Drive by Nicolas Winding Refn
Opening Sequence
This sequence prepares you for the ride ahead, it conforms to traditional thriller codes and conventions, yet also, in some cases, goes against the 'norm'.In this scene, we are introduced to Driver as he is overheard preparing to assist criminals as a getaway drive, but under his rules. Listening to his dialogue, we can already see how he is a unique character, not running away from trouble, but almost chasing it while making a profit. He also makes it quite clear that he is extremely experienced with the city, as he recalls facts about the streets (Being key to his character, Driving a majority of the time). He also states, within his rules that he will be purposefully unarmed, showing that he has wits instead of unnecessary violence (Later, escaping past cops undetected after the 5 minute mark). This makes the situation tenser though, as he is going essentially into the storm without protection, adding to the thriller aspect. At first, though, he is set up as very much brave, almost reckless as he gets involved in the crime technically. The atmosphere is also dark as Low key lighting is used and shadows. Overall, this abrupt scene introduces us to the characters profession and hobby, being a skilled driver while almost chasing danger simply for money).
The tension in this scene is derived from the clear delivery of the dialogue, followed by closeups on important information (The game currently on tv), setting it up slowly as the audience are left in curiosity to what will unfold. The low-key lighting adds to the grim situation that the character is involving himself in, almost reflecting how we as the audience feel about it.
No Country For Old Men by The Coen brothers
This sequence follows heavily on the dialogue to give a sense of tension, which eventually goes hand in hand with the shots followed. We are introduced to Sherrif Bell as he lightly talks about his life and reflects on the past, people who came before, and how was proud (As others are) of what he did as a Sheriff. The monolog takes a darker turn as he gets to the point, talking about a dark experience he had with an almost deranged individual who committed a horrendous act and almost embracing the consequence to come soon, threatening to do it again, stating that he knows he's going to hell.
This situation makes him question his whole stance on the world, and his job as he talks about the world has changed, and that he fears that more situations like this, that truly horrify him will continue, and how he is almost hesitant to do so even though it is basically his job. Lightin is offkey and low in this scene as the Location is set, being set in New Mexico)
Tension quickly builds up as the setting shots are finished, and as the main antagonist, Anton Chigurh is seen being transported in all black to a police car, with his crime being a mystery to us. The camera continues to avoid his face, as it sets up more tension as the Monologue begins to a line with the situation. A close-up of a cattle gun is seen as Sheriff Bell talks about his worries about facing a situation that he cannot explain, nor knows anything about (Like the last mentioned one). The scene ends with him coming to terms with being in the dark and deprived world he sees himself in, putting his soul (As he states) At hazard. Overall, this scene focuses on closeups to create discomfort as the viewers see resemblance between Bells words and the situation that the other officer is almost facing, taking an almost faceless man to jail for unknown reasons, putting the auidence almost in a clueless state, one that Bell is worried about finding himself in again.
The tense dialogue that ensues is tense in itself, but becomes more tense driven as the director switches from massive long shots to more defined shots, showing the significance behind this situation currently occurring, making the audience take it more on board as it develops a story.
Vertigo By Alfred Hitchcock
This sequence starts creating tension through Diegetic sound as the camera pans on the target, with it building up and dropping very sharp to create an almost sense of dread and tension as the music continues to follow this path, continuing to show a confused/almost disturbed target as they check their surroundings. This happens once again as a red overall flash onto the screen as the music becomes sharper, creating more dread an almost suspicion (Like the target). This dies down as curiosity is created through the use of the spirals as they symbolise the hypnotic theme within this movie, then it cuts back to an almost 'Man gaze' as it goes from her lips to her eyes, almost eying her out.
This scene overall conveys the themes present in the film while creating tension through the use of Non diegetic sound and low key lighting to create a more moody and dark shot, and using the overlay to create a more dreadful effect as the colour flashes onto the screen.
Jackson V –
ReplyDeleteDrive
Could discuss how protagonist’s intention to go unarmed subverts thriller convention.
Good awareness of engagement, some discussion of conventions though rarely with respect to technical elements.
No Country for Old Men
This begins more like a summary of the opening story rather than a consideration of how thriller conventions are conformed to or subverted. Second half much more focused on conventions, though needs to develop treatment of engagement.
Vertigo
Good awareness of effects from background music. Who or what is ‘they’? What is the target?
Needs to state HOW these effects either conform to or subvert thriller conventions, as well as HOW they create engagement.
OVERALL: 6/20
The assignment specified needing to include visual elements in your blog post. Read the instructions. Fix please.
Needs to be more detailed regarding WHAT techniques are used, and HOW those techniques achieve specific effects. (In this case, with respect to engagement and genre)
T. Marcus