Major Project: Psychological Thriller Film Research
To better understand the sub genre of a psychological thriller, it is vital to watch and learn from films before ours. To see the codes and conventions in practice and how feature films in the past have told stories and presented the sub genre.
PSYCHO (1960)
About
Psycho is arguably one of Hitchcock's greatest films. It stars Anthony Perkins as 'Norman Bates', Janet Leigh as 'Marion Crane' and Vera Miles as Marion's sister 'Lila Crane'.
"PSYCHO is a horror about a young woman who stays at a roadside motel after stealing a suitcase of money."
Director
My main focus within each of the films I research is the Director's influence within it. Looking at the film as a creative narrative, whilst also looking at the style and techniques implemented in creating the film, allows me to learn and draw inspiration as a director.
The director of Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock, is an iconic master when it comes to thrillers. His blocking, music, tone and dialogue can make his films tense and emotionally encapsulating. Below is an interview I found with the BBC in which Hitchcock details his influences and thoughts on Psycho.
Review
Pacing
I found in Psycho pacing is a key weapon in creating an effective thriller. A key example of this is within the famous shower scene.
Hitchcock masterfully paces the film within editing and character movements. The fluidity of the shooting and editing in the build up to the shower scene is calm and slow. The rhythmic routine is evident as Marion simply takes a shower.
What is effective and an example of effective pacing is the delay and suspense Hitchcock is able to create by holding the single shot as 'Mother' enters the room and just the sound of the shower is heard. The sudden and alarming music is almost Hitchcock himself jumping out at the audience as the loud high pitch tones speed up the pacing once more like a fast beating heart beat. Matched by cuts, performance and camera angles.
Music
The iconic music of Pyscho acts as example to any and all thrillers made after it. The high pitch screams of the violin set the example of effective thriller storytelling.
Psycho is especially effective at using this for shocking moments. While the film has numerous plot twists and shocks, the music never feels overused or repetitive. The moments, each unique, feature the same soundtrack but with different pacing, builds and styles.
The dramatic music within this film is able convey a range of emotions, each suiting perfectly to the required moments in the film.
Key Camera Shots, Angles and Movements
Within Psycho Hitchcock incorporates a lot of symbolism and subtext. This is conveyed through his use of the camera and editing. Seen particularly during the shot in which Marion is killed, and the shot of the plughole in the shower dissolves to her eye as she lays dead on the bathroom floor. See below:
Another example of Hitchcock's confidence comes as one he has in respect to his actors and the narrative. The shot second to last shot of the film holds on Bates as his 'mother's' part of his mind takes over. He holds on his performance as the voice-over of 'mother' talks about her future and her self preservation.
Hitchcock also experiments with 'god's eye view' during the murder of Arbogast. This ambitious yet effective shot details the movements of characters and their location, the same way a wide angle shot would, except from a unique angle.
Once more Hitchcock's confidence can be seen.
Influences and Lessons
Success within Hitchcock's work comes from his confidence and ability to try new and different ways to tell stories through film. As detailed above his style of storytelling through film, at the time, was ground breaking and this was due to the new styles he implemented. Having the confidence to shoot something in a different way and also confidence in his own ability speaks volumes in his work. With this in mind I should not be afraid to try new and interesting ways of filming within Double Exposure.
The music within Double Exposure needs to fit within the psychological thriller. While it will feature a different tone to Psycho the use of it at key moments whilst also being conservative with the tracks, as to not overuse or repeat the track.
Pacing in Double Exposure is also key, this applies to music, editing and performance as the flow of the film requires heavily on pacing.
BACKSTROKE (2017)
To better understand the short film production, I felt it was important to research a film of this length to learn more about the possibilities of successfully producing a detailed narrative within a short span of time. Looking primarily at the direction and style of the film as an example before working on my own.
The film I found is called BACKSTROKE (2017). Written and Directed by Robbie Barclay, the film was found as a winner of Short of the Week on Vimeo. Below is a link to the film.
About
This 10 minute thriller is about:
"Two runaway teens steal a car with dreams of heading down to Florida, but things take a dark turn after a dangerous game."
