In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge conventions?

By Charlie Whitfield

My opening sequence

My opening sequence in many ways similar to a typical film of a thriller genre. I use many concepts of a thriller film, through different areas of film.

Titles

My titles ‘use’ common conventions of a thriller genre. By looking at other thriller opening sequences I have understand that they introduce the main protagonist when they appear on screen, as they are so important in this genre of film.

Developing titles to fit narrative.

I chose a sans-serif font as it allows the audience to create their own thoughts and opinions on what could happen next.

By randomly placing the titles across the screen, allows to promote the idea that the main characters thoughts are ‘all over the place’.

The conventions

Props

The two props used in my opening sequence, the balaclava and the gun are ones often found in and are used in thriller films. A Balaclava are used to hide somebody’s face during criminal activity, and guns are often used during criminal activity. The character is hiding both of these items, suggesting that the assumed ‘criminal activity’ has already taken place prior to this.

BalaclavaGun

CostumeThe common the common theme of the costume design ‘uses’ the usual conventions of a thriller film. These conventions involve dark clothing, expressing the dark and depressing thoughts going on in the mind of the main protagonist in this opening sequence, and throughout the rest of the film.

Ace, the main character is wearing a hoodie. This is rather stereotypical of a ‘teenager’, something viewers of a similar age, allowing them to possibly relate to him.

The clothing the character is wearing is of a nice quality, and is not torn up. This shows that he is not living in a rough way. This suggests to the audience that he is maybe from a wealthy back round, and has rebelled from those roots.

Diagetic soundIn thriller films you will often find a sound track which includes high pitch notes, which are often closely connected to the stress in the main protagonists head. I have opted for a sound track which challenges that idea. The sound track is from the song “The Wolves” by “Bon Iver”. It is a very soft song, which pushes the viewers to believe that ‘Ace’ is depressed or has gone through some emotional damage, which would be explained in the remainder of the film. The use of a soundtrack from a famous artist can boost the popularity and help sell it.

Non diagetic sound

Deep breathing sounds add anuncertain atmosphere. It also can llead the audience to believe that the character is stressed or tired. This pushes the audience to want to know more about him, creating a Compelling main character.

The sound of footsteps shows thatthe character is alone, and it increases the thoughts that he is vulnerable andalone.