Evaluation - Question Two

How does your media product represent particular social group?

As we studied the genre ‘thriller’, it enabled us to understand the conventions and specifics of the genre and what is expected of it. We watched a number of openings of thrillers (The happening, momento, Donnie Darko), we saw that many had certain elements that were continues through out each opening scenes. The first scenes never make complete scene, this is used to draw the viewer in and making them want to watch the rest of the movie. The lighting and sound were also all similar. The lighting was never to bright, all dark gloomy shades used. There was also always a non diagetic sound through out, whether was music or just a certain thing to represent and signify the movie, e.g. the happening – wind was used.



Our music being created



Our Location in iMovie

In our thriller, we represented the three guys as ‘youths’ that were getting themselves in trouble, and just exploring. They were dressed in ‘hoodies’ and ‘joggers’, a significant stereotypical element so the viewers would be able to relate and infer that these kids are as the stereotype tells us. The three boys also have portrayed a certain attitude with there parts. The way they talk is a good way of telling. They use ‘slang’ words to also match the stereotype we tried to present. By inferring, the way these guys present themselves and portray there characters, we can infer that these boys are ‘youths’ looking for trouble. The music also adds to the effect. As I composed the music, I wanted to use the typical features and conventions of a normal thrillers non diagetic sound. But as we were shooting ‘youths’, I believed that a more modern element was needs, so then I added synthesizers and more modern drums and effects. The location we used was a typical ‘thriller’ location. Just by the site of the outside of the building, it has mystery and questions begin springing to mind, for example, what’s inside? Who used to live there? Why is it now abandoned? And this is a typical convention to a thriller – mystery. When we enter the building, it continues to represent a thrillers mis-en-scene. The lighting is dark, and casts a shadow over one part of the main actors face. This is for a mysterious effect, like the actor is ‘doomed’ and other things of that nature. But also to show that the actor has less authority than the camera. The ruins of the building and what used to be there are scattered around the building, this is to add again the confused element back to the scene.