Appropriate casting is vital in the authentic value of the film sequence, there are three predominant roles in this sequence, as well as extras. The three predominant roles are:
The Protagonist
This is to be played by a vulnerable looking actor; this cannot be played by someone who is physically built as this will not make a convincing victim of bullying. Also, this person must be someone who is not entirely materialistic or ‘flashy’ as this is also not a quality of the typical ‘quiet’ victim.
And so, with costume, the protagonist should be ‘modestly dressed’, with no flashy brands or colourful clothing; also, by using neutral colours for costume, this connotes that the character does not want so much attention and that they are used to be ‘in the background’.
And so, Madeline will wear glasses. During the scenes in the flashbacks, Madeline will wear school uniform, this is to give the audience anchorage with the idea that it is set in school.
With performance, Madeline is to act very concealed and quiet in comparison to everyone else, although she may have some fight in her, it is apparent that no-one is on her side, and so she backs down and accepts defeat; this is apparent through the scene when the teacher sides with the bullies rather than Madeline. The body language of Madeline will be very ‘shy’, and the tone of the voice will not be strong and confident.
The Bully
This is to be played by a strong teanaged actor; the actor is to be bigger than the protagonist, and the body language should be bold and confident. Unlike Madeline, the bully’s posture should be strong, as she feels confident amongst her peers; she knows she is the predominant person in a classroom as she is followed by others. Also, her costume should be more shabby than Madeline, with rolled up sleeves. Her voice should be loud and predominant, all actors are to have English accents as the movie is set in England.
The Teacher
This is to be played by an older actor. As a teacher, this character should be a lead voice in a classroom, with a short temper as there is a part where they shout at Madeline when she did nothing wrong. The teacher is to wear smart attire as it is necessary in a school environment.
Also, there are a number of extras in a classroom to give anchorage to the audience that the scene is in a classroom environment. These are to be dressed in school uniform, and to be of a similar age of the bully and Madeline.
A CASE OF REVENGE: ORIGINAL SCRIPT
Madeline, the protagonist returns to the school, holding a briefcase, with the intentions of planting the bomb into the Head Teacher’s office.
As she is walking down the corridor, a series of flashbacks are revealed of why she is pursuing a chain of revenge plots against the teachers and students who she feels that have oppressed her into her current depressed state.
The first flashback is of a bully pushing Madeline against the wall.
Bully: (slow motion mouthing) You don’t belong here
The protagonist drops to the floor as she is verbally abused.
The sequence then continues back to the present; the protagonist is still walking down the corridor towards the Head Teacher’s office, still holding the brief case.
The second flashback is of the Head teacher taking the bully’s side over the protagonist.
(In the classroom) The class is silent and doing work, while the teacher is sitting at his desk marking papers. The bully and her friends are constantly poking and throwing things at the protagonist.
Bully: Oi! Loser.
Protagonist turns around and the bully and her friends suddenly pretend to be doing work.
Teacher: MADELINE! TURN AROUND AND DO YOUR WORK!
Madeline: But sir-
Teacher: I don’t want to hear it, get on with your work
Madeline continues to do his work. Then the bullies start throwing things at her again.
Madeline: (Turns around) Stop it!
Teacher: That’s it!
Madeline: I’m not doing anything! They’re throwing these pieces-
Teacher: NO. Enough with your excuses, get out. Those students behind have done nothing but do work all lesson. I’m sick and tired of you wasting my time and disrupting this lesson.
Back to the present; the protagonist continues through the corridor and walks into the Head teacher’s office, she puts the briefcase on the desk, exists the room, closing the door behind her and walks out; down the corridor once again.
With this script, we amended it in order to fit the appropriate thriller subgenre that we are aiming for. Also, we found that by using less speech and more film techniques we can reflect the mood and intentions of the protagonist without making it so obvious and underlined with dialect; we found that by using less speech we were able to create more of an effect of mystery, and with more cross-cutting we intend to make a connection with the briefcase and the office - creating the technique of enigmas, which is a key technique in the thriller genre.
Thus, here is the modified script:
A CASE OF REVENGE: MODIFIED SCRIPT
Madeline, the protagonist returns to the school, holding a briefcase, with the intentions of planting the bomb into the Head Teacher’s office.
