Analysis of a project: Another grade A

Analysis of another students A grade project

The example named 'Torn' is probably my favourite opening sequence out of all the other students work that I have watched. I like that the font of this opening sequence is presented in a white, sans serif font, at different points throughout the opening. The font is very simplistic and so it doesn't distract away from the actors or the setting, especially when an establishing shot is used.

The sans serif font is classic, and doesn't distract away from any of the shots.

The use of non diegetic sound is effective, as prolonged string music is used which adds suspense, combined with the flash edits and random quick inserts of dolls in black and white at various points throughout the opening is very effective. This is because he audience do not know the significance of the dolls in the narrative, and the situation appears to be normal at first, but we soon come to realise it is rather abnormal, and the audience can't quite see what the flashes are, and so the narrative enigma is particularly effective.

An example of the flash edit of a doll, which appears and reappears frequently throughout the opening, at a fast pace. All flashes are in black and white.

The fact that the main character is in his dressing gown and slippers, is normal, but the audience question this factor as it isn't normal to go into a workshop in your dressing gown. We see him carrying out abnormal activities involving dolls which makes the audience wonder why he is so enthused by taking apart dolls and having detailed plans of them in his workshop.

A long shot of the character walking to the workshop, in his dressing gown.

The wide range of camera angles used gives different perspectives of the situation. The opening has been edited to a high, professional standard and flows very well and so the attention of the audience is directed on completely on the character and his actions. This is something I aim to do when I create my thriller. The lighting used is very high key inside and so allows the audience to view what is going on inside, whilst still creating an eerie mood of suspense due to the audience being able to view every detail.

High key lighting is used to enable to audience to see the intricate details of taking the doll apart.

However, when the actor is in the shed, the non diegetic music changes, but it doesn't quite match the sincerity and creepiness of the scene. This is something I will avoid when making my final thriller opening, as I don't want to make the same mistake. This could have been done on purpose, to make the audience question the music and the scene as it doesn't quite match up. When the actor brings the doll to his face, the non diegetic music increases to a crescendo, and then stops, so this does actually add tension to the opening sequence.  

Non diegetic music increases to a crescendo, adding tension for the audience.

This project has given me inspiration for my own thriller task and I hope to use some of the techniques which are presented in this opening sequence.

The clip analysed shown below: