Edge of darkness trailer
Our chosen genre is a combination of thriller but with a sinister feel almost like a horror but only bordering on this genre. Edge of darkness’s plot is about Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) investigating the death of his activist daughter. Not only uncovering her secret life, he discovers a government cover up that attracts an agent who’s instructed to ‘clean up the mess’ which puts his life in danger. This film is a positive match with our chosen genre so I will be analysing the trailer which shows a clear transition from normal life into a surreal morbid investigative life.
Here is the trailer to the movie with the analysis underneath;
9-11 seconds- Horizontal panning shot from right to left showing the main character (Medium shot). As he is shaving, this shows that everything is fine and normal as shaving is a part of everyday life for the majority of older men.
12 second- Extreme long shot of voice machine with a female voice calling the male 'Dad' showing it's his daughter.
13-15 seconds- Close up of the males face showing a slight turn in head position to the voice machine showing that he has been affected by this phone call and also may have a hidden meaning that he has not seen his daughter for a while as he is surprised and almost excited to hear her voice.
16-18 seconds- Blank screen with subtly glowly writing. Writing is slowly decreasing in size which gives the effect of distance which corresponds with the words 'Some memories never fade'. Also could imply either good or bad memories and the writing style and colour (light blue) against the dark background gives the whole shot a schizophrenic feel.
19-22 seconds- Fade from black screen to a flashback of the main male character playing with a very young child. Flash back is implied by natural lighting which gives the whole scene a 'light' look. Close ups of smiling faces and playful nature between father and daughter show that this is a happy scene which gives the whole feel of the trailer so far positive.
22-24 seconds- Again, like two scenes before, light glowing writing is the main focus of the shot as it is against a dark background. The writitng this time is the opposite side of the shot on the left side but still with the same effect of decreasing. The second use of this scene shows this is probably going to be a common occurrence throughout the trailer. 'Some feelings never change' once again implies either a good or bad past.
25-32 seconds- This shows the same man with a little greyer hair meeting a similar older looking girl from two scenes before. The woman's voice is the same as on the tape recorder from the second scene so this implies it is his daughter and the natural lighting shows it is now modern day instead of a flash back. The shot consists of medium close ups of both characters and small talk which shows everything is fine in their life. Non diagetic music is playing in the background which is relaxing and induced this feeling on the viewer.
32-33 seconds- Fade to a car on a motor way in the pouring rain which shows where the next shot is to take place. Also fade symbolises the end of something so it shows the end of the first meeting between these two characters.
34-38 seconds- Shot reverse shot of both character seated within a car previously shown on the motorway. The characters talk about relationships and we find out that the main male figure has no womanly figure in his life which gives us the viewer a bit of background information on the main character. Relaxed background music still continues signifying a calm persona and positive attitude.
38-39 seconds- Long shot of car pulling into a drive way. As shot fades to black the relaxed music also quickly changes to a low eerie screech that implies the atmosphere has dramatically changed.
40-41/42 seconds- Low eerie tone continues throughout this scene. Loud shout from behind 'CRAVEN' in an aggressive tone which makes the main character turn around abruptly. Quick horizontal panning from right to left which makes the background blurred. Shaded masked figure shoots a gun as the eerie tone turns to a sudden bang which signifies the rising adrenaline.
41/42-43 seconds- Quick straight cuts with 3 collections of shots with bright lights pausing briefly on 'Craven's' face. Extreme close up of Craven's eyes wide open to show his emotion which is distressed.
43-45 seconds- Reverts back to the light glowing writing on the dark background slowly decreasing in size. Now could imply the lack of control he has over the situation. Writing says 'Some secrets' which once again could symbolise either good or bad hidden intentions but also could be aimed at both characters and not much information has been given.
46-47 seconds- Fading from shot to shot has increased in pace which corresponds with the faster music and more distressing scenes. Close up of Craven crying and embracing his daughter on the floor. Which implies that she was shot by this masked figure but does not reveal the reason why.
47-49 seconds- Again, the pattern continues with the glowing slightly shining writing upon a black background. This time though, to coincide with the death and revenge agenda the writing changes from calm submissive blue to blood red to symbolise death and rage. It still decreases in size to show things are slipping away. The writing says 'Take us to the edge' symbolises the Craven's mentality at this point.