As she is walking down the corridor, a series of flashbacks are revealed of why she is pursuing a chain of revenge plots against the teachers and students who she feels that have oppressed him into her current depressed state.
The first flashback is of a bully pushing the protagonist against the wall.
Madeline: (slow motion mouthing) You don’t belong here
The protagonist drops to the floor as she is verbally abused.
The sequence then continues back to the present; the protagonist is still walking down the corridor towards the Head Teacher’s office, still holding the brief case.
The second flashback is of the Head teacher taking the bully’s side over the protagonist.
(In the classroom) The class is silent and doing work, while the teacher is sitting at his desk marking papers. The bully and her friends are constantly poking and throwing things at the protagonist.
Protagonist turns around and the bully and her friends suddenly pretend to be doing work.
Teacher: MADELINE! TURN AROUND AND DO YOUR WORK!
Madeline: But sir-
Teacher: I don’t want to hear it, get on with your work
Back to the present; walking down the corridor, Madeline starts to hear mutters of laughter in her head, which then develops to an image of students surrounding her laughing and pointing. There is then a voice over of her own thoughts;
voice over: hahahahha yeh, laugh away.. lets see who gets the last laugh.
The protagonist continues through the corridor and walks into the Head teacher’s office, she puts the briefcase on the desk, exists the room, closing the door behind her and walks out; down the corridor once again.
The BBFC Classification Guidelines:
The BBFC or British Board of film Classification is the organisation legally responsible for film classification across the United Kingdom. The BBFC have the power to persuade cinemas into choosing the movies they will show at cinemas as many local authorities rely on the certifications of the BBFC. Every film released in the UK must have an age certificate by the BBFC, which limits the ages of the audience that can watch, rent or by a specific movie. The BBFC sets guidelines that assess the appropriate viewing rate for theatrical films. These guidelines include Discrimination, Drugs, Horror, Imitable behaviour, Language, Nudity, Sex, Theme and Violence. All films in the United Kingdom are classified by these absolute guidelines. The certifications add details to allow the audience to witness the conventions that have placed a specific film into a certification. The BBFc’s guidelines are crucial for the audience and the BBFC has broken the certificates into “U” “PG” “12” “15” and “18” guidelines, all according to age. These certificates define the movie to the audience and also prohibit certain age groups attending movies as it may psychologically affect them.
Universal (U) – A universal certified film is suitable for all ages. The BBFC believe that it is impossible to predict what may upset a child in this movie. Universal films should be set in a positive moral framework that counterbalances any violence threat or horror. The Conventions within a universal film would show that:
· Discrimination – No discriminatory behaviour
· Drugs – Drugs can only be approved if they are being used to teach morals
· Horror – Mild sequences, which will not cause anxiety to young children. The outcome must be reassuring.
· Imitable Behaviour – No Dangerous behaviour that children will imitate and no emphasis on easily accessible weapons.
· Language – Very mild bad language.
· Nudity – Occasional natural nudity, but no sexual content.
· Sex – Mild sexual behaviour for example kissing and inferences.
· Theme – The theme must be sensitive for young children.
· Violence – Mild violence used.
An example of a Universal certified film is the 2003 film “Finding Nemo” which was certified as available for all ages by the BBFC.
The Trailer of “Finding Nemo” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfgeIZyrIM0
“Finding Nemo” is an example of a universally certified film. However, a thriller sequence could not be certified as a “U” as it would restrict the amount of psychological tension and suspense, as it would be more than likely that young children may be affected from sequences of the thriller genre. The only positive would be that the audience will not be restricted.
Parental guidance (PG) – A “PG” certified film is classified as general viewing however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children to watch. A child accompanied by an adult may watch a PG rated movie, but parents should assess whether the context may upset a child less than 8 years of age or children with a more sensitive nature. The Conventions within a Parental Guidance film would show that:
· Discrimination – Unlikely unless it refers to educational or historical context.
· Drugs – Reference to drugs must be negative and portray that drugs are wrong.
· Horror – Sequences must not be too intense or prolonged. Fantasy sequences are alternatives.
· Imitable Behaviour – No focus on dangerous acts a child is likely to follow.
