Existing Film Research

We have researched and analysed a variety of different existing films - exploring different genres where some specific scenes are based around similar events that relate to the ideas of our film we will be creating. When first looking for a similar film we looked mainly at the thriller and crime genre films - our first instinct was to observe the torture scene in the film Reservoir Dogs; this scene was very inspiring as we could absorb a whole range of different factors such as lighting, sound and camera work. We also looked into several other films - these being Taken, Dead Man's Shoes, Stormbreaker and Iron Man. As a group we found all of these films influential in different areas. These are the researched films that our group will be analysing for different scenes of our film:





Iron Man - I will be analysing a scene from Iron Man: this has inspired us for the beginning of our film, which will start by the recording of the ransom video by the terrorists.








Taken - This film will be analysed by Alex. We found this film's kidnapping scene very influential - giving us a concept of what we can achieve and use for this scene.







Reservoir Dogs - The torture scene from this film gave us great insight into how we could perform the torture scene in our own film. Ed will be analysing this film.

Iron Man

The film Iron Man has a very similar genre to our film - this being crime, terrorism and thriller - however, explores it in a different way due to the general narrative of the film. On the other hand, a scene that links almost perfectly with the ideas of our own film is the ransom video scene. This scene is exactly how we portrayed our own scene - enabling us to be greatly inspired through its conventions of media. Firstly, I have looked at the mise-en-scene used. The low key lighting used throughout all of the ransom video scene creates a strong and harsh atmosphere as the main character (Tony Stark) becomes in realisation of the critical situation he is in. This is the same atmosphere we look to convey: the main character in our film has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom, his feelings of vulnerability and inferiority needs to be shown through the low key light as darkness shows the coldness, harshness and loneliness of the situation he is in.
     Looking at the costumes, it again relates to our film. We look to create a resemblance of the stereotypical terrorists: wearing scruffy clothing and rags with their faces hidden through bandannas and balaclavas. This creates mystery, who are these people? Through the use of effective costumes we can elevate the feeling of intimidation - not only will the main character be feeling uneasy, but so will the audience. The props will reinforce this feeling. The terrorists in the Iron Man scene are equipped with heavy-duty firearms, this tells the audience that they are not fooling around. In our own film we will be using replica guns for this scene - this will increase the sense of reality and create a much more powerful atmosphere to the harshness of this scene.
     The camera work used has also helped us. Many point-of-view shots are involved, letting the audience see what Tony Stark is looking at. We are put in his shoes and from this can interpret how he is feeling. Similarly, we will be doing the same; by using a number of P-O-V shots we can involve the audience and make them absorb the feelings of the hostage in distress. More camera techniques will be used such as close ups, focus pulls and zooms: these will all be used to portray different feelings to the audience. Close ups will be used when focusing on objects - this guides and focuses all of the audience's attention to what is important in the scene, for instance, a close up to show the hostages expression which conveys emotions to the audience. In addition, focus pulls will be used to change the focus from object to object - this again guides the attention of the audience, however, in an effective subliminal way. Zooms will be used to change the perspective of the scene. For example, a close up of the hostages face will be followed by zooming out to show that the situation is much bigger than the audience thinks. This technique will also give the audience more information about what is happening in the scene.