This is an evaluation of my Thriller opening sequence and preliminary task

1. Individual Evaluation of Stalking sequence and Preliminary task
1. How did your stalking sequence and preliminary task challenge or conform to
thriller codes and conventions?
‘Anonymous’ conforms to thriller films by hinting at the protagonist having a
physical flaw (asthma) forcing him to use an inhaler after the running scene.
Also using a variety of camera shots (high angle, POV, tracking) to create a
sense of being watched and uneasiness for the viewer. During the initial part
of the running shot all diagetic sound is cut from the scene and replaced with a
suspenseful score to increase tension. Whilst the majority of the sequence
follows continuity editing the climax incorporates jump cuts and a clock
ticking sound effect to indicate time passing and so contrasts the linear
narrative. The sequence ended with a cliffhanger (protagonist being abducted)
and the perpetrator is kept out of the frame, which reinforces the presence of
the unknown in the sequence. The conversation between the protagonist and
the voice on the phone is representative of humanity’s tendencies to do
anything in order to survive. The specific use of macro codes to create a sense
of uneasiness for the audience as well as having an overarching theme or motif
that is applicable to modern society are key tropes in the thriller genre.
The preliminary task also conforms to thriller codes and conventions by using
low-key lighting to show a sense of mystery and secrecy. Match on action
shots of a door and a package of food draws the audience’s attention and
focuses it on the emphasized objects. Keeping to the 180-degree rule prevents
the audience from being disorientated and maintains a fluid movement. The
abrupt ending of the preliminary task shocks the audience and grips them to
keep watching. For the majority the preliminary task conforms to thriller genre
through camera, lighting and the ending. However, the preliminary task does
challenge the thriller genre as the subject matter, (wrong food order), is more
suited to a comedy genre.
2. How does your stalking sequence and preliminary task engage audiences?
The stalking sequence engages audiences through maintaining the sense of
anonymity throughout the narrative. This is done by never showing the stalker
in frame and making him communicate with the protagonist via a phone call.
The split screen/snapshots of the protagonist walking presents a sense of being
watched and uneasiness for the viewer and makes them want to find out who
is pulling the strings. The climatic ending of the sequence, (protagonist getting
kidnapped), hooks the audience’s attention and makes them want to watch
more and see a resolution.
The preliminary task engages audiences by presenting the scene in a
mysterious tone, using low-key and chiaroscuro lighting, and makes them
eager to watch how the scene unfolds. The abrupt ending also grabs the
audiences’ attention as the Consumer smacks the package off the desk.

2. 3. Evaluate how your production skills (including planning, teamwork and
technically use) have developed through your stalking and preliminary task
My productions skills have remained fairly strong throughout the process of
filming and editing the stalker sequence and the preliminary task. I feel that I
am a pretty organized person and working with someone equally prepared
made the planning stage a breeze. I feel that I worked well with Alastair for
both projects despite clashes of opinion and technical problems. Lastly, I feel
that I have developed my skills at using Final Cut Pro X to edit footage into a
finished product. Things I should work on is planning ahead and knowing the
location we will shoot in better so if we have an idea it can work within our
environment and time, but combining this with shooting not just my ideas will
satisfy both parties so in the editing process it might work better one way.
Another thing I can improve on is making sure all technical problems are
sorted out before hand e.g. lighting, camera and making sure all the action in
the scene is contained within the shot.