Thriller Film Audience Research DRAFT

I have questioned 31 people, of mixed genders, different ages, different social classes, and different religions to make my results as accurate and fair as can be.

From looking at my results, i have concluded that old thriller films from the period before the 1970s are the most popular. This is due to many reasons i.e the storyline, setting, lighting, soundtrack, cast, props, garments, cult factors, culture and many more. I also prefer films before the 1970s, a few examples are, "The Third Man, "Psycho", "Cause for Alarm", and "Freaks".

I have also concluded that the most liked thriller actor is Robert DeNiro, who is apart of many thriller films such as, "Taxi Driver", "The deer hunter", "Once Upon a Time in America", "The godfather part II" and "Cape fear".

The overall favourite location for a thriller is a urban city area, this is very common in many thrillers such as, "Jackie Brown", "Angel Heart", "Shuttle" and many more.

In general the favourite sub-genre was crime thriller. This sub-genre is very common, in films such as "Angel Heart", "Panic Room", Before The Devil Knows Your Dead","Bodyguard","The Departed" and many more.On Wikipedia there are over 199 pages of listing of crime thriller films.

The results are very useful for new thriller films as they show favourite settings, actors, eras, and sub-genres are most liked. However one question I think would have been useful is "What type of film do you prefer- Independent Films or Hollywood Films? ". I think this question would have been useful to show what type of film making is enjoyed more.

However i managed to tick many of the factors of a thriller film of i.e. - the cast, the location, the era, and the sub-genre.

For my film making i am using a unknown cast which in my questionnaire scored 2 out of 31. I am using a urban city area which scored 17 out of 31 (the highest). I'm setting it in the 1930s which scored 3 out of 31 and my sub-genre is crime-noir thriller which scored 16 out of 31 (the highest). The questionnaire was very helpful in showing what time of thriller films the audience on a whole prefer.

To regards to improving my findings i would have added a few more questions such as "What is your favourite type of lighting in a thriller?" with the optional answers of noir, bright and surreal, natural daylight, natural night time, also "What is your favourite "baddie" in a thriller?" with the optional answers of assassins/hit-men, psychotic killers, criminals, femme fatale, cops, or drug addicts. With these questions added, the ideal cast and storyline could be made along with the preferred lighting, era, location etc.

My questionnaires is very helpful on nearly all the aspects of a thriller film.

Results on Thriller Film Audience research

For my primary research I questioned 31 people using a tally chart, asking, "What is your favourite location of a thriller film?" 17 people answered urban city areas. 12 answered countryside. 2 answered abroad/island and no one answered other.


Here is the results:

I then asked these 31 people, "What is your favourite thriller actor?" 19 people answered Robert DeNiro. 7 people answered Robert Pattinson, 3 people answered Jack Nicholson and 2 people answered unknown actors.

Here is the results:

Next i asked, "What is your favourite time period for a thriller film?" 20 people answered present. 6 people answered future and five people answered past one being 1980s, one being 1990s and 3 being before 1970s.

Here is the results:

Lastly, i asked "What is your favourite sub-genre of a thriller?" 16 people answered Crime thriller. 4 people answered sci-fi thriller. 3 people answered comedy thriller. 6 people psychological thriller. 2 people answered romance thriller.

Here is the results:

Thriller Film Audience Research DRAFT

In my research into thriller film audiences i am going to question a number of people to find out what makes a good thriller film, and what characteristics audiences prefer such as locations, cast, time period, and sub-genre.

I am expecting to find out that on the whole audiences like typical killer storylines- crime thriller, set in isolated urban areas with a cast that involves stars such as Robert DeNiro, and set in the eighties or present.

I will produce a results table and analyse the final results to see if my predictions were correct or inaccurate.

Results table for my primary research in norwich

Audience research in norwich

THRILLER PLANNING IDEAS

Film noir ideas: Setting-Elm hill, (cobbled streets), maids head hotel area, night time - deserted- dark, old English houses- old style bedroom.

Costume ideas: Femme fatale- faux fur coat, heels, beret, clutch bag, pearl jellewary. Lover- White vest top. Running man- messy suit, hat, brief case. Man following- long coat, hat.
Cast: Holly Dove (femme fatale) played by Holly Delany. Running man. Jason Viper (killer) .