I wanted to understand the different styles and ways of telling a story within short film, the use of symbolism and subtext are key however I wanted to see examples of them being used in practice, simple techniques done well.
Robbie Barclay is a short film maker, writer and director. Exploring his channel on Vimeo allowed me to understand to what extent the progression of practice within short film can do to work.
Review
Music + Hum
What is clear to see within this film is its place as a thriller. The audience are kept waiting in suspense during purposefully uncomfortable moments. While the performance, coverage and editing pace of this play key roles, what makes these scenes work is the use of the gradual building hum. This background hum creates an uncomfortable and unsettled tone which can make an audience squirm.
The use of this in combination with music creates an atmosphere perfectly suited to the thriller genre. Within BACKSTROKE the hum is used strategically, not overused or repetitive, instead perfectly suited to key moments.
An example of this is during the holdup moment at 3:20 - 4:10.
Confidence
Confidence is key when making a film of any variety. A director with little confidence can expect to see his/her vision be ruined unless they be committed and confident in their idea. This does not mean however a director should ever not listen to advice, other thoughts or alternatives as these can help to improve the film.
Films are a collaborative and group effort, therefore a director has to collaborate in order to achieve his/her vision.
What is evident within BACKSTROKE is that Barclay has confidence. The opening shot and the final shot stand out as moments of confidence in not only the story but of the performance the actors provide. Barclay effectively uses the two shot and long shot, holding them to not only establish the space but allow the performance and action on screen to tell the story, rather than cutting up the sequence.
When holding shots and reactions, BACKSTROKE is at its finest. The moments of dialogue interaction in the car felt heavily cut in comparison however, this is done effectively during the lake scene. 4:23 - 9:05.
Performance
The only real criticism within this is during the dialogue exchange at 1:45-2:39. This is down to the slightly wooden acting at this point. Performance within the film is effective and the lead actress stands out as very good, especially with her interaction with the man at the lake. However, this scene feels slightly uncomfortable and stands out as the only moment in the film that is not as slick and effective as the rest.
This part seems too heavy with unnecessary dialogue, something that the rest of the film does not show.
Performance is key within film, as the director relies on and collaborates with the actor to achieve a performance that fits the character and tone of the film. With this the runaway boyfriend's character may have question marks or this may highlight a mark on the effectiveness of casting within the film.
Effective Endings
What BACKSTROKE has as an ending is the perfect example of what it is to end a short thriller. The film effectively keeps the audience on edge throughout through the narrative, music and performance. The film duration wise keeps to a short film which still visually tells enough information to understand the characters and their motivations.
By way however, the ending of the film is what is most effective. The use of music as a storytelling tool and the twist from believing she has got away and everyone is okay, to the slow hand reaching out behind her accompanied by the scream of the music before cutting to the title is a fantastic example of an effective short thriller ending. 9:06 - 10:15.
It not only leaves the audience wondering but it sends chills as the audience's imagination is left to fill in the gaps as to what happened. This is what all good thrillers do by using the audiences imagination against them.
Influences
Music & Hum
- I'll be looking to use the music and hum within BACKSTROKE in a similar method within Double Exposure. The effective way of using the hum as a subtle tension builder and music as a storytelling device is an interesting and effective method of using music.
Confidence
- I must ensure that I stay confident in the films ability to convey the story and work as a short psychological thriller. By maintaining confidence I am able to not only install confience in others but direct a film that can be successful whilst also being able to try experimental and interesting methods that may be suggested down the line.
Performance
- I need to ensure I keep a keen eye on performance as there is no substitute for poor acting. By casting well and discussing with the actors the required performance and character, this should hopefully allow a mutual understanding on set providing for a good performance.
Effective Endings
- Endings are key. It is the last thing the audience will see so it is important that the last thing they do see is powerful and effective. This means the ending of the film has to work and effectively conclude the end of Double Exposure in a way that ends on a narrative high, not leaving the audience feeling flat.
References
PSYCHO (1960)
About
Psycho is arguably one of Hitchcock's greatest films. It stars Anthony Perkins as 'Norman Bates', Janet Leigh as 'Marion Crane' and Vera Miles as Marion's sister 'Lila Crane'.
