen envelope. However, the female character is holding a gun to the companions head, but the dominant male character is also holding a gun to the female for a distance. A discussion proceeds to allow the audience to find out that the scene is actually a dream rather than real life. Although the woman sees pain and suffering better than to shoot him in the head, so she shoots the character in the foot instead. The main male character then he slides his gun across the table and slowly walks closer to the other characters, grabs his gun and shooting his friend through the head. By doing this he wakes the character from the dream and the dominant character begins to run through the temple, while the guards and the ceiling of the temple begin to fall upon him. However, once he reaches the end of the temple the windows begin to concave on the character and water begins to pour quickly into the temple. While this is happening the scene flicks back and forth between real life and the dream, as in real life the male dominant character wont wake so they decide to ‘dunk’ the character is a bath of water while strapped to a wooden chair. In the processes the villain also begins to wake. The water in the temple relates closely to the water within the bath, they replicate each other. The information that is revealed lacks depth, and the only time really that the idea of this scene being a dream is leaked through the oriental man, when he says that he knows they are in a dream. However, we can distinguish that the main character is looking for confidential information as he rushes to open the envelope that over the text, in bold lettering says ’confidential’.    

Towards the ending scene the audience are left with the character stood frozen as the water penetrates the glass of the windows as the water floods in. But also the moment where the male character is pushed hard into the bath of water, and the process is shown in slow-motion; the only sound that can be heard is the splashing water. The areas of which have been established is that fact that his in a dream and whilst in the dream he is trying to retrieve vital information. However, many questions can be raised for a variety factors including why do they need the information? What is in the concealed envelope? Why must he be in a dream to gain the information? Who are the characters and what is their purpose in the film? But also, other questions are alarmed of why is the temple beginning to concave? Where is the location and why is it used? The answers in which we need is most importantly what is envelope, as the film seems to be surrounded by the idea of secrecy and hidden factors that are hiding something that shouldn’t be hidden. However, another important question is why can it only be performed in a dream, is too risky if they don’t or is it riskier they do. The idea of a dream creates a sense of supernatural and sci-fi approach, and also adding an additional dimension, maybe using the dream as a metaphor that will be unravel as the film proceeds further. We just don’t know.    

The sounds that begins is non-diegetic sound within the beginning scene, as the sound produced starts with a very low bass beat almost replicating a low trumpet sound that has been muffled out to give the sound an eerie quality. However, a sudden and sharp stop appears, although when the music is picked up again more of an electric vibe appears which I believe to be a single electric guitar being strung very softly. Therefore, this develops the depth of the tension and expands the idea that something exciting may happen. Furthermore, the gun fire is very much the opposite as the noise and the object are both very much seen; creating the realisation of the fact she shot him through the foot. The idea of having diegetic sound is to portray the character further, as a very dominating as she has more authority of the male character but also her attitude to provide more pain and suffer rather than shooting the man outright.  In addition, throughout synchronous sound allowed assistance for the movements of not only the dominant, leading character but also the surrounding. For example, when he was running against time through the crashing building, many stringed instruments assisted his fast pasted actions but also dropped in places where he may have paused and also when he sped up. This represents the beat acting on his movements, as well as replicating him in the form and structure of sound. Further, throughout when the sudden sharp drops occur, it builds up the tension and question the next action within the scene. Although, each set scene has itself own identity of music for which alternates between for which have the same character present in them scenes. Therefore, presenting sound motifs, this presents that the character within the running scene is likely to be in more danger, but also that these characters will have more importance as the whole film unfolds. In contrast, the lack of sound is also distinguished when the character is ‘dunked’ as the noise stops and the scene slows down , however, it is only when he hits the water that the sound for which is ambient sound,  is reintroduced back into the scene. Therefore, showing the impact against the water, but also silence creates tension too. Referring back to the beginning of the scene, the characters exchange in dialogue and the oriental man speak, “that you’re stealing for me or were actually asleep”. This then allows the storyline to be a lot clearer on what the scene is about , for which is a dream. This conversation takes place within the first minute, subverting the tradition of keeping the audience in suspense of what the film shall be about. 