· Language – Mild bad language only
· Nudity – Natural nudity and no sexual content
· Sex – Sex activity can be implied, and innuendo can be shown
· Theme – Serious themes such as domestic violence should be condoned as wrong.
· Violence – Moderate Violence without too much detail.
An example of a Parental Guidance certified film is the 2002 film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” The BBFC believed that parents should asses the movie before taking their children to watch the film.
The Trailer of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmPrfYkpwTY
“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is an example of a Parental Guided certified film. However, similarly to a universally certified film a parental guided film would restrict the amount of psychological tension and suspense within the thriller sequence. Although parents would be able to assess if the sequence would be suitable, a Parental Guided film still dilutes the true conventions of a thriller film as it could affect young children.
12A – A “12A” certified film is suitable for children aged 12 years and over. The content is only suitable for people aged 12 and over and younger children are advised not to watch, as it may cause upset. No one under 12 may see a “12A” film unless accompanied by an adult, if the adult’s judgement is suitable for the film. This moves the responsibility of the child’s actions on to the adult. The Conventions within a “12A” film would show that:
· Discrimination – Discriminatory behaviour must not be constantly used.
· Drugs – Any misuse of drugs should not be glamorised and scenes involving drugs must be infrequent.
· Horror – Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted, but these scenes are not frequent.
· Imitable Behaviour – Dangerous behaviour should not be copied or appear harm free.
· Language – Moderate Language can be used and bad language must be infrequent
· Nudity – Sexual content must be brief and discreet
· Sex – Sex can be briefly portrayed. These scenes must not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.
· Theme – Most themes are acceptable as long as they are suitable for young teenagers.
· Violence – Moderate violence, but not dwelled upon. There should be no emphasis on blood, but occasional gory sequences can be accepted if it is related to the context. Sexual violence must be implied and have strong contextual justification.
An example of a “12A” certified film is the 2007 film “Spiderman 3.” The BBFC believed that children under 12 should be accompanied with an adult when watching this film.
The Trailer of “Spiderman 3” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szh5ZsAcgJU
“Spiderman 3” is an example of a 12A certified film. However, unlike universally certified films and parental guided films and thriller sequence could be introduced at the rating of a “12A.” This rating allows a thriller that plays on mild suspense and tension to develop however some conventions in this guideline would still restrict the sequence developing in full contextual depth. An example would be the limit of horror as only mild psychological threat is accepted and the scenes must be infrequent, but this is crucial factor in Thriller scenes.
15 – A “15” certified film is suitable for people aged 15 years and over. It is prohibited for people under the age of this group. The Conventions within a “15” certified film would show that:
· Discrimination – The film must no completely endorse discriminatory behaviour.
· Drugs – Drugs can be shown, but the movie must not encourage drug misuse.
· Horror – Strong threat or menace are permitted, unless they are sadistic or sexualised.
· Imitable Behaviour – Dangerous behaviour should not be dwelled upon or glorified.
· Language – Frequent use of strong language, but harsher terms e.g. “cunt” must have a relation to the context. Words can be repeated
· Nudity – Nudity is acceptable without strong detail.
· Sex – Sexual activity is acceptable without too much detail. There can be strong references to sexual behaviour and it must be justified by the context. Sexual arousal is accepted.
· Theme – No theme is prohibited, as well as it is suitable for 15 year olds.
· Violence – Violence is accepted, but it cannot dwell on the infliction of pain and injury. Strong gory images are not acceptable
An example of a “15” certified film is the 2007 film “Kingdom.” The BBFC believed that children and adults over 15 are recommended age to watch this movie.
The Trailer of “Kingdom” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGcdCjg_cMc
“Kingdom” is an example of a 15 certified film. Similar to “12A” certified film thriller sequences can be used within this rating as the conventions situated within a “15” certified film can apply to a thriller sequence. A thriller sequence would be easily portrayed within this certification as fear, threat and mild horror can be applied to the sequence. A certification of “15” would help the audience asses that there will not be too much horror within the sequence because it is not an “18” certified film, which would possible play on the horror frequency of the thriller genre.
An “18” certified film is suitable for people aged 18 years and over. It is prohibited for people under the age of 18. An “18” certified film must relate to the 1998 Human Rights Act which focuses on what adults should be able to watch. Exceptions would be found in the following areas.