49-50 seconds- Medium close up of Craven once again embracing his daughter lying on the floor motionless. This scene ends with a very slow fade which symbolises the end of something, in this case, the end of his daughters life.
51 second- Pure black continuing from previous fade.
51-52 seconds- Shot of television screen with a news reporter talking about the incident. Her voice narrative continues over the next few shots which are very quick changing which symbolises rising adrenaline. Also contributes towards continuity.
53-54 seconds- Long shot overlooking the scene in which the murder took place with a heart beat background music which is very slow and relaxed for these first few scenes.
55-56 seconds- Extreme close up of a badge and police impliments being covered by a basket. This symbolises Cravens intentions outside the law.
56-57 seconds- Woman reporter states 'Appears Thomas Craven was the target'. Which then shows Craven standing still in his hallway, which implies he's thinking about either his daughter or why he was the target. (Long shot)
58-60 seconds- Craven talking about the killer with what looks like a friend. Close up of both characters faces. Friend says 'This is somebody armed and dangerous' while Craven replies 'What do you think I am?' which implies good intentions of not wanted revenge or blood.
60-61 seconds- Extreme close up of a males hand loading a hand gun which contrasts with the last scene of telling a police officer he had no intentions of revenge. It also corresponds with the covering of the police badge as he wants to do this outside the law and not as a police officer.
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Thursday 9 December 2010
Dialogue
We want to in the first part of the scene create a sympathetic feel for the father so no dialogue will be used and non diagetic background music will set the tone and induce sympathy from our audience.
Contrasting with this, when the scene tranfers to the little girl, unsettling background music will increase slightly from a low tone to a more dramatic overtone which is also a code for our horror/thriller genre. This slight increase will coincide with the slow zoom into the mascara ridden face. The first piece of dialogue and last, will be from this little girl who starts to sing 'Ring a ring a roses' to herself while rocking back and forth in the corner. The pace will increase as the camera zooms into her face which ends on a startling shot of herself bursting into the light which will also have a bang to coincide with her sharp movement. Finally the faster pace symbolises her adrenaline and also the use of the slow zoom and faster pace of music leading into a dramatic shock is relevant to our codes of a horror/thriller genre.
Contrasting with this, when the scene tranfers to the little girl, unsettling background music will increase slightly from a low tone to a more dramatic overtone which is also a code for our horror/thriller genre. This slight increase will coincide with the slow zoom into the mascara ridden face. The first piece of dialogue and last, will be from this little girl who starts to sing 'Ring a ring a roses' to herself while rocking back and forth in the corner. The pace will increase as the camera zooms into her face which ends on a startling shot of herself bursting into the light which will also have a bang to coincide with her sharp movement. Finally the faster pace symbolises her adrenaline and also the use of the slow zoom and faster pace of music leading into a dramatic shock is relevant to our codes of a horror/thriller genre.
Shot List
Shot numbers will be the same as story board which will be added at a furthur date.
Shot Number 1 (Approx time- 20 seconds)
Establishing shot (ELS)
Description;
Father figure sitting on a bench in the distance (Across the lake). Sky at the top of the shot and clear view of the environment to set the scene.
Analysis;
Obviously, every first shot should set the scene and introduce at least one of the main actors to the audience. The choice of environment is very important as it is symbolic in our films direction as the final scene will end up with the father and daughter re-united on that same bench across a calm lake. The fathers facial expression will be out of sight to cause enigma and confusion to what this mans motives and emotions are.
Shot Number 2 (Approx time- 40-50 seconds (To be confirmed)
Long shot (LS)
Description;
Shot behind male figure with full body and bench showing and a lot of sky in view. This shot will be approximately 2 hours long with the natural flow of people and dogs passing by the man. He will be stationary the whole time. The shot will be sped up to show people passing by the man at great speed. The sky will also be changing from vibrant blue to an orangy hazy sunset.