Props: cigarettes, make-up, jellewary, snake.

Summary: The opening credits displays an isolated woman (Holly Dove) walking in an old cobbled street. Audience sees a man standing in the alleyway smoking (Jason Viper). A stranger runs into her making her drop her belongings- a clutch bag. She picks up her bag and carries on walking. She reaches her destination (a house) and enters a room. Jason Viper (who has been following her) goes into the house and kills Holly Dove with a snake.

Soundtrack ideas: moonlight- Serenade. I like this song because it reflects the time that film is set in and is ironic to what happens in the opening of the thriller.

Soundies-Surrender. This is my preferred song as it conveys the femme fatale and her lover and the tragedy of what occurs. Through research into possible soundtrack ideas i have picked this song. The song could also be a message between the killer and the femme fatale, "just surrender".

Independent research. How director Alan Parker utilises the thriller genre in Angel Heart DRAFT

'Angel Heart' was released in 1987, and was written by William Hjortsberg (novel) Alan Parker (screenplay). The film holds many characteristics of the thriller genre such as the lighting, which is dark and gloomy and there are constant shadows, this suggests that something or someone is following Harry Angel, this could either be portrayed to be his conscience or Louis Cyphre (the devil). The audience sees the story through Harry's eyes so when he is confused in a situation the audience understands and relates to the confusion. Although in the last minutes Harry is revealed to be evil, the audience sees him to be angelic as he is seen trying to get justice.

The film is certificated an 18 and this is understandable as the film is very dark, with use and belief in Black Magic, with scenes of blood and death.

As the opening credits roll, the surrounding is visible which shows not only the location (old deserted alleyway) but also the time (night). There are clear signs of danger such as the animals (black cat) wondering around on their own, the wet streets. As the camera pans a body is seen, a dead body.

This is becomes very important in the film and the relevance and identity are shown much later in the film. Throughout the film the audience like Harry, are unsure who is killing all the suspects and people related to Johnny Favourite. Johnny's name is ironic as he can be seen as the "favourite character" as the film relates around finding him. The animals in the film are very important in finding out who Harry really is, as whenever Harry comes to contact with dogs they try to attack him. This can be related to the superstition that dogs have a “sixth sense” and suggest Harry is corrupt. Harry is also afraid of chickens, this could be because they are often seen being sacrificed in r rituals, which suggests that he has used them in a sacrifice before. Another important factor is Johnny's illness caused from the war, which meant he forgot many things before and after being in hospital (dementia).

Advertisement for a new perfume product.

The image shows a medium shot of Kate Winslet, who has a white coloured perfume bottle next to her, showing what is being advertised. The specific genre chosen for the advert was romance. This genre can be seen by the romantic sky in the background and the colour of Kate Winslet’s dress. Kate Winslet’s facial expression could also display love as she appears to be distant from the audience showing she is in deep thought. The target audience I chose was thirties -forties. I think I have successfully kept this target audience because the unique selling point (Kate Winslet) inspires this age group; this is because she is a successful beautiful British actress who has aspirational body, and is stunning for her age. She is also an English signifier and a role model for young people as she doesn’t break the law or criticised in magazines for making a ‘fool’ out of herself. “Discover your inner rose” suggests that beauty doesn’t have to be on the outside, and adds a sense of belonging to the county, (English Rose) making it personal and possessive.

The perfume bottle is called ‘Rose’; this can be reflected with her character in “Titanic”, who plays the classic ‘English Rose’. The character is a strong female who defies her status as a middle class woman, as she falls in love with a working class man and leaves her fiancé Cal Hockley. This was unheard of in society at that time. Therefore this can be aspirational and reflects the genre of the advert.

The colour red has connotations of confidence, love, passion, glamour and boldness. The necklace Kate is wearing has the English flag printed on it, which represents her country and where she belongs. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be seen in the advert in the esteem level; as Kate Winslet oozes confidence, respect of others and achievement.

The light coming out of the bottle is powerful and positive as it seems beyond human manufacture and is almost Godly, as it is with the clouds. This suggests an ethereal (light inside the bottle coming out) unearthly character. The flower on the perfume bottle links with the name, and, like the background is feminine. The advert has connotations of peace, tranquillity, and is dreamlike and translucent. The colour of the bottle is also optimistic and angelic. The position of the bottle makes it seem to be floating in the air, next to Kate. Kate’s facial expression is distant as she is wrapped up in her own world of love.

