Opening Sequence Mood Board Diagram

Opening Sequence Mood Board Diagram

In order for our group to develop a deeper understanding of the various aspects of the opening sequence, I created this mood board diagram. The different points, such as setting or costumes, allows our group to define the genre of the film, its conventions and other topics surrounding the key points of the sequence. It allows me to gain a stronger idea of the things that are needed in order to create a compelling sequence that appeals to the target audience and fulfils conventions of the genre chosen. It also enables me to look for appropriate locations for the settings aswell as gather props which may be used.

Opening Sequence Mood Board Diagram.doc

Todorov and Propp Theories

Tzvetan Todorov and Vladimir Propp Theories

Russian theorist, Tzvetan Todorov, suggests that all narratives follow a structure of five parts. The story begins with an equilibrium, where everything is balanced and things are as they should be. Then something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium (disequilibrium), in some cases the antagonist is introduced and the story takes a particular direction. The recognition that there has been a disruption then occurs, and then there is an attempt to repair the damage from the disequilibrium, which is often the highest point of tension throughout the film. Finally a reinstatement of the equilibrium is made at the end of the narrative, solving all the problems of the story.

• Equilibrium 
• Disruption 
• Recognition 
• Repair
• New Equilibrium  

Vladimir Propp's character theory is based on his analysis of folk tales and legends from various countries. Much like Todorov theory, but more detailed and complex, He arrived at the conclusion that the story is built up following folk tale guidelines as in there are always certain ‘types’ of characters. These include:

• Hero – Who is on a quest (search)
• Villain – The opposing foe to the hero
• Donor – Character who provides a tool(s) to the hero character
• Dispatcher – Who starts the hero on his quest/way
• False Hero – Character who tries to divert the hero from his quest
• Helper – self explanatory, helps the hero
• Princess – who is the reward for the hero
• Father – who rewards the hero for his efforts

Vladimir Propp also had a narrative theory that tied in with his character theory, which is set in 6 parts: Preparation occurs first when the audience is introduced to the story. A complication then transpires that gives clues to the direction that the story is heading. Transference is then where the donor provides the hero with tools or objects and other events. The struggle is where the hero deals with complications of his search. The hero then returns home with issues still remaining. Finally, recognition occurs where the story’s loose ends are tied up and all problems are solved. 

• Preparation 
• Complication 
• Transferance
• Struggle
• Return
• Recognition 

Motifs In Films

Motifs In Films

A motif is any recurring element that has symbolic reference within a story. Through its repetition, a motif can help produce aspects such as themes of moods within the film. They are used as a key concept within films to enhance the viewing experience for the audience and to induce the idea of narrative enigma.

Various films have different numbers of motifs within the duration of the film. For example, in the film ‘The Great Gatsby’ directed by Baz Luhrmann (2013), the motif of the destruction of cars is used to foreshadow an iconic point within the film. With the film being set within the 1920’s, the story is set around the idea of the American dream and people trying to gain wealth, status and live a lavish lifestyle. By cars being seen as a sense of wealth and newfound freedom, it could suggest that the destruction of these vehicles is caused by the wealthy and how they can corrupt other peoples lives. The film has some mystery aspects of its genre due to the enigmatic character of Gatsby. His character is responsible for various motifs within the film such as his extravagant parties, the ‘green light’ and cars. The motif of parties allows the audience discover the themes of prosperity and how it can be used to please people. The motif of the ‘green light’ could be seen as significant as the audience are aware that Gatsby is trying to grab the light, however it is out of his reach and is impossible to get. The light could be a symbol for the character of Daisy and his desire for her, but the unachievable task he pursues into to trying to get her, which inevitably ends in a tragedy.

(The Great Gatsby Film Poster)

Another film that uses motifs is ‘Schindler’s List’ directed by Steven Spielberg (1993). The main motif used within the film is the use of lists, emphasised by the name of the film. Being set around the time of world war two in Germany, the first list shown is the names of various Jews being sorted into those who are useful and those who are not. The progression of lists further within the film turns into the list of Jews who are to be killed and who work. The final list shown is the names of Jews on Schindler’s list that are sent to work in his factory and saved from being killed in concentration camps. The motif of lists could be used to show how Jews had been categorised like robots that are sent to their deaths or to work in gruelling conditions. Schindler’s list is almost a breakthrough in the fate of the Jews as it is the first time there is a spark of hope for staying alive. Another motif used within the film is death that is expressed throughout the film. Within various shots, the Jews had been shot in the head and blood flows onto the snow around them. The image of flowing blood could be used to show the physical and metaphorical lifeblood being bled out of the Jewish race. The motif of trains is also used to show the endless cycle of death and how Jews can be tricked into hope. Near the end of the film, Schindler asks to spray water into the carriage, where Goeth tells him not to give false hope, giving the clear implication that the trains are used to deliver the Jews to their deaths.