Analysis;
Very influencial scene as it is symbolising that time is passing by the man very quickly, could either portray the idea of his life nearly being up and everything is at an advanced rate, or could possibly have a more subliminal sinister meaning? This is left to the audience to make them think and get mentally involved into the opening of the scene.
Shot Number 3 (Approx time- 5-8 seconds)
Close up
Description;
First insight on the male figures face and also shows his emotions. Balled up red eyes and deep sigh resulting in him looking from the sky down into his lap.
Analysis;
Shows the characters emotions which is obviously sadness. Creates enigma as viewer does not know why he is sad or why he is not moving from this bench. Maybe has a emotional connection with this location? Left to viewers imagination.
Shot Number 4 (Approx time- 5-8 seconds)
Extreme close up (ECU)
Description;
Extreme close up of man's eyes. Red tear filled eyes which consequently leads to a singly tear running down the males face.
Analysis;
Eyes are the key to emotion so we are using this as a very strong shot as it will show his true feelings. The use of the tear also continues onto the next scene which creates continuity.
Shot Number 5 (Approx time- 15-20 seconds)
Close up
Description;
Shot of picture of young girl crinkled at sides and worn. Single tear will run onto the photo which follows on from the previous scene. When tear hits the photo a slight shaking will begin in the males hand.
Analysis;
Worn photo symbolises he has had this photo for a long time and may be treasured as a favourite as it has obviously been handled numerous times. Gives you a small insight into the males personality, maybe OCD? Again, enigma is created. Hand shaking also gives the impression of fear as people shake when they are scared. Scared of loss? Scared of death? Unknown.
Shot Number 6 (Approx time- 40-60 seconds dependant on many variables)
Medium long shot- Close up
Description;
Dark room shrouded by shadows and darkness. Back lighting showing the outline of a figure in the corner. As music intensifies the zoom gets increasingly closer to the figure until, (keeping with the horror/thriller codes and conventions), a bang occurs while a girls face appears with makeup down her face. This contrasts with the previous picture of her smiling with high key lighting showing her innocence. Wide eyes open and crooked forced smile directly into the camera. Key lighting from the left illuminating approximately three quarters of her face.
Analysis;
Very much symbolic and subliminal leaving the equations to the audience. Make up running down her face, why has she been crying? What are her motives in this scenario? Wide eyes opened and false smile, maybe drug abuse? Many questions left unanswered and left to the imagination. This idea of leaving many end loose and unanswered, is relevant to our previous audience research which told us that a successful horror movie should leave many aspects of the film to their imaginations. Also creates a sort of crime feel as the audience are already trying to piece things together like a detective and work out the twisting plot.
Shot Number 1 (Approx time- 20 seconds)
Establishing shot (ELS)
Description;
Father figure sitting on a bench in the distance (Across the lake). Sky at the top of the shot and clear view of the environment to set the scene.
Analysis;
Obviously, every first shot should set the scene and introduce at least one of the main actors to the audience. The choice of environment is very important as it is symbolic in our films direction as the final scene will end up with the father and daughter re-united on that same bench across a calm lake. The fathers facial expression will be out of sight to cause enigma and confusion to what this mans motives and emotions are.
Shot Number 2 (Approx time- 40-50 seconds (To be confirmed)
Long shot (LS)
Description;
Shot behind male figure with full body and bench showing and a lot of sky in view. This shot will be approximately 2 hours long with the natural flow of people and dogs passing by the man. He will be stationary the whole time. The shot will be sped up to show people passing by the man at great speed. The sky will also be changing from vibrant blue to an orangy hazy sunset.
Analysis;
Very influencial scene as it is symbolising that time is passing by the man very quickly, could either portray the idea of his life nearly being up and everything is at an advanced rate, or could possibly have a more subliminal sinister meaning? This is left to the audience to make them think and get mentally involved into the opening of the scene.
Shot Number 3 (Approx time- 5-8 seconds)
Close up
Description;
First insight on the male figures face and also shows his emotions. Balled up red eyes and deep sigh resulting in him looking from the sky down into his lap.
Analysis;
Shows the characters emotions which is obviously sadness. Creates enigma as viewer does not know why he is sad or why he is not moving from this bench. Maybe has a emotional connection with this location? Left to viewers imagination.
