Preparing Film Elements

   Aside from our storyboard, this week our team is officially beginning to plan our film. For example, we are now considering exactly what elements will be going into our film including who our actors will be, what film equipment we will need, and what props we may need among other elements. Ultimately, this week we finally have a complete list of what we will require to make this film successful and to convey the mood/theme.

• Actors: Our actors will all be from within our group, including Erin, Josh, and myself. Erin and myself will be playing the murderous criminals, while Josh will play the victim as the innocent runner.
• Costumes: To convey Erin and I's villainous nature, the two of us will simply be wearing dark clothes and masks to create confusion and fear of our identity. Meanwhile, to develop Josh's innocence, he will be wearing plain running clothes.
• Props: The only props we will require will be two cars (we will use Erin's car as well as mine). One car will be following Josh, while the other car will simply turn on its headlights to spook Josh in the beginning of the film and create suspense/foreshadowing. Also, we will require a baseball bat as, in one of the last scenes of the film opening, Erin will swing a bat at Josh to knock him out.
• Locations: Since we will be using a moving car and Josh will be on a run, we will be filming on a dimly lit street on Marco Island as it will likely be quiet and not too busy.
• Dates/times: The film has no specific time period so any weekend coming up will work, and we will be filming in the evening where there is just barely light left in the sky. This darkness with a hint of light will create suspense and fear as the darkness holds feelings of "unknown".
• Scripts: Our film will be not have speaking so as to create suspense, thus the only type of scripting we will need will be directions for the actors as to where they must move and what actions they will need to take. We will be playing music, however, which we will edit to change the intensity and volume to match the mood.
• Film equipment: We will use Maddie's camera, a tripod to stabilize the camera and make smooth scenes, and lighting to clearly show the scenes amid the darkness outside.

Storyboard

   
      My group began the storyboard process through first thinking of a location and time period for the film. We decided that, to contribute to the mystery of the film, an eerie location in darkness would work the best, thus we decided upon a quiet road in the darkness before dawn. Naturally, we also decided that this shot would be an establishing shot to show the isolation of the location. We also decided that throughout the film, the main character would have music playing and that the music would muffle and vary depending on what was happening in the film to create suspense as more dramatic scenes occur. Furthermore, we had to choose how the course of events would go throughout the film. We eventually decided that the main character would start an early morning run and then go through a variety of encounters with a strange car that would ultimately create suspense and lead up to the final scene in which the character is struck with a bat. Ultimately, the storyboard flows through multiple confusing and nerve wracking scenes that lead up to the climax of the baseball bat that transitions into the title scene. After we decided the course of events, we then decided on the shot types each scene would require. For example, scene five would use an over the shoulder shot as the character looks to see what is following him, so viewers feel the same shock that the character feels as they see everything from his perspective.
      In terms of the physical storyboard creation, Maddie helped draw the scenes, Josh and Erin helped to think of the plot, and I helped to consider the different camera angles and sound effects we could implement into the film.

Brainstorming

• I would like to use non-diegetic music that gradually increases in volume, as that tends to provide a feeling of suspense
• I would like to use low key lighting as such lighting will provide a dark, mysterious touch to the mystery film
• I would like to use plenty of over the shoulder shots during action scenes as it will help viewers feel as though, they too, are right in the middle of the drama
• I would like to use close up shots of strange pieces of evidence such as blood drops or various prints
• I would like to implement a clear and relevant title scene that will appropriately introduce viewers to the mysterious elements of the film they are about to watch
• In regard to costume, I would like to implement the use of mysterious effects such as fake blood or fake wounds
• I would like to use flashback to create suspense as viewers try to piece together the relevance between the past and the present
• I would like to use an establishing shot as a means of clearly showing a relevant and thought provoking location that adds to the mystery of the film