(Schindler's List Film Poster)

By analysing the motifs used within films of a similar genre, our group can adopt a motif that can be used within the opening sequence, which can enhance the viewing experience for the audience. This technique can be used effectively to display narrative enigma and emphasise the genre of the film we had chosen: thriller/mystery. Some examples our group could use within the genre could be the repetition of the colour black or red. These colours give different connotations, such as black meaning death, mystery and tragedy with red meaning blood, danger and anger. Another motif that could potentially be used is the use of a diary used by the main character of the film. This could show the progression of his schemes and his developing emotions throughout the course of the film. This could create tension and be interesting for the audience as it builds narrative enigma.  

Individual Idea for Opening Sequence

Individual Idea for Opening Sequence

Name: The Fear

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Horror

Plot:

The sequence begins with a scene of the life of a child at school being taught and doing various typical school activities. A montage of clips showing how he is doing at school and presents the life of an average child who lives a normal school life. Simple instrumental music is played to present a cheery, uplifting mood within the audience. As the sequence continues with the music playing within the background, the child returns home who lives with a loving family who care about him and look after him dearly. When the parents greet the child, they use affectionate language such as ‘dear’ and ‘love’. A short conversation takes place where the mother of the child tells him that they are going out for a special meal for achieving such great results at school. The scene cuts away to show a late night from the perspective of the camera looking into the window. The shot is displayed through obscured views from leaves and branches covering the screen from a bush that a man seems to be hidden within and staring at the family with the sound of heavy breathing within the background. This indicates to the audience that they are being watching by a mysterious figure. Various shots show the family enjoying a family meal at a typical Italian restaurant. Here, the audience are aware that the child is enjoying treasured experiences with his family, but there are soon to be a turn of events. As the family leave the restaurant and being walking home, they are faced with the decision of walking down a dark alley to a shortcut to their home the once cheery music is changed to low base notes and slow piano and string instruments playing. They decide to take the short cut. As they walk further into the alley, the sound of music increases more and more until a heightened sense of climax is set. However, the music is suddenly stopped and the sound of the panting breath of the child is left. The family seem to have safely reached the other side of the alley and they all let out a sigh of relief, but suddenly a man with a hidden identity springs from behind and attacks them. The man uses a suppressed weapon and brutally murders both the parents of the child with several bullets. The man faces the child who felt as if death was imminent and quickly closes his eyes, however, as the killer goes to shoot the child, the gun had run out of bullets. The sound of a contracting bullet trigger is played to emphasise this. He then suddenly scrambles to quickly reload the weapon, dropping various bullets on the floor as he creates a sense of urgency with his killing. The child peeks with one eye and sees the man quickly reaching for more ammunition and trying to place it into his gun, but quickly decides to take the risk of running and hiding from the killer. A low camera shot showing the dead bodies, the killer’s feet scattered with empty bullet shells are shown with the child running off into the distance and hiding. A close up of the child sitting in a dark secluded area within a shadow is displayed with the focus on his character. Within the background a view of the killer walks across the screen, the focus then shifts to him as the child at the foreground is blurred. The killer then pauses and faces the child’s direction, then turns back and walks in the direction he was once walking in. Foley used for the sound of a heartbeat of the child is used as well as the sound of footsteps from the killer moving across the screen, the sound of footsteps slowly fading away. The camera pans into a view of the child with his eyes clenched shut with the only sound of his heartbeat played. Suddenly, a hand wearing black gloves covered in blood taps him on the shoulder. The boy’s eyes beam open in shock and takes in a sudden intake of breath with fear ridden over his expression. The screen then cuts out into darkness where the title of the film, ‘The Fear’, slowly fades on and then off into darkness.

Setting:

The setting for the film would initially start within a state school environment where the child is being taught lessons and his ordinary life is being conveyed. The sequence progresses to a scene with when the child comes home from school and is greeted by their parents who are making tea and watching television. The area where the family lives is a standard town area, their house being semi-detached with a medium sized kitchen and living room. The conversation then commences about going to a restaurant with the child within the living room. A cut shot takes the next scene to the Italian restaurant where the family are sitting around a table and eating their dinner. The place is authentic and has chequered tablecloths, vines and plants decorated inside on the walls and a wine rack displayed above the bar. The view from outside the window is unclear due to plants and branches covering the camera. Then the view from the alley way is shown on a dark unlit road. The alley looks dark and mysterious, with several other paths leading from within it. The floor path is broken and uneven, with smashed bottles littering the area. The other side of the alley way is also dark, however, streetlights give a brighter picture and makes the family more visible. The last scene where the child hides is behind a dark shadow on an off road with the streetlight glow in the background dimly lighting the main road behind the boy.