The mise-en scene is firstly presented with the setting and surroundings, as the scene is set in what I believe to be a very traditional and cultural temple with many intricate designs and details upon the walls. This idea of having a very exotic location adhere the thriller stereotype as it is very different to well-known surroundings but it also adds to the mystery and eeriness of what is wanted in a good, capturing thriller. However, the costumes and clothing that the characters are wearing seem to look very smart due to fact they are wearing suits which are more of a formal wear of dress. Although, the oriental man is wearing a very traditional garment beneath his suit, this implies that he still wants his Asian roots to be shown, but also wants to appeal smart. This could also suggest that he owns the property due to fitting evenly within the surrounding Asian features. Furthermore, the lighting that is present within the scene is very staged and artificial as there are no available windows for the lighting to actually get into the building. But, however the exterior of the property is very heavy and the lack of lighting makes the surroundings less visible, making it harder to see and making the audience have to pay particular attention to the scene in order to remain understanding. In addition, the body language exchanged between the characters is very firm and strong to remain the dominance that believes they have as well as power. The characters are trying to portray themselves as having a higher authority in order to outsmart each other, but also push fear into the faces of each other to produce intimidation.  

  

The editing for which appeared the scene was a shot-reverse-shot; this is incorporated during the conversion between the characters at the beginning of the scene. Therefore, this allows the facial expression of the characters to be shown as well as their reactions towards the dialogue used. However, it also implies that the characters are aware of their opponent’s presents and maintain focus on the character to be fully prepared for the next movement they shall take, remaining fully aware. Additionally, a cut is presented whilst the dominant character is running through the temple; this shows the adjusting surroundings falling around and among the characters. However, the cut is also very fast displaying the action in the cut, as well as the character having a weapon and hunching his shoulder in order to have a little protection from the falling items. In contrast, the continuity editing that is visible in the scene is cutting back and forth between the man in the dream, and also the man trying to woken up outside of the dream. This allows the audience to maintain understanding of what is going on externally, but also internally. By having this edit, it creates a clear narrative and a clear distinction between what is real and what is literally in their imagination. Lastly, the finale piece of editing was slow motion; this appears when the male character is pushed into the bath of water. Therefore, this shows all the impact of the water clashing against the character and how hard the character is plunged into the water. However, this moment of slowness contrasts effectively against the fast, action pace of the other content within the scene.  

The camera angles for which have been incorporated into the scene is an over-shoulder –shot in the safe at the stage when he was retrieving the envelope from the safe. The over-the-shoulder shot is used to actually show no identity as no face is seen of who the character is. Therefore, this creates more of suspense of who the character is and how significant they are to the scene, but also the film. By not showing his face to begin with creates the idea of him only being male due to the frame of his hands. However, a close up shot has been used when the companion of the main characters eyes are shown. This portrays his expressions but also the moment of him actually opening his eyes. Allowing the audience to know his awake and question the next steps of the character. Finally, the long shot that is visible outside of the dream in what seems to be a hotel room. By having this long shot, allows the surroundings to be shown very clearly: this allows the scene to be set and making it easily visible to the audience where the scene is. However, the circumstances present the pressure of what there doing causes.  

The conventions and techniques in which I would like to incorporate into my own scene are the special effects in which they have used mainly in the crumbling building scene  as I find it creates an action to the thriller, giving the thriller character and something to stand out from other thrillers. The crumbling also suggests a professional feel and it is clear to see a great deal of money has been used to create this special effect. I like the idea of the crumbling reflecting the character waking up, allowing the realisation that this is all but just dream.The metaphor extends to show the creativity and thought that has been put into bring imagination and reality into one. Exploring real-life and the inner thoughts of the mind. I understand that in our opening to a thriller we won't be able to make something that is on such a large scale and that costs  lots of money as the budget we have is nothing or very little, but we could replicate the crumbling in the idea of mental disfigurement crumbling, in the sense of someones life falling apart around them. However, I feel that with little money it would pretty hard to get something near or similar. We could however use CGI or software programs to generate this effect. When the water enters the scene we could film in a local swimming pool and create the idea of the building being underwater. Then merging the two scenes in order to complete a similar effect, but on a more realistic scale and budget. The equipment they have used is clearly very advanced along with professionally trained staff that are at hand, making it a whole lot easier for them. In contrast, we could require investments from investors, meaning more budget to play with and create the scene to a similar quality to what is present.