"PSYCHO is a horror about a young woman who stays at a roadside motel after stealing a suitcase of money."
Director
My main focus within each of the films I research is the Director's influence within it. Looking at the film as a creative narrative, whilst also looking at the style and techniques implemented in creating the film, allows me to learn and draw inspiration as a director.
The director of Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock, is an iconic master when it comes to thrillers. His blocking, music, tone and dialogue can make his films tense and emotionally encapsulating. Below is an interview I found with the BBC in which Hitchcock details his influences and thoughts on Psycho.
Review
Pacing
I found in Psycho pacing is a key weapon in creating an effective thriller. A key example of this is within the famous shower scene.
Hitchcock masterfully paces the film within editing and character movements. The fluidity of the shooting and editing in the build up to the shower scene is calm and slow. The rhythmic routine is evident as Marion simply takes a shower.
What is effective and an example of effective pacing is the delay and suspense Hitchcock is able to create by holding the single shot as 'Mother' enters the room and just the sound of the shower is heard. The sudden and alarming music is almost Hitchcock himself jumping out at the audience as the loud high pitch tones speed up the pacing once more like a fast beating heart beat. Matched by cuts, performance and camera angles.
Music
The iconic music of Pyscho acts as example to any and all thrillers made after it. The high pitch screams of the violin set the example of effective thriller storytelling.
Psycho is especially effective at using this for shocking moments. While the film has numerous plot twists and shocks, the music never feels overused or repetitive. The moments, each unique, feature the same soundtrack but with different pacing, builds and styles.
The dramatic music within this film is able convey a range of emotions, each suiting perfectly to the required moments in the film.
Key Camera Shots, Angles and Movements
Within Psycho Hitchcock incorporates a lot of symbolism and subtext. This is conveyed through his use of the camera and editing. Seen particularly during the shot in which Marion is killed, and the shot of the plughole in the shower dissolves to her eye as she lays dead on the bathroom floor. See below:
The macabre style shot and match on action edit, makes what could be a simple transition into an interesting reflection of her death.
This style of Hitchcock's shows confidence and originality in his work, making even a simple transition an opportunity for creative expression.
Another example of Hitchcock's confidence comes as one he has in respect to his actors and the narrative. The shot second to last shot of the film holds on Bates as his 'mother's' part of his mind takes over. He holds on his performance as the voice-over of 'mother' talks about her future and her self preservation.
This simple yet very impressive shot simple move closer and closer to the uncomfortable character as Anthony Perkins' performance is fascinating. The simple track forward works effectively as Hitchcock displays his confidence once more.
Hitchcock also experiments with 'god's eye view' during the murder of Arbogast. This ambitious yet effective shot details the movements of characters and their location, the same way a wide angle shot would, except from a unique angle.
Once more Hitchcock's confidence can be seen.
Influences and Lessons
Success within Hitchcock's work comes from his confidence and ability to try new and different ways to tell stories through film. As detailed above his style of storytelling through film, at the time, was ground breaking and this was due to the new styles he implemented. Having the confidence to shoot something in a different way and also confidence in his own ability speaks volumes in his work. With this in mind I should not be afraid to try new and interesting ways of filming within Double Exposure.
The music within Double Exposure needs to fit within the psychological thriller. While it will feature a different tone to Psycho the use of it at key moments whilst also being conservative with the tracks, as to not overuse or repeat the track.
Pacing in Double Exposure is also key, this applies to music, editing and performance as the flow of the film requires heavily on pacing.
BACKSTROKE (2017)
To better understand the short film production, I felt it was important to research a film of this length to learn more about the possibilities of successfully producing a detailed narrative within a short span of time. Looking primarily at the direction and style of the film as an example before working on my own.
The film I found is called BACKSTROKE (2017). Written and Directed by Robbie Barclay, the film was found as a winner of Short of the Week on Vimeo. Below is a link to the film.
About
This 10 minute thriller is about:
"Two runaway teens steal a car with dreams of heading down to Florida, but things take a dark turn after a dangerous game."
I wanted to understand the different styles and ways of telling a story within short film, the use of symbolism and subtext are key however I wanted to see examples of them being used in practice, simple techniques done well.
