1. 1. Evaluation: Question 1 In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
2. 2. Location pt.1 We wanted to present our thriller to be that of a 1950s styled one. When looking for a location we had decided on some traits that it must have; preferably we wanted a large rather open room, this foreshadows what will happen shortly as it has connotations of large areas of freedom; which Eve gains once she kills Frank. We also wanted it to have some features like a fireplace which can reinforce the ideals of wealth and status. Lastly a key feature where that it had large windows with blinds to represent a way out, yet it is blocked.
3. 3. Location pt. 2 The location used for our thriller opening scene was 'Town Close School'. We chose this location because it suited our thriller genre and style very nicely, we wanted our mise-en-scene to resemble a 1950's noir thriller. The establishing shot shows the old fireplace in the room, which was a wonderful feature to our thriller and helped aid us in creating a 1950's look as they were very common in upper class housing. It was made of mainly marble, this presented the wealth and power of our characters, making them seem more respectable.
4. 4. Location: to show Eves ideals There were many large windows in the room, this was very good as it gave us the opportunity to use and manipulate them, one of which had a very large curtain in front of it. We used this to our advantage and had Eve hide behind it, allowing us to use some good point of view shots from her hidden behind it. It can also be interpreted as there are many escape exits all around the room for Eve to break free from woman stereotypes and the idea of her being only a possession for Frank; the main male character. However the blinds conceal those exits and portray Eve to be trapped in societys views and ideals of living. Like the character Eve in Once Upon A Time in America, it is presented that women should conform to the more dominant male character as he is in power, when Eve in Once upon a time in America attempts to challenge these stereotypes she is punished for it and is killed by the overpowering male characters.
5. 5. Location: to show male stereotypes. Frank; the male character, is seen in this opening shot standing over the fireplace, the woman is clearly seen to be seated nearby, which can present the stereotypical difference in status between the two genders and how she is lower than him; physically and in status/power. This can link with generic archetypes of females and femme fetales which are common in thrillers.
6. 6. Characters: Eve The character of Eve challenges to the stereotype of women in film being weak and vulnerable, although in some ways conforms to it. We chose the name Eve Crawford as a combination of two inspirations, Eve from the biblical tale and Crawford from the famous star; Joan Crawford. Eve has biblical connotations to the bible character Eve from Adam and Eve. In this she is the one who turns to temptation and urges Adam to join her in eating the forbidden fruit, resulting in their banishment by God from the Garden of Eden. Eve from Once Upon a Time in America was also our main inspiration as we wanted possess some typical characteristics of hers like being deceitful. This can connote to the archetypes of femme fetales which entail and mean to cause trouble for other characters and overall themselves. Eves character is strongly influenced by the character of Marion Crane from Psycho. She is determined and strong, as seen by her challenges to woman serotypes by the murders she commits, which is much like Marions actions to steal the money from her work. Eve is a bit like Joan Crawford a famous star of the 40s film Mildred Pearce (1946). In real life she adopted 5 children and they claimed she was abusive and manipulative. In the trailer of Mildred Pearce the voice over says shes a woman who doesnt live by the rules which applies to our female killer, Eve.
7. 7. Characters: Eve pt. 2 Eve wears a pearl necklace and a pearl bracelet, this shows her status in the film as pearls are expensive items, only to be bought and worn by the higher class in society. However pearls also mean tears, this could be interpreted as either her foreshadowing her future and what; as a femme fetale, fate may result in (death). Or the tears caused by the oppressive male characters forcing her to live the way they and society wish. Our character Eve was dressed in a sensual, seductive style of clothing in the form of a shorter tight skirt and blouse, this presents her to be disregarding the female stereotypes of the time and stand out and be different to other woman of this period; possibly meaning trouble. This again shows her rebellious and fighting spirit, where she is trying to challenge and end the generic ideals for a woman.
8. 8. Characters: Frank The character of Frank conforms to the stereotypical archetypes of a wealthy man. This is portrayed through his smart clothing and sophisticated way of movement, we can also see this through his belongings, as he presents a golden watch and lighter. Frank rather suspicious and vacant, he seems charming, and sophisticated, reinforcing the archetype role as possibly a villain. The costume is important in the aspect that its the main indicator to his wealth. We chose a traditional suit and tie, referencing characters from Reservoir Dogs and Patrick Bateman from Psycho. The black colour of the suit connotes darkness, presenting his cold, neglectful nature.
9. 9. Camera Angles/Movement and Transitions Opening to a Thriller Film and Narrative We used a variety of camera shots and angles in our film opening which are often featured in the thriller genre. For example a camera angle we used was a low angled shot when Frank is seated at the table; this shot is often used to indicate dominance, making the audience feel intimidated and watch it all from a vulnerable position. Once Upon a Time in America is a movie example that uses this technique. Another shot we used was a tilt shot for the opening image, which presents that something may be wrong, and not quite in the right perspective, adding to the confusion and interest of the shot; The Third Man is one of many thrillers that use this shot. The transitions used in our thriller help to present the genre, lots of sharp and quick cuts between some scenes help to add a quick pace; creating a sense of chaos overall building the tension.
10. 10. Camera Angles/Movement and Transitions Opening to a Thriller Film and Narrative We used camera movements to create an unnerving atmosphere; for example, we used a close up when Frank gets out and looks at the gun, foreshadowing that this item is important and will contribute to a key moment in the opening. The gun is a recurring item seen, like in Psycho with Marions money, which highlights the significance of the actual gun; again building that tension. I also referenced to FILM THAT I USED TO MAKE TITLE CARDS by making the titles in the same style and appear in the same faded way. This helped to emulate the ideals of a classic 1950s based thriller look that we were aspiring to achieve. I used a still tilted opening shot to set the scene but before this, I introduced the entire production with a black background with white text saying A Roma Pictures Likewise this is seen in Once Upon a Time in America. The white text stands out against the black background, establishing the noir genre; representing shadows and various forms of lighting. We chose to call our film Eve Crawford as it is the name of our title femme fetale character. This helps show the power she possess in a world and time run by men, shes challenging these stereotypes and making the attention evolve around her.