· The material may breach criminal law or has been commissioned through a criminal offense.
· The film appears to risk harm to society e.g. dangerous acts, which could effect social or political morals.
· Explicit images must be justified within the content.
Other conventions in the “18” certification include:
· Sex education – sex material informs and education’s matters in human sexuality.
· Sex works – the focus on sexual arousal and stimulation and these stimulation are generally passed.
An example of a “18” certified film is the 2007 film “28 Weeks Later.” The BBFC believed that children and adults over 18 are recommended age to watch this movie.
The Trailer of “28 Weeks Later” can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiLQmDBQawE
“28 Weeks Later” is an example of an “18” certified film. Unlike the ratings of “12A” and “15” certified films “18” certified films could limit the age groups of people that will be able to watch our thriller sequence. The general age group of thriller as 14 – 20 year olds and if our thriller sequence was certified “18” our audience would be limited. People may expect more gory scenes and horror in an “18” certified film and this is not an ideal convention for the thriller genre. A certification of “18” may provided limitations for our thriller genre.
Apart from these age guidelines, the BBFC also look at legal laws in society. These include:
· The obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964
· Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008
· The Protection of Children Act 1978
· The Animal Welfare Act 2006
These acts of legislation also contribute to the final certification the BBFC give to films
Questions in regards to guidelines:
How would each of the possible classifications affect the options for your film?
Our opening sequence is in relation to the thriller genre. This would require some psychological suspense and dramatic tension that may affect the audience. However, the certifications of “12A” and “15” can be considered as possible classifications for the thriller sequence. The guideline of “12A” could be ideal as it provides the audience with enough suspense without using gory images or psychologically affecting a young audience of 12 years and above. In addition, this would lead to the certification of “15” which would further allow our opening sequence to target a slightly older audience who could be more aware of certain physical or psychological effects situated within the sequence.
However the “18” certification may not be the best candidate for the thriller sequence. The “18” certification can relate to the thriller genre. However, if the audience saw that our thriller sequence was rated “18” the may believe that the sequence would relate closer to the horror genre. An example of this is “28 Days later” which is acknowledged in both the thriller and horror genre. This may damage the effect of our thriller sequence and the audience we may want to attract.
Which classification will be the most suitable in terms of audience and content appropriate for the thriller genre?
The best classification for a thriller sequence would be a “15” as it allows the directors to expand their conventions applied in the sequence, something they may not be able to do in the “12A” certification. However, the “12A” certification could also be equally effective, but it may depend on the subgenre of the sequence. An example of a “12A” thriller would include “Flight Plan” whilst other thrillers such as “Phone Booth” have been classified under the certificate of “15.” Both certifications can be equally effective, but it depends on the subgenre of the sequence and the approach directors may want to take in regards to the sequence e.g. Themes.
Film Analysis of a Thriller Sequence: From Russia With Love (1963)
Mise en Scene
Lighting:
Low key lighting used. This creates a more expressing effect as long shadows are cast by characters creating silhouettes.
Identities are hidden due to the lighting.
Location/set:
The whole sequence is set on the streets of Istanbul, Turkey.
The sequence then progresses to the Hagia Sofia, which is dark, old and has historic features.
Props:
Suitcase – creates an enigma into why Bond is holding the suitcase.
Gold Bangle – Creates an enigma into why Tatiana has laid the bangle for Bond to collect
Gun – Creates suspense as danger is established through this prop.
Performance:
Bond is looking for Tatiana, show she can give him a map that will unlock further parts of the story to the audience.
Tatiana must travel to the mosque unseen showing that the passing of the message must go unhindered.
Costume/Hair make up:
Tatiana the woman protagonist is wearing a light blue suit. Bright colours are represented with good characters so the use of blue illustrates that Tatiana is a protagonist. Tatiana’s innocence is seen through her young face and blonde hair.
Bond is the main protagonist and is wearing his trademark suit making him look sophisticated and intelligent. The audience are accustomed to Bond’s suit making him the intentional protagonist.
Actor Appearance:
Sean Connery was athletic and agile when he made the Bond series in the early 60’s and 70’s. As he grew older he started to play more intellectual roles. This shows that Connery was able to play more versatile roles throughout his career.
