The document discusses the genre and style influences for the opening of a film. Specifically:
1) The genre of the film is thriller, but the opening will draw from arthouse action films known for stylized imagery, heavy action, and a surreal feeling. It will also draw from neo-noir films known for their dark, gritty themes and visuals.
2) For character style, the opening will feature a baseball jacket and belt to signify the main character is a young/middle aged man and give him a signature look.
3) There will be a prologue before the credits to grab audience attention, a technique used in films like Drive and Pulp Fiction.
GENRE & STYLE Opening Sequence Research for Thriller Film
1. Genre:
The opening to my film will consist of many elements, which will be used to
make the sequence effective for the target audience. The genre of the film is
thriller however I will try to create other effects and styles from research I have
carried out. For example, I would use elements from Arthouse action films. This
genre is often characterized by heavy action and suspense, interlaced with
stylized imagery and cinematography techniques that convey an overall feeling
of surrealism.
More recent titles such as Looper (2012), Drive (2011), Pulp Fiction (1994) and
Leon: The Professional (1994) shows depictions of gory violence however this
isn’t supposed to be interpreted literally. I would use this to make my opening
stylish and memorable for the audience.
2. Another example would be to use conventions from the Neo-Noir genre, which
prominently utilizes elements of film noir, but with updated themes, content,
style and visual. Films from this genre are titles such as Blade Runner (1982),
American Psycho (2000) and Pulp Fiction. I would use this to give my opening a
more dark and gritty sense.
3. Style:
From my initial ideas, I have already adapted a sense of individual style for my
character such as the idea of the tattoo and hammer. However, I have created
more ideas to define this character and use influences from the films I have
researched. For the opening, I decided to add a baseball jacket to go over the
characters shirt, eagle belt, etc. in the second half of the sequence. I would use this
to give the character a signature style and to connote this is a young/middle aged
man.
I have also chosen to have a prologue before the credits scenes are introduced. The
is to gain the attention of the audience and is a common use in modern films.
Films that use this method are: Drive, Pulp Fiction, Carlitos Way, The Machinist,
Bronson, etc.