The costume of the female is classy due to the black coat and red dress which gives a binary opposition. This shows the social class being targeted- middle class. This is due to it being targeted at women with successful jobs needing some time to regain their beauty and self-confidence. Kate’s character “Rose” in Titanic (who is middle class and inspiring) might help to appeal to the targeted class.

The ideologies the advertisement communicating might be, “If you buy this perfume, you will gain confidence and sexuality”… “When using this perfume you will be perceived to be a natural beauty, and will look and have a natural pretty scent”. The rule of thirds is used and the perfume bottle and Kate Winslet are put into separate thirds. This gives them more attraction and appeal.

Overall the advertisement is very angelic and gives out an innocent appearance and meaning. The brand name makes the product fashionable and new, “Chic”. However, the brand name could appeal to the younger audience as it is quite basic and childish. The slogan displays the target audience for the product, thirties. The pose is very natural which links well with the message being brought to the audience, “natural beauty”. This also highlights the status of the perfume as it is only worn by the rich and famous, which engages the audience to make them feel included, as they too can become rich and famous. The picture is very calm and has a soft atmosphere which makes Kate Winslet seem frozen in time. The pearl earrings and silver necklace show wealth and have connotations of happiness and contentment as these are associated with being, “a woman’s best friend”, which shows the social class, and represents the perfume to be a woman’s best friend.

Proposal for first hand primary research on audience in the area (Norwich)

For my primary research i am going to do a set of interviews on my chosen audience segmentation. My chosen audience segmentation is gender. I chose this area as there is lots of conflict and wide range discussion on how films can be made stereotypically.

I am going to interview a wide range of male and females from the age of six years old to sixty years old. Age is a big part in finding out the difference between what females like in films and males because films can be targeted at different markets of audience. I am going to visit and look at exhibition areas where audiences consume film, such areas include, cinemas - example: Vue, Odeon, Hollywood cinema, Cinema City. Also DVD's, computers and television. When looking at marketing i am going to watch adverts and look out for billboards around the city, read reviews in female and male magazines, and listen to the radio.





Once i have collected my primary research i am going to write an essay on how different actors, settings, storylines can affect the fanbase from being mainly male to mainly female and what can be stereotyped for men is actually liked by female.

Independent research. How director David Fincher utilises the thriller genre in Panic Room DRAFT

Panic Room was written by David Koepp and released in 2002, and although the storyline is slightly original the camera shots are very unique and add a much more sinister affect to the film along with the music. The tone of the film is instantly set with opening title which features a chain of shots of New York City, and built into these images are the credits.

After the credits Meg (Jodie Foster) and Sarah ( Kristen Stewart) are seen walking into a house which is for sale. The house is very large but with little lighting giving the house a dark edge. The music again adds a menacing tone to the atmosphere. As the scene progresses the audience see the panic room, which is for emergencies. The room has very bright lights compared to the lighting of the rest of the house and emphasises the claustrophobic atmosphere.

Meg falls asleep the camera pans around the house to downstairs. There is noir lighting which creates a shadowy tension. Looking out of the window, a typical convention of the thriller genre is seen: the rain and wet streets. The only sound now is rain and wind coming from outside. As the camera pans across the room the viewer can see three men look into the house from outside. As Burnham breaks into the house upstairs he notices the Meg and Sarah. This seems to shock him as if he wasn't expecting them to be there.

The plot of the film is typical for the thriller genre, a villain (Raoul) who presents obstacles the hero must over come, also the villain is trying to get money.

How director Quentin Taratino utilises the thriller conventions in Jackie Brown draft

Jackie Brown was written by Quentin Taratino and Elmore Leonard. Unlike most typical thrillers Jackie Brown main star is a middle aged black woman, as in most thrillers males’ occupy the majority of the cast. The first couple of minutes focus on Jackie with low angle tracking shots. Quentin Taratino utilises the conventions of the thriller genre in the murder sequence of Beumont Livingstone by Ordell. The characteristics which show this are the noir lighting, unglamorous locations (uninhabited, old industrial areas), and the use of water through reflections, rain and wet streets. As Beumont and Ordell walk to the car, Beumont follows behind Ordell which reflects his vulnerability. When they reach the car, Ordell wants to put Beumont in the boot. This is a typical convention of the thriller genre as the boot is a claustrophobic space and the person inside the boot is blind to what’s going on around them.There is a close up of Ordell putting on his gloves and getting out his gun. These are very masculine objects and show power, and strength as well as threat. There is a pan shot of the deserted area and a long shot as the car pulls up on a field. The noir lighting hides expressions on the face giving a bigger impact on the murder, as it has no emotions and Ordell is detached.