Cinematography
Camera Shots:
Establishing shot of the Middle Eastern Setting.
Very wide shot showing the inside of the mosque – with the use of lighting the dark scenery creates tension within the sequence.
The camera pans to follow Bond’s walking pattern – allowing the audience to witness the caution in Bond’s step.
The tilts used in the sequence add tension and suspense as they are long and make the audience wait for the final shot. E.g. the tilt from the dead antagonist to the new antagonist standing above him.
Camera Angles:
Sound
Ambient sounds are generally used in the opening sequence.
Score is quite low to replicate the building of action on the screen.
Sound of Bond and Tatiana’s footsteps in the mosque.
Sudden change of score from calm to dramatic. Key change adds tension to the sequence.
No dialogue used in the scene.
Sound synchronised with important actions.
The use of layering sounds and ambient score as the tour guide’s voice in the mosque gradually transforms from synchronous to asynchronous in sound.Analyses:
After watching a sequence from “From Russia With Love” a thriller movie it was clearly evident that there were aspects within the sequence that can be used in other thriller related sequences. Examples come from all aspects from Mise en Scene to Cinematography and even sound techniques used. Once these skills are applied to the sequence, other codes and conventions help to establish that the opening sequence of “From Russia With Love” can be classified in the contemporary thriller genre.
Firstly in regards to Mise en Scene the use of key props such as Bond’s suitcase, Tatiana’s gold bangle and a gun all help to contribute to the tension and suspense found in the thriller genre. Furthermore, the location used in the sequence of “From Russia With Love” also contribute to the thriller genre. The use of a dark, mysterious and historic building creates an enigma for the audience as they are compelled into why two protagonists would meet in such a location. Suspense is alleviated in this sequence because the dark shadows from the use of low key lighting create silhouettes, which cast big shadows over the mosque. This creates suspense as the audience are never aware of the shadows that pass throughout the sequence.
Moreover, in relation to cinematography the use of camera shots was crucial in illustrating that the opening sequence was part of the thriller genre. The sequence uses a variety of camera tilts to create suspense and make the audience wait to find out the true identity of antagonists and the answering of enigmas. The main camera tilt used to create suspense is the revealing of the new antagonist after a mystery character killed the original antagonist in the sequence. This tilt slowly builds tension in the sequence and allows the audience to receive the answered enigma as the audience are now aware that a new character has killed the antagonist in the sequence. The use of a camera tilt in “From Russia With Love” sets up a Red Herring another crucial aspect in regards to the conventions of the thriller genre.
Sound is an important part of building tension and suspense in the thriller genre. The sequence of “From Russia With Love” is no exception. At the beginning of the sequence, ambient sounds are used to present the atmosphere of the Istanbul through character conversations and movements. However, as the sequence unfolds in the mosque a score is slowly applied. The score in the sequence uses key changes as the score begins in a calm factor and then dramatically changed in relation to actions on screen. The key changes create suspense, which boosts the validity of this sequence in the thriller genre. The sound in “From Russia With Love” allow the audience to atmosphere the suspense caused by sounds whilst all the characters are situated in the mosque.
The use of editing helps to establish tension and suspense in the sequence. The sequence “From Russia With Love” uses cross cutting between James Bond and Tatiana to create tension, as the audience are shown that the characters cannot be seen together as it may be dangerous. However, once the sequence develops from the antagonist’s death the editing style changes to slow editing. This creates further suspense within the sequence as longer cuts mean greater tension and suspense.
Finally, to make a successful thriller sequence narrative structure is crucial. In the sequence of “From Russia With Love” the narrative structure begins with dramatic irony. The sequence uses a typical thriller aspect of a “stalker complex.” This creates tension within the sequence. This is illustrated when the original antagonist follows Tatiana. Furthermore, the sequence plays on enigmas whilst events unfold in the mosque. This is a classical trait in thriller movies and in this sequence the audience ponder upon questions like: Who is the man following Tatiana? What is the significance of the Gold Bangle Tatiana placed on the floor for Bond to collect? Who killed the original antagonist in the mosque? And finally Who is the new antagonist who has emerged from the murder. These narrative structures help to set up the rest of the movie as it gradually unfolds.
