//Analysis of film openings//
To get ideas for my production I have carried out research into film openings of genres I am interested in. This will help me to choose a genre to focus on and see what styles are used and what techniques or symbols are commonly used in that genre.
Scream (Horror/Slasher)
Timeline of some of the most popular Superhero movies since 2000
I have created a timeline to show some of the top superhero movies since 2000, on the backs of the cards I have discussed some of the conventions used in the movies that I could also use when creating my own opening.Flash Card Deck created by Bayleigh Sly with ExamTime
Superhero Movie Mind-map
The 'Superhero' movie Genre is a sub-genre that falls under many other types of movie however some people argue that it should be a genre all on its own. This mind-map looks at superhero movies mainly based on comic books from the biggest comic book production companies, it also shows some of the conventions used by the genre.
Mind Map created by Bayleigh Sly with ExamTime
I have decided to focus on Horror so have done more research into the sub genres of horror and looked at some of the main forms and conventions often used in horror movies.
Mind Map created by Bayleigh Sly with ExamTime
I have found that many of the sub genres have their own conventions which is often what the sub genre is based on for example paranormal horrors often have religious themes ad symbols within the movie. I have