Analysis on the opening of Once Upon a Time in America

The film was directed by Sergio Leone in released in 1984 and produced by Warner Brothers. It takes place after the prohibition ends, 1930.

As the opening credits roll, a sound bridge appears of 'God bless America'. This sets an ironic tone as within the first 3 minutes a woman is murdered and a man tortured. It also establishes the surroundings- USA and could be related to "The Deer Hunter" in that it used this soundtrack to criticise USA's involvement in the Vietnam war (which also stars Robert DeNiro). Therefore Leone is possibly using this soundtrack to make a statement about the USA.

As the sound bridge dies down, a non-diagetic sound of footsteps become louder which engages the audience with tension. The first image from the noir background is a silhouette standing in a doorway. The noir lighting is generic in the thriller conventions as the character is not visible to the audience.

There is then a high angle close up of the girl. The imagery of the girl portrays that she is a femme fatale as she is wearing pearls and diamonds and has red nail varnish which portrays danger. The high angle shot of the bullet holes in the mattress (that outline the shape of body) reinforces the genre of the film. This image foreshadows what possibly waits Eve (the girl). The rule of thirds is used and Eve is a third and the bullet hole body on the bed is another third.







The first image of the gangsters hold connotations of danger with their classic clothes and they form a unity as they are similar, making them more powerful. The male weapon is held menacingly by the gangster and shows how weak and vulnerable Eve is against them. As Eve is shot she falls onto the bed; dying in same place as the outline of the body, suggesting that her death was planned.

There is a quick cut. This suggests fast movement of the gangsters. There is a shot of a man being tortured by the same men. The close up of the victim shows the brutality of the attackers and the vulnerability of the victim.



In these first few minutes, the film portrays a corruption in America. So the music "God Bless America" was ironic and unsettling.

How director Ridley Scott utilised aspects of the thriller genre in Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise is very different to other thriller films as the main characters are women. However the film has many typical conventions of the thriller genre. The start of the film shows a typical western America and is very cultural with its setting, and music. The director is British and portrays Western American males to be misogynists.

The film begins to show thriller aspects as Thelma and Louise go into a bar. They end up splitting up as Thelma drinks allot and dances with a man called Harlan. Thelma starts to feel ill as she has drunk to much alcohol and is very drunk. The atmosphere of the lively bar suddenly changes to a darkly lit car park. The shadows of the cars create tension. The car park is a generic location in thriller films. The camera slowly pans over the car park towards Thelma and Harlan.
This creates a feeling of isolation.
Harlan starts to get forceful with Thelma as she says she feels better after being sick and wants to go back in the bar and he doesn’t want to. She panics and says Louise will be looking for her. This shows that Louise has authority and is Thelma's protector as Louise gets Thelma out of terrible situations. However Harlan has power over Thelma who is weak compared and doesn’t care if Louise does come find them because Louise is only a female and has little power against him. Harlan hits Thelma as she doesn’t cooperate with him and let him have sex with her.

Louise holds a gun to Harlan's head forcing him to let Thelma go. She uses a male weapon- gun. Louise is therefore in control and not the stereotypical weak woman in the thriller, like Thelma. Louise reassures Louise and tells her to get in the car. This authority is essential in Louise staying in control of the situation. As Louise starts to follow towards the car, Harlan shouts that he should of raped her. Showing that women are insignificant and have little power against men, it also states that Louise wouldn’t have actually shot Harlan. By this time Louise has had enough of the vile creature that Harlan is and shots him. There is a shot of Harlan who is slumped on the car bonnet, dead. This adds emphasises on the change in roles of authority and the change in times as women don’t except being belittled and treated unfairly in society.

