Costumes

Storylines in psychological thrillers

Storylines in a psychological thriller from Jake Lawson

Opening 15 Minutes Analysis - The Machinist - Joe Sheldon

The Machinist - Analysis

Through the opening 15 minutes of The Machinist (Dir. Anderson, 2005), we are introduced to various themes. Many of the shots have low-key lighting, establishing a running theme of darkness within the life of the character. The opening shot is dim, with a man rolling a body in a carpet barely visible. He approaches the window, establishing that he does not want to be seen and is trying to hide his acts. The overlaid title text is extremely typewriter-like, which foreshadows his job and life working around machinery and metals. The wide shot shows his facia expression, which appears to remain calm even though he is committing a murder. Trevor then pulls out a lighter and ignites a cigarette, which would suggest that he is not concerned for his health or wellbeing, hinting at the psychological problems that he faces.

After he dumps the body, he washes his hands meticulously with bleach to hide the evidence. However, later we see him scrub his bathroom equally as well with bleach, perhaps suggesting that he has a psychological obsession with cleanliness. The shot [right] with shallow focus on a torch is used to juxtapose the dark settings, and to show that while Trevor has the option of light, he chooses dark. This is reflective of how he has the choice to turn to either of the early-established love interests in his life but chooses darkness and murder instead. The use of a wide shot can capture both the torch and his actions, making it a good fit for this sequence.

His workplace is shown as equally dark; there is the non-diegetic sound of a ticking clock in the background to represent Trevor's insomnia and, unlike some of the other workers, his station does not have light shining on it. Every worker is in a full boiler suit, suggesting it is a repetitive and similar job. In contrast, the room in which he speaks to a café worker later is light and clean, juxtaposing his world and hers.

Title Sequences

American Psycho Title Sequence - has a minimalist approach, starting with a simple backdrop with classical music leading to a partial opening of the scene with a voice over introducing the main character.This title sequence gives of a false sense of security, where the viewer doesn't know what to expect.

Se7en however, uses the title sequence to foreshadow the atmosphere and genre of the film to come. Giving off a mysterious and disturbing vibe with the use of multiple different images displayed and discomforting music.

The Girls with the dragon tattoo's title sequence also predicts the genre of the film, the use of multiple clips with dark tones and fire alongside the upbeat yet dark music gives off an action, thriller vibe. This film's title sequence is used to intentionally drawn you in due to intrigue. 

Title Sequence Analysis

American Psycho Title Sequence

The title sequence purposely uses a white background to create the image of purity and innocence, juxtaposing the nature f the film.

The first 20 seconds of non diegetic music creates a creepy and discomforting tone however this transitions into orchestral non diegetic music , used throughout the rest of the title sequence, which creates a light and happy tone, contrasting against the genre of the film.

The use of red droplets of sauce at the beginning of the title sequence symbolises blood and foreshadows the blood shed yet to come, however does this in a simplistic way where it only hints at the viewer.

 

The use of a knife slice ,interrupting the music is used to also foreshadow what is it come,creating indications of a violent nature.

 

 

The minimalistic vibe of the title sequence misleads the audience, however, key factors are used to give clues as to how to film will progress. Furthermore, close ups on these key factors, such as the knife and droplets of 'blood', are also used to emphasis the true purpose of the film.

Treatment 1

Title : Click
Duration : 120 minutes
Audience : Young adults aged 18 and over interested in psychological aspects of films , thrillers and realistic dramas.
Certificate :18
Distributor : Warp Films
Independent Film

Synopsis :

The film follows along from three 17 year old students, Gemma, Thomas and Charlie; when a shocking discover amongst the trees changed their lives forever. From normal teens to murder suspects. Charlie decides to take the blame for a crime they didn't commit sentencing him to a life in prison. While both Gemma and Thomas move on to go onto prestigious universities, Charlie develops psychological issues whilst befriending some of his prison mates and beginning to hatch a plan of revenge. The story follows along his journey to insanity and somehow managing to get out of prison at the age of 30 on 'good behaviour'. Charlie struggles with numerous moral conflicts while being out of prison and tries to 'reunite' with his old childhood friends. Things do not turn out as expected. Click.