      One of the first elements I would like to use in our mystery/detective film opening is non-diegetic music, specifically music that gradually increases in volume. This slow volume progression naturally provokes fear and nervousness in viewers that I believe could help further the mysterious feel of the film opening. Furthermore, I would like to use low key lighting that provides a shadowy effect to the film. Shadows can naturally provoke confusion and fear in viewers as they wonder what lays behind the darkness, thus this lighting would be very useful in provoking a sense of mystery in the film opening. Moreover, I plan to employ many over the shoulder shots during moments of action and drama. Over the shoulder shots naturally include viewers into the film as they see first hand what the characters see, thus during action scenes, viewers will be able to identify with the mystery first hand. Close up shots will also be very important, specifically in showing clues that will help piece together the mystery. For example, we can use close ups for elements of the film such as finger/footprints or blood that will force viewers to see the importance of the element in solving the mystery as though they were the detective themselves. This importance will come naturally, as close ups automatically force viewers to see the element with more attention. Also, through watching the film openings I noticed the importance of a title scene in which the title is shown. Through a good title and title scene that represents the film through elements such as font or background, the whole film can be set up properly through accurately showing viewers what to expect. I also anticipate using specific elements of costume including fake blood/wounds so as to authenticate the sometimes bloody reality of mystery in real life. Our team will likely also use flashback to create suspense as viewers may feel a sense of wonder or anxiety as they put together the past with the current and see the ties. Finally, we may use an establishing shot to help show viewers exactly where the film will take place. Through this shot, if we use a location that provokes mystery such as a dark alley or abandoned area, viewers will automatically understand that this film will be one of mysterious elements.

What Inspired Me?

    Usually upon watching movies with my friends, especially in large groups, we find ourselves giggling and quietly chatting throughout the film. One specific occurrence, however, failed to follow that normalcy. That occurrence was when we all watched Murder on the Orient Express. Having had no previous interest in detective or mystery films, I was shocked to see just how enthralled my friends and, specifically I, were upon watching this film that sparked my interest in the detective/mystery genre. Starting with the very beginning of the film, viewers are immediately thrown into a world of well executed confusion. For example, viewers are first exposed to a close up image of a timer which quickly gives a rushed feeling and then of a close up of eggs which gives a feeling of fragility. This feeling of rush and fragility make viewers feel confused immediately which further advances the mysterious ideals of a detective/mystery film. Similarly, viewers prepare themselves for the setting to be train related (due to the title Murder on the Orient Express), so when the film opens with an establishing shot in a bustling area in Jerusalem, specifically in a place of religious importance, viewers cannot help but wonder what the importance of the initial location may be. Finally, the beginning of the film features a non-diegetic bell sound which works to further the feeling of rushing and consciousness of time that is typical of a mystery/detective film. Ultimately, all of the features in the opening of this film help to create a sense of confusion as none of the pieces seem to make sense. I truly enjoyed the confusion created in the beginning of this film because my lack of understanding only encouraged me to keep watching to find out more and figure out the mystery.
   In the opening of the movie Se7en, a similar use of close ups and confusion are implemented. For example, in the opening credits, viewers witness close ups of a razor blade gracing the hand of an unknown man, a close up of a frightening sketch, a close up of a journal, and close up clips of words in a book being blacked out. Personally, I feel that a good detective movie should be confusing yet related in the beginning so that viewers cannot help but keep watching to find out more. This movie encompasses that entire idea, as there are clear themes of writing and gore, yet we do not know what direction this movie is heading. On top of all of those factors, there is ominous non-diegetic music that gradually increases in an uncomfortable way playing as the random close up clips are shown. Ultimately, between the frightening music and the confusing yet dark close ups, viewers are not only anxious, but they are ready to move forward with the movie to figure out the connections.
   Through watching Murder on the Orient Express and Se7en, I became enlightened on how exciting it can be to view a movie whose pieces slowly fall together as opposed to predictable, cliche movies. Detective movies do not typically follow cliches, and thus can take a variety of turns. Such options of ambiguity excite me, and thus helped me chose detective/mystery as my genre for my AICE Media Studies film opening.

My Film Opening Project - Genre and Group Members

I will work with Erin Watson, Maddie Hopkins, and Josh Young on a film with the mystery/detective genre.

Film Opening Research #2 - The Sound of Music

1.) How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

There are no title screens that are displayed in the opening sequence of this film.

2.) What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The images prioritized in the opening scene of this film are of the mountains, the streams, the greenery of the land, and the woman.

