My name is Jamie Coleman, I am 16 years old and am an A-Level Media student.
My task is to create an opening two minutes to a film. Whilst doing this, I will be studying the conventions of film openings, in different genres of films. Personally I like film openings to be abstract and different to any film opening I have seen before, however still following the vital conventions that an opening must include, such as the opening credits (which should be shown in an unique way), including the names of the lead actors/actresses, director etc.
I have chosen to do an opening to a thriller film, as I believe that the conventions of thriller films, are identifiable, clear, and are very effective. An example of a film that I like is the film se7en, as the opening sequence turns out to be crucial, and influential, once the end of the film has been shown. The audience are shown the killer right at the beginning of the film in the opening credits, however, not shown his whole face. This creates tension as the audience don't know what they are being shown at the beginning of the film, therefore dismiss it. However, once they have seen what happens at the end of the film, or they see it for a second time, they should realise that they are actually showing the killer at work, preparing for his murders. This then gives the impression that the killer is always one step ahead of the audience. This is just one example of a thriller that I like with an interesting way of showing the opening credits. Many thriller films find a new and unique way of showing the opening credits, and Se7en is just one example of a way that the opening credits could be shown.
In doing this task I am hoping to gain experience, making my own film opening and become better educated on what makes a good opening sequence and why it makes it good. I am also very interested in the importance of film credits and the best ways in which they should be used. Therefore will be looking at the best and most unique methods of presenting the opening credits, as well as including what I believe to be the best way of presenting the credits in my film.
A good start Jamie. You make the point about the opening credits of Se7en only being fully understood by the audience on second viewing. Is the implication of this that the killer is one step ahead of the audience as well as the detectives? Is this a convention of all thrillers? Are there more general, macro-conventions that you should prioritise?
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