The document discusses conventions used in the opening sequence of a psychological thriller film. It analyzes editing techniques like pace, lighting, sound, and music choices that build tension and suspense for the audience. Character development and an enigmatic plot are employed to engage viewers and leave them wanting more answers. While conforming to some genre standards, the sequence aims to challenge conventions by mixing atmospheric sounds and using daylight scenes to unsettle viewers.

2. • Going against typical genre conventions of a psychological thriller, I have used
the diegetic sound of birds in the background to my advantage. I could have
easily cut this out using Sony Vegas when editing, however, I think the
atmospheric atmosphere it creates an uneasy feeling amongst the audience and
makes them feel on edge. Usually in a psychological thriller I would expect there
to be no noise in the background, except for non diegetic sounds such as music.
• Towards the end of the opening sequence, I made the cuts more fast paced and
this helps to speed up the narrative. It also signifies that the girls’ pursuer is
getting closer, again making the audience feel on edge and creates tension and
suspense.
• Just before the gun shot in the middle of the sequence, the editing slows
down, suggesting that something is about to happen. As soon as the gun
fires, the editing speeds up again and the chase sequence takes place. The
sequence ends on a cliff-hanger so the audience is unsure whether thee girls are
caught or not. This is also where the tension is at its highest. It is quite a typical
convention of a psychological thriller as to keep the audience engaged.
• As it was shot outside during the day, the lighting was difficult to control. Initially I
wanted to include lighting as an important aspect in my opening sequence as low
key lighting is a common convention in psychological thrillers and helps to
connote a more sinister atmosphere and make the characters more three
dimensional. I did this to challenge the conventions of the genre and give the
audience the idea that a sequence being shot in the daylight can create the
same tense atmosphere as one can in the night time.

3. • My opening sequence is full of enigma codes: what is going on?
Who are the girls? Who are they running from? This is a common
convention and reflects the chaotic scene which is taking place. It
frustrates the audience and makes them want to continue watching
the film to find out more about the narrative so they can understand it
better. One of the opening sequences I analysed; A Tale of Two
Sisters, the audience are asking themselves similar questions: Why
is the girl in a mental institution? What is the man questioning her
about? Why won’t she talk? Who is she?
• The gun shot is an action code and signifies the beginning of the
chase sequence. This is intended to shock the audience as it is
unexpected.
• It starts to introduce and begins to develop the characteristics of the
two main protagonists. For example, Marie speaks more and is more
‘in charge’. Obviously she is the more experienced and confident out
of the two girls. Most of the time she is running in front of Lilly, and
seems to be very protective of her.
• The antagonist’s identity is not revealed, therefore conforming to the
conventions of the genre because it creates a theme of reality vs
illusion, which leaves the audience asking the question of is the
pursuer real? Or a figment of the main protagonist’s imagination?

4. • Throughout the opening sequence there is the continuous non
diegetic music which adds to the atmosphere in the sequence.
This conforms to the typical conventions of this genre because
it aims to make the audience feel uneasy and as though they
are in the world of the film.
• The music changes when the chase sequence picks up the
pace and so the music helps to support this and adds more
tension and suspense to the scene. Again, this is a common
convention in psychological thrillers as it signifies a change of
direction within the narrative.
• On top of the change of music I have kept the atmospheric
sound that started from the beginning of the sequence. This
probably challenges most similar media products as I aimed to
create a clash between the sound to add even more suspense
to the film and professional sound editors would probably not
do this.

5. • In most genres, females are usually shown to be
victims, or represented as the ‘princess’, in a patriarchal
society. I have conformed to this in my opening sequence
as the two girls are running from something; they are
scared and look weak. The audience would assume they
are running from a male character as this is very
stereotypical in films for a male character to be the main
antagonist or ‘villain’.