Past Student Work Analysis 2

We analysed a two minute opening sequence created by a student from Windsor Boys' School, this clip was a psychological thriller called 'Alone'. This student used all four micro areas very well to portray the psychological thriller conventions.

The first micro area we will be looking at is camera work. This student used a variety of different camera techniques to create tension for the audience. Throughout the extract, there are many close ups and also extreme close ups to show us his emotions through his facial expressions. A handheld tracking was used twice: once when the character was walking through the hallway and another towards the end of the extract on the antagonists knife. This makes the audience curious as to why the murderer was doing this and if he will do it without the protagonist turning around. Depth of field was also used when  the character appears to be watched by the antagonist. A variety of camera techniques have been used for the enjoyment of the target audience.

Secondly, the next micro area we will be looking at is Mise en scene. One of the props he used was a cigarette which the character was smoking at the beginning of the extract. This portrays an understanding of the setting which gives nothing to suggest that the events that occurred were going to happen, this entices the audience. However, the close up of the tip of the cigarette wasn't very clear, which was followed by a plain cream background shot which also was not very understanding. Another prop used during this opening sequence was the knife, this is shown as he approaches the protagonist from behind, and although we do not see him stabbing him, we can tell from the movement of his arm that he is dead. This clearly shows that it is a thriller not a horror, as stereotypically there would be blood and gore involved. Although this scene was very good, it would of brought more realism to the extract if the antagonist's weapon was more than just a bread knife.

The third micro area is sound. Throughout this whole extract there is non-diegetic sound which keeps the audience curious during the whole opening sequence. There is also diegetic sounds on top of this non-diegetic music. At the beginning of this clip, we can hear the TV for a few seconds, we then hear the lighter when the protagonist lights his cigarette. These small diegetic ambient sounds adds to the realism in the room. This opening sequence was aimed to be a psychological thriller, however it does not portray many explicit psychological thriller conventions, more so we can recognise there are crime thriller conventions used.

Lastly, we will be looking at editing. The whole opening sequence is continuity editing which means the following shot flows well with the previous shot. Short shot duration is also used throughout the opening sequence. A lot of emphasis has been created around what the main character is doing during an ordinary evening. There are transitions such as cuts to the main character smoking a cigarette to an extreme close up of the tip of the cigarette. Editing techniques such as eye line match and match on action has been used when the character answers the front door. He used a match on action shot when he opened the door to see who had knocked. As he walked out and left the door open, he filmed the latch on the door straight after. This shows that the door had not shut properly, which also creates suspense for the audience.

This student used the four micro areas near enough to the best of his ability. The flow of continuity throughout the whole extract flowed well, and the acting and filming techniques were very good. If I were to grade this student on his two minute opening sequence he would receive an A grade.