PART ONE: REAL THRILLER OPENINGS

By Ajibike Sobogun

The Title Of The Film

The title of this film is simple, one word. Although it is unique as it spells the word seven with the number 7 rather then a “v”. This has a very good effect on the film as it shows the confusion between letters and numbers that are going to be faced in the film. Also it shows the audience the importance of the number 7 and how it will play its part in the film. This meets thriller conventions as it gives away some of the film and has the title on a black background.

Setting/Location

The location looks musty. It is based out side and it looks like it is set in a jungle. There is wildlife around that adds to the mysterious setting. This could connote nature in its purist form as it looks very pure but also very odd and confusing. These are the thoughts that the audience would be having and this fits in to the thriller conventions to constantly make the audience think.

Costume and Props

The gun is dirty and looks like it had been used vigorously. The costume is torn and dirty this shows the lack of interest the character has in their appearance. The costume and props used do play a big part in the opening as they show the year or place the film is set as they can present the culture or sophistication in the props used. This is a thriller convention as it helps build the scene.

Camerawork and Editing

This shot is very different as even though the character at the front is a mid shot the helicopter at the back is a far/long shot. These are the kind of shots that are used in thriller films. This shot fits into the thriller conventions as they show a clear concept of the scene. Although the shot is blurry the when it is watched the scene is very effective and would make the audience want to watch the rest of the film.

Title Font and Style

The title font looks neat and handwritten like a child striving for perfection. In the opening it shows a man writing in the book and the handwriting looks like this. As it links it adds the effect that the handwriting in this film is going to be of some importance. This fits into the thriller conventions to build suspense so the audience starts to think about the connection.

Story and How Its Set Up

The story is clearly shown in this scene. The audience can see that the activities that the characters is participating in are mysterious and confusing. They can see the nostalgic documentation that the character is doing which means he is either researching or keeping track on something or someone. This already sets up a story for the audience that they would see in the film. This is a thriller convention.

Genre and How it was Suggested

This opening shows the slightly odd obsession with the number 23. The statement “there are 23 letters in the Latin alphabet”, shows that the film is using real life information to create the suspense filled atmosphere. This meets the thriller conventions as it shows more of a thriller theme then horror with the audience feeling more tense then scared.

How Characters Are Introduced

This is a character in the film Jacob’s ladder. He looks detached and lacks attention as it seems that he is bored or thinking about something else. He also looks like he doesn’t want to be there. This makes the audience think about why they are watching this if the people in the scene look distracted, or they could be thinking that he is very quite and feels lonely even though he is surrounded by people. This is a convention for thriller films, character like this would normally be the main character

Special Effects

The special effect in this shot s very interesting as the blood looked like it is seeping through the paper. Also the way the writing turned into an equation was also very good. This fits into the thriller convention to keep the audience interested. There are a lot of aspects that keep the audience interested but special effects is definitely one of the most important one. This is a very important convention.