Analysis in Every Word

I chose to analyse the opening of "Zodiac" as it uses very similar features that we will be using in the opening for our thriller film. For example the car in the isolated area, the mysterious gun man and vulnerable young characters.

An establishing shot is the first type of shot used. This sets the time and location as we can see in a recognizable city at night. Night time is often used in thriller films as is sets an eerie, mysterious and unsettling atmosphere.

A panning shot from inside a car is used. There is low lighting typical of thriller films however the burst bright lights of fire works and smiling children (seen later on) suggest a celebratory event (4th July) and a sense of normality, this sets up the audience to not expect the horror that is soon seen later in the opening scene, it is also unsettling as the scene can jump from a happy occasion to tragedy. This shot lasts for almost 10 seconds, this allows the camera to show many different characters for short periods of time taking part in celebratory and everyday errands, these predictable actions strongly contrast the unpredictable later on, but also set up the audience to not expect it.

A shot reverse shot is then used to introduce our two characters. The low lighting obscure's their faces, a familiar convention of a thriller film. However the Point of View shot from the girl's point of view gives the male character a very distorted and rigid appearance suggesting something sinister, this contrasts the females laid back stance.

This shot is almost done as a bird eye view. It sets an eerie location, which is isolated and cut off, frequently used in thriller films. The use of the angle shows the car as small suggesting that the characters inside are also small suggesting vulnerability towards the events that will unfold later on.

This shot cleverly distorts the view of the car, the angle makes it look odd and distorted suggesting that something odd is about to happen. It also unnerves the audience as it isn't a flattering angle to see the car in causing the audience too feel uncomfortable.

Shot reverse shots and also over the shoulder shots are used to show the teenagers conversing in low light. These shots only last for a few seconds but adds an element of innocence as it shows their innocent nature but also a sense of normality which contrasts strongly against the abnormality later on in the scene. The shot of them laughing lasts for a few seconds,which allows the audience time to experience the final moments of fun.

The next shot uses an eye line match as the girl looks out the window to see something. The dim lighting and frame from the windows obstructs the view of what is outside. This type of technique is frequently used in thriller films as they tend to keep information from the audience. The shot also adds a sense of mystery as the audience are not quite sure what is happening. The lasts for a few seconds and gradually pans to reveal another car.

This shot shows the car at a mid shot after it has pulled up and turned the headlights off. This overall is a sinister action as it plunges the screen into darkness and only the outline of the vehicle is seen, this unnerves the audience as they are unaware of what they are looking at

A reaction shot is used to show the scared and confused expressions of the teenagers. This unnerves the audience and also suggests to them that something in the scene is not quite right referring to the other car. The shot also includes a short whispered conversation, their shaky voices and snappy dialogue emphasize the fear they feel. Also the character continue to stare at the car, suggesting it is possible dangerous as they don;t want to look away and take their eyes off it.

The shot shows the teenagers watch the car as it drives off, however the asynchronous sound of squealing tires suggest that the car is doing something aggressive and sudden. The effect of this leaves the audience in the dark as they are unable to see what the car is doing whereas the teenagers can

The camera pans and tracks the second car as it pulls up behind the car with the young couple. This shot obscures the car behind and the blinding light from the torch also obscures the identity of the mysterious car driver. This unnerves the audience as only the characters can see who it is. It also opens up for a plot to develop and a potential twist such as "Who is the man in the car"

Shallow focus is used here to obscure the scene and make it hard for the audience to understand what is happening. The bright light from the torch is the main focus and the audience can see elements of the action around the light. What looks like a hand holding a gun is seen, this suggests a threatening nature and the sound of gun fire suggests danger. However the audience aren't clear what happens until the following shot, however this shot is played in slow motion to emphasize what is happening and show that it is a key point

The following shot still plays in slow motion however clarifies what may have happened as the blaring light of the torch highlights blood splattered on the girl. Her terrified and confused expression also mirrors that of the audience

The close up of a weapon clarifies what is happening in the scene and also the odd angle makes the weapon more intimidating and threatening. As the scene plays out a metal radio is also seen, this adds a sickening sense of normality to the scene as the music playing is light hearted and listening to music on the radio is a very normal everyday thing to do compared to the violence that is happening in the scene. The close-ups are very abrupt and last less than a second, this catches the audience off guard and unnerves them as it removes them from the comfortable shots earlier in the scene with lengthy duration's.

The gunman casually returns to his car to drive off, this is a familiar characteristic of villains in thrillers, that they have a sickening nature that when they commit crimes they can slip back into normal life without guilt. The shot of the lit up and lively car contrasts strongly the very dark and dead bodies of the young teenagers inside.

This shot shows that man return to the car and begin firing again. The high angle shows the scene as a whole for the first time and the villain full length in typical black clothing. As the villain fires the gun bright flashes are seen in the car, this effect is typical in thrillers as it hides what is happening unlike in horrors where it shows the violence. This also allows the audience to elaborate on what is happening, which itself is more terrifying than being shown

The scene then ends by fading to black as the up beat country rock music that played during the scene increases in volume. The casual and slow fade strongly contrasts the abrupt and in your face action.

Overall I chose to analyse Zodiac as it uses typical thriller conventions such as typical locations, mise-en-scene and character but still distinguishes itself with a sense of originality as the plot is based on a true story. Also the use of varied long takes makes the story more realistic and the sudden short takes catch the audience off guard.