Shot Number 4 (Approx time- 5-8 seconds)
Extreme close up (ECU)
Description;
Extreme close up of man's eyes. Red tear filled eyes which consequently leads to a singly tear running down the males face.
Analysis;
Eyes are the key to emotion so we are using this as a very strong shot as it will show his true feelings. The use of the tear also continues onto the next scene which creates continuity.
Shot Number 5 (Approx time- 15-20 seconds)
Close up
Description;
Shot of picture of young girl crinkled at sides and worn. Single tear will run onto the photo which follows on from the previous scene. When tear hits the photo a slight shaking will begin in the males hand.
Analysis;
Worn photo symbolises he has had this photo for a long time and may be treasured as a favourite as it has obviously been handled numerous times. Gives you a small insight into the males personality, maybe OCD? Again, enigma is created. Hand shaking also gives the impression of fear as people shake when they are scared. Scared of loss? Scared of death? Unknown.
Shot Number 6 (Approx time- 40-60 seconds dependant on many variables)
Medium long shot- Close up
Description;
Dark room shrouded by shadows and darkness. Back lighting showing the outline of a figure in the corner. As music intensifies the zoom gets increasingly closer to the figure until, (keeping with the horror/thriller codes and conventions), a bang occurs while a girls face appears with makeup down her face. This contrasts with the previous picture of her smiling with high key lighting showing her innocence. Wide eyes open and crooked forced smile directly into the camera. Key lighting from the left illuminating approximately three quarters of her face.
Analysis;
Very much symbolic and subliminal leaving the equations to the audience. Make up running down her face, why has she been crying? What are her motives in this scenario? Wide eyes opened and false smile, maybe drug abuse? Many questions left unanswered and left to the imagination. This idea of leaving many end loose and unanswered, is relevant to our previous audience research which told us that a successful horror movie should leave many aspects of the film to their imaginations. Also creates a sort of crime feel as the audience are already trying to piece things together like a detective and work out the twisting plot.
Costumes and props
In the first scene, the father figure is sitting on a bench which lasts for a couple of hours as the sky changes from blue to a hazy sunset. His cloths will be scruffy as he has let himself go due to the loss of his daughter. Stubble and droopy eyes shows lack of sleep as well.
The girl in the corner will be wearing dark ragged cloths as the colour black has connotations of evil and darkness. Also symbolically shows danger to the audience.
The male fatherly figure upon the bench will be grasping in his right hand a picture of his daughter. This is the only prop we will need.
The main majority of the scene will be at cuckoos hollow on a chosen bench looking out of the lake, which is for the publics leisure so we will be allegible to use it without permission.
The girl in the corner will be wearing dark ragged cloths as the colour black has connotations of evil and darkness. Also symbolically shows danger to the audience.
The male fatherly figure upon the bench will be grasping in his right hand a picture of his daughter. This is the only prop we will need.
The main majority of the scene will be at cuckoos hollow on a chosen bench looking out of the lake, which is for the publics leisure so we will be allegible to use it without permission.
Actors
After deliberations with Scott, we have found out that hiring an actor would significantly boost out grade as we are being creative. Unfortunately due to lack of time and amateur planning we do not have the sufficient time to get the ball rolling so we have come up with a back up plan.
We have enquired to hire out an actress maybe in year 8 or 9 to aid us with our production. If the actress is not 16 or over she will have to be accompanied by an adult so if we get permission we will have to have an adults supervision for health and safety reasons.
The acting experience would contriubute towards her portfolio and may be able to use the footage in any auditions in her future. After talking with Mrs. Mockiluch(?), she has said to get the ball rolling so we look forward to hearing from her very shortly.
We have enquired to hire out an actress maybe in year 8 or 9 to aid us with our production. If the actress is not 16 or over she will have to be accompanied by an adult so if we get permission we will have to have an adults supervision for health and safety reasons.
The acting experience would contriubute towards her portfolio and may be able to use the footage in any auditions in her future. After talking with Mrs. Mockiluch(?), she has said to get the ball rolling so we look forward to hearing from her very shortly.
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