Real Media Research FILM NO. 2

Title: Se7en

Genre: Psychological Thriller

KEY

words/phrases like this – key terms/conventions

words/phrases like this – Effect on audience

SOUNDGenre convention/opening sequence convention:

The non-diegetic background music in the background of an opening sequence of a thriller is typically eerie and sinister like. In the se7en opening sequence the eerie music as well as the sounds of scratching used creates an ominous feeling.

It also builds mystery on what the film is about. The audience are left asking many questions which is typical of the opening sequence of a thriller movie.

TEXTOpening sequence convention:

Another key convention in any movie is the font. The kind of font and any effects that go with it create a feel of the movie and tends to give away the type of genre. It also makes the audience feel a certain way about the movie.

In this particular opening sequence, the font is not only white against a contrasting background to add to the ominous feel but also the fast cuts or glitches leaves the audience feeling disorientated.

Low key lightingGenre convention/opening sequence convention:

Low key lighting used in this opening sequence is one of the most fundamental thriller conventions. The use of this dark setting creates a sense of eeriness and creates a mysterious yet frightening vibe which is typical especially of a psychological thriller. This build up of screen tension due to the sense of mystery as well asthe low key lighting making it difficult to see would probably have the audience feeling suspicious and curious to know what the storyline is.

SCISSORS & NEEDLES

If the non-diegetic background music was less eerie and more happy, if the lighting was more natural and high key and if the cuts were not too fast, the act of cutting paper and sewing a book together may not look that suspicious. However, these things combined creates a sinister/dire feel amongst the audience.

Genre convention:

The usage of mise-en-scene is very common in thriller movies. Although this particular use of scissors and needles is actually not for a graphic and violent use, after watching the opening sequence, the audience would still associate this movie with danger and death.

FAST CUTSThe fast cuts and fast paced editing is a feature prominent in thriller movies and opening sequences. In this particular opening sequence, it is the most used convention and most effective convention.

Genre convention/opening sequence convention:

The use of skillful editing is vital in a thriller movie. This particular opening sequence uses very quick cuts to create disorientation and confusion of the audience. This confusion is common within a psychological thriller genre to result in interest of the plot and story line.

SHADOWSGenre convention/opening sequence convention:

The use of shadows directly ties in with the low key lighting used. The shadows used creates the same eerie and suspicious vibe created by the low key lighting. It also creates screen tension and suspicion among the audience resulting in interest of the movie and what is to happen. We could also associate the character with being hidden within the shadows and being a introvert – a typical psychological thriller character.

Connotations of RED with DANGERGenre conventions/opening sequence convention:

It is very typical for the colour red to be used in any thriller movie and opening sequence. Naturally, the audience would associate the situation or movie in general with death and danger.Furthermore, it may build on the character traits of the protagonist shown in the OS especially since he colours in a man’s face with a black pen and a red filter is casted over this (shown in 1st screenshot). Thus may also create the sinister feel of the storyline.