There is a lot of work that goes behind the making of a film. As my opening sequence is of the thriller genre, I had to make sure I looked at a range of examples of openings from thriller films to inspire me to make my own. I was also introduced to a range of theories and conventions regarding opening sequences belonging to the genre of thriller.
I looked at a range of examples from various thrillers to identify genre codes – to see what made them typical of that genre and most of them appeared to be set in ordinary locations where the extraordinary happens.
In the case of ‘I am Legend’, one of my case studies, even if the destruction of the city is on a massive scale ,the setting of his house and his dog brings the story to a more relatable situation.
However, this seemingly ordinary house becomes a real prison as he cannot feel safe in it, which is typical of the genre. The Strangers, Psycho and The Ring all revolve around a particular house – very often leading to a feeling of insecurity.
My opening sequence also attempts to do the same. I chose a house, a domestic environment which straight away suggests the idea of comfort and safety but soon, the audience realises that the house is not safe.
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge conventions of real media products?