For inspiration for our film, we studied a range of thriller films, from high octane action thrillers such as Taken to psychological/horror thrillers such as Seven, Saw, and Memento. We analysed the techniques they used to open their film, and found which was most effective for us. The opening of Seven was an original inspiration for its way of integrating its credits into it's action.We also studied some of the more popular film companies, and which style of films they produce.
Here are the notes made whilst studying the opening of Saw (until 2:00)
After the introduction from the film production companies, which themselves have animations suitable for the horror genre (diegetic thunder and barbed wire) the opening credits roll. A black background with blue font words over. These words flicker, and move,
as if on, or in water.
This, combined with the diegetic sound of muffled water, makes more sense when a blue light drifts in front of a camera, revealing a close up shot of an unnamed man underwater. As the light drifts out of shot, the title of the film appears, in the same blue font.
At this point, the non-diegetic strings (that have blended with the water trickling) have came to a high pitched, screeching climax as the letters get bigger and fade.
The next shot is of the a close up persons feet as the light moves lower, showing the character is fully clothed, in a bathtub, and the light is drifting towards the plug hole.
The camera returns to the previous shot, where the man wakes up. In the instant his eyes open, he breathes in panic, creating a clearer, loud bubbling sound to shock the viewer, when juxtaposed next to the serenity of the previous shots.
The next few, very brief shots switch between the two shots as you see the man panic to get out of the water, combined with the diegetic water sounds created.
In the panic, the man pulls the plug, in which the light is pulled into. This particular shot is extreme close up, and the sound becomes muffed again.
The entire bathtub is shown in a medium long shot, showing the man coughing and splashing. This shows more of the room. The lighting is dark, but with a strong blue tint, creating a very cold atmosphere. Despite the darkness, the details are just visible, showing a rusted, grimy bathroom, with dirt on the walls.
The shot switches back to the extreme close up of the plug hole, with the same muffled diegetic sound, and like before, these shots are switched between until the light is pulled down, and the man falls out of the bath. The camera pans slightly, and tilts downwards, following him. This continues as he stands, and follows the chain attached to his leg.
There is a diegetic rattle of chains, and drain of water at this point, as well as an ominous low non-diegetic sound. This is the first time the man talks, expressing his confusion. His voice is very high pitched in comparison to the low gruff voice that appears soon. Soon after this plead, he hears a sound, like an orchestral scratching. Whether this is diegetic or non-diegetic is unsure, but it is suggested it is, due to the reaction of the character in shot.
As the scene continues, a non-diegetic orchestral sound intensifies, building tension throughout the conversation.
When the conversation reaches the point where the lights are turned on, there is a sharp diegetic fizz of the lights, and the film switches between shots, always returning to one; a tracking shot of the ceiling, as each light turns on. In between these, there is a medium shot, medium long shot and a medium close-up of the character, reacting to the light intensifying. These lights also intensify the blue tint of the shot from before, keeping the cold atmosphere of the bathroom.
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