As Thelma and Louise hit the main roads they are struck with lots of traffic. They struggle to get onto the main road and created havoc as they do. The road is occupied by mainly lorries which are male transport. Thelma and Louise's car is insignificant and weak compared to the huge trucks and lorries. The bleak shots show their bleak future as they struggle.

Thelma and Louise then pull over and try to go over what they have just done and what has happened to them. Louise takes control again and tells Thelma what their plans are.

How Terry Winsor utilises aspects of the Thriller genre in Essex Boys

Essex boys is written and directed by Terry Winsor and released in the UK on the 14th July 2000. As the opening credits are rolled it is revealed that the film is based on a true story. The contrast in the binary opposition and typical thriller music add depth to this information. The digetic sound of scratching creates tension and unease. This is a common feature in thriller films.







The first shot visible is a long shot of Billy Reynolds. The mise-en-scene in this establishing shot is of a darkly lit garage, lit by chiaroscuro suggesting not only the genre but communicates suspense and is theatrical. The little but realistic lighting used emphasises the cobwebs, claustrophobic atmosphere and the cold as the Billy's breathe is visible. As Billy gets into a dark car a voice-over is played, from this the cultural accent is apparent. The voice is perceived to be intimate as it is direct and engages the audience; it also shows how venerable the character is.



The first shot of Jason Locke is very different as it is a point of view shot from Billy. The mise-en-scene views Jason through a dirty grimy windscreen of a car. The next shot is again a point of view shot from Jason looking out at the road ahead. The wet roads and rain are typical of the genre and the unglamorous scenery portrays the lifestyle Jason lives.




As the car enters a tunnel, the shot can be described as a vivid image of the barrel of a gun, the shot is claustrophobic and can possibly show what lies ahead for Billy. As the car moves through the tunnel, the mise-en-scene turns into a vanishing shot; depicting Billy's fate as the light from the tunnel reflects on the car windscreen. This can either be portrayed as jail bars surrounding Billy showing the consequence that could possibly await him or as piano keys, portraying Billy to be played by Jason. As the car comes out of the tunnel a "Welcome to Essex" sign is visible, which brings the audience into Jason's world of crime.

As the voice over begins again, more information is released telling the audience more about where Billy and Jason are going and how they are getting there, "we picked up this white van". This is a signifier of the genre as white vans are typically used for murders, drug dealing and other crimes. It is also a male orientated object and suggests male dominance and power.
Once in the fish factory, Billy portrays the audience's wonder and tense as he watches Jason look for "an old mate of his". The point of view shot is seen in Billy’s eyes from the car wing mirror which creates suspense. Jason's personality is shown through his actions as he is intimidating, even to Billy. As the van drives towards the marches of Essex tension between the characters is portrayed as the hostage shouts in the background. Jason looks at Billy, almost looking for a reaction out of him as the hostage screams and cries. Billy looks ahead but through his facial expressions it is clear that he is frightened for what awaits.
Once at the destination (the Essex marshes), Billy hesitates as he opens the back door to the van. The point of view shot watches Jason kick the man. The man has lost all his dignity as he lies in the mud and water washing his face of the acid. A voice-over adds tension as Billy says “Jason needed a new shirt; the geezer needed a new face".

RED ROAD PRESENTATION

It is directed and written by Andrea Arnold. The cast is made up of unknown actors/actresses including Kate Dickie (Jackie), Tony Curran (Clyde Henderson), Martin Compston (Stevie), Natalie Press (April) and Andrew Armour (Alfred). Plot: Jackie works as a CCTV operator for Glasgow City Council. She has to watch over a small area and takes her responsibility to protect the people that appear on her monitor. However, one day she’s sees a man who she thought she'd never see again and she has a chance to confront him. The film won many awards which included the 2006 Cannes Jury Prize, 5 BAFTA Scotland Prizes including, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Director. The film distributors include A-Film Distribution (Netherlands), Eclipse Pictures (Ireland), Frenetic Films (Switzerland), Tartan (USA), Verve Pictures (UK). The production companies include BBC Films, Glasgow Film Office, Advanced Party Scheme, Scottish Screen, Sigma Films, UK Film Council, and Verve Pictures. It was released on the 27th October 2006 and was filmed in Barmulloch, Glasgow, and Strathclyde. The sound effects were done by Dolby Digital and special effects by Rushes Post Production.