Robbie Barclay is a short film maker, writer and director. Exploring his channel on Vimeo allowed me to understand to what extent the progression of practice within short film can do to work.
Review
Music + Hum
What is clear to see within this film is its place as a thriller. The audience are kept waiting in suspense during purposefully uncomfortable moments. While the performance, coverage and editing pace of this play key roles, what makes these scenes work is the use of the gradual building hum. This background hum creates an uncomfortable and unsettled tone which can make an audience squirm.
The use of this in combination with music creates an atmosphere perfectly suited to the thriller genre. Within BACKSTROKE the hum is used strategically, not overused or repetitive, instead perfectly suited to key moments.
An example of this is during the holdup moment at 3:20 - 4:10.
Confidence
Confidence is key when making a film of any variety. A director with little confidence can expect to see his/her vision be ruined unless they be committed and confident in their idea. This does not mean however a director should ever not listen to advice, other thoughts or alternatives as these can help to improve the film.
Films are a collaborative and group effort, therefore a director has to collaborate in order to achieve his/her vision.
What is evident within BACKSTROKE is that Barclay has confidence. The opening shot and the final shot stand out as moments of confidence in not only the story but of the performance the actors provide. Barclay effectively uses the two shot and long shot, holding them to not only establish the space but allow the performance and action on screen to tell the story, rather than cutting up the sequence.
When holding shots and reactions, BACKSTROKE is at its finest. The moments of dialogue interaction in the car felt heavily cut in comparison however, this is done effectively during the lake scene. 4:23 - 9:05.
Performance
The only real criticism within this is during the dialogue exchange at 1:45-2:39. This is down to the slightly wooden acting at this point. Performance within the film is effective and the lead actress stands out as very good, especially with her interaction with the man at the lake. However, this scene feels slightly uncomfortable and stands out as the only moment in the film that is not as slick and effective as the rest.
This part seems too heavy with unnecessary dialogue, something that the rest of the film does not show.
Performance is key within film, as the director relies on and collaborates with the actor to achieve a performance that fits the character and tone of the film. With this the runaway boyfriend's character may have question marks or this may highlight a mark on the effectiveness of casting within the film.
Effective Endings
What BACKSTROKE has as an ending is the perfect example of what it is to end a short thriller. The film effectively keeps the audience on edge throughout through the narrative, music and performance. The film duration wise keeps to a short film which still visually tells enough information to understand the characters and their motivations.
By way however, the ending of the film is what is most effective. The use of music as a storytelling tool and the twist from believing she has got away and everyone is okay, to the slow hand reaching out behind her accompanied by the scream of the music before cutting to the title is a fantastic example of an effective short thriller ending. 9:06 - 10:15.
It not only leaves the audience wondering but it sends chills as the audience's imagination is left to fill in the gaps as to what happened. This is what all good thrillers do by using the audiences imagination against them.
Influences
Music & Hum
- I'll be looking to use the music and hum within BACKSTROKE in a similar method within Double Exposure. The effective way of using the hum as a subtle tension builder and music as a storytelling device is an interesting and effective method of using music.
Confidence
- I must ensure that I stay confident in the films ability to convey the story and work as a short psychological thriller. By maintaining confidence I am able to not only install confience in others but direct a film that can be successful whilst also being able to try experimental and interesting methods that may be suggested down the line.
Performance
- I need to ensure I keep a keen eye on performance as there is no substitute for poor acting. By casting well and discussing with the actors the required performance and character, this should hopefully allow a mutual understanding on set providing for a good performance.
Effective Endings
- Endings are key. It is the last thing the audience will see so it is important that the last thing they do see is powerful and effective. This means the ending of the film has to work and effectively conclude the end of Double Exposure in a way that ends on a narrative high, not leaving the audience feeling flat.
References
- http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/psycho-1960
- http://filmmakermagazine.com/93042-im-scared-of-everything-alfred-hitchcocks-bbc-interview-about-psycho-1960/#.WRGbt-XyvIU
- Shower Scene
- Music in Psycho
- Short of the Week
- BACKSTROKE
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