(Semi-Detached Family House)

Character Profile and Costume:

Father: Black suit and red tie and smart black shoes showing he works and has an occupation of an office job. He has dark brown hair, 5ft 10in height, and brown eyes.

 

(Suit worn by Father)

Mother: Simple attire, often wears somewhat casual clothes, has a job as a teacher. When at the restaurant she wears a plain black dress with a simple necklace and flat shoes. 5ft 6in in height, hazel brown eyes and light brown hair.

(Dress worn by Mother)

Child: Simple grey t-shirt with black hooded jumper with zip, black and white trainers and blue jeans. He has light brown hair, 4ft 11in in height and dark brown eyes.

(Clothes worn by Child)

Killer: Black leather jacket, black jeans, black worn out boots, leather gloves and a black mask over his face with no features showing and is 5ft 11in in height.

(Killer's Leather Jacket and Gloves)

Props:

School bags, house keys, kettle, tea, mugs, television and remote, plates of food (pasta), wine glasses and bottles, menus, purse, wallet, guns and bullets.

Sound:

Throughout the scene soft, gentle instrumental music is played to show a cheerful setting of the child within his school, at home and at the restaurant. The music slows down and tones begin to clash giving an eerie and mysterious tone. Foley is used within various scenes such as the sound of the kettle being switched on, footsteps, cutlery clashing on plates, heartbeats, heavy breathing, suppressed gunshots, running footsteps, bullets falling on floor, silenced screams, flickering of streetlamps and sharp gasps. 

Group Ideas for Opening Sequence

Group Ideas for Opening Sequence

Idea 1:

Name: 
Obsessed

Genre: 
Thriller/Mystery 

Plot: 

The sequence follows the story of a man who develops an obsession with a blonde girl. He creates a project starting with a few pictures, however, over time this obsession grew to the point at which it drives him into a spiral of despair that he cannot escape from. His project escalates into a crazed case study based on every detail about the girl’s life. He then becomes wrecked with mental torture, and unable to get back to reality. 

Setting:  

• Ordinary semi detached house
• Busy Street with cars
• Park/Bushes
• Long Back Garden 
• Small Shed 

Costume:

Man:

• Dark hooded jumper 
• Dark jeans
• Ink/Dirt on fingers
• Brown Puma Suede’s

Blonde Girl:

• Aztec designed cardigan 
• Black shirt
• Light blue jeans 
• Black Puma Suede’s

Props:

• Pictures of blonde girl printed on paper
• Piles of scrap and tatty paper 
• String 
• Pegs 
• Pens and pencils 
• Small open tray with dye
• Camera on desk 
• Torches 
• Ink pots 
• Bag and phone 
• Diaries 
• Tea/coffee

Music/Sound:

Faint music within the background. As the sequence progresses, the music gets louder which builds suspense. Instrumental sounds such as violins and low beats. 

Foley used for certain aspects such as footsteps, writing of paper, click of camera, heavy breathing, sound of kettles.  

Idea 2: 

Name: Halloween Massacre 

Genre: Horror

Plot:

A group of friends go trick or treating on Halloween, however they are running late for a party and decide to cut through the grave yard which is a shorter route. Once they are inside they get locked in and there is no escape, as they investigate the area for help, they see a mysterious figure in the shadow who is following them. 

Setting:

• Graveyard
• Decorated Halloween houses  
• Deserted Streets 
• Forest

Costumes:

Girl 1: 

• Ghost pirate costume
• Skirt
• Grey make up 
• Belt
• Ripped clothes
• Striped tights

Girl 2:

• Witch
• White wig
• Wand
• Black and white dress
• Dark make up
• Neck collar

Girl 3:

• Skeleton Witch 
• Glow in the dark leggings
• Corset shaped top
• Witch hat
• Dark make up

Props:

• Buckets for sweets 
• Shovel 

Music/Sound:

• Eerie music 
• String instruments 
• Screaming sound effects
• Footsteps
• Breaking twigs
• Wind whistling
• Owl sounds

Idea 3: 

Name: Unloved

Genre: Horror/Thriller

Plot: 

The story follows a man who has severe depression as he has no family. He goes on a massacre killing families to compensate for his own loss. The sequence would be in his perspective so the audience would look as if they were the ones committing the murders. 

Setting:

• Ordinary houses 
• Deserted street 
• Park
• Forest

Costume: 
Casual clothing for victims

Men: 

• Jeans
• Shirts 
• Jumpers

Women: 

• Trousers
• Skirts
• Tops

Murderer:

• Hardly seen as the perspective is from his view
• Wears dark clothes, all black.
• Black gloves
• Black boots
• Black leather jacket

Props:

• Knife
• Weapons
• Gloves
• Torch
• Candles

Music/Sounds:

Sounds from a high dynamic range, for example, theme sound for various slasher movies. 

Foley:

• Footsteps
• Sounds of knives
• Heavy breathing