3.) What connotations do the images carry?

The images of the nature and sweet looking woman carry feelings of freedom, comfort, adventure, and joy.

4.) How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The genre of this film is a musical which contains music and dance. The use of sound through the woman singing and acting through choreography are the first two main components of a musical that are found in this film. Also, the use of bright lighting and natural scenery help to give this musical a sense of joy and freedom that can typically be found in a happier musical.

5.) How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

The opening of this film creates a sense of mystery from the very beginning due to the lack of information given about what viewers are watching. For example, while we see and hear a beautiful, singing woman, we do not know who she is. Moreover, the beautiful land around her is undefined, so viewers can not even point out her exact location. Also, the lyrics to the song help to create a sense of wonder. For example, through the song viewers learn of the main character that the hills "fill her heart" and that sometimes her "heart is lonely". This information leaves viewers wondering about the main character's backstory and how she feels.

6.) What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

The film is a musical, and multiple strategies are used to convey such components of a musical. For example, the use of music and dance help to make this film a musical which is likely why viewers would choose to watch the film to begin with. Also, the film uses bright lighting for the natural and sprawling landscape that bring the happy and upbeat sense of a musical that many look out for.

7.) Has technology been used effectively? 

It should be noted that this film was created in the 1960s, thus the technology was not as developed as it is today. However, the technology in the camera work is effective in creating and developing the musical genre. For example, the arial shot at the beginning of the film helps to establish the setting which is one of sprawling and bright hills. Such an adventurous setting is typical of a musical. Furthermore, the camera tracks the woman as she sings which helps to allow viewers a more personal approach to listening to the woman's feelings. Moreover, the tilt shot that looks up upon the woman as she gazes away helps viewers to understand her longing as she sings.

Film Opening Research #1 - Murder on the Orient Express

1.) How many titles are displayed during the opening sequences to the film?

One title is shown in the film opening, and it is blue, ambient letters that say "Murder on the Orient Express" amid a black screen. The bright lettering amid such a dark and blank screen may help to show how, later on, there will be an isolated and mysterious attack.

2.) What images are prioritized in the opening sequence?

The first image prioritized in the opening scene is the "Wailing Wall" in Jerusalem. Specifically, there is a little boy running through the Jerusalem town into a kitchen. In the kitchen, viewers see eggs, a timer, and a warm interaction between the egg-carrying boy and a man with a curly mustache.

3.) What connotations do the images carry?

The timer gives a feeling of a time limit and rush, where similarly, the eggs give a feeling of fragility. Viewers feel nervous and rushed, but yet with a sense of protection over the eggs.

4.) How is genre reinforced through symbolic and technical codes from the outset?

The symbolic code of location is important in this as the mysterious yet bustling land helps to develop a sense of urgency and mystery. In terms of sound, the bells at the beginning of the film make viewers feel rushed and conscious of time which too, makes viewers wonder where this mysterious film is going. Mystery films have smaller parts that come together, where in this case, the mysterious aspects of the film are meant to later come together to tell a more complete story. Similarly, the quick paced music following the little boy helps to further the mysterious rush. Also, the use of darker colors in the strange, picky man's office creates a sense of wonder around him that is typical of characters found in a mystery film.

5.) How does the film establish an enigma from the outset?

An enigma is a mystery, and the film creates a sense of mystery in the beginning through a variety of factors. For example, viewers do not know much about the setting, who the characters are, much about the little boy nor why he is exactly rushing, what the importance of the eggs are, or why there is such a time rush.

6.) What strategies are used to ensure the film appeals to its target audience?

Given that this film is a mystery film, the various random objects, strange setting, and undefined characters set viewers up immediately for confusion and an inquiry of what could possibly come next.

7.) How has technology been used effectively? 

Technology has been used effectively through the camera shots that made these scenes stronger. For example, the establishing shot was used to show the mysterious setting and a close up introduced viewers to the sand timer that also leads to a great amount of wonder. Also, the use of long shot helps to show the quick little boy among a multitude of adults in this strange land that creates even more question. For example, why is he running, where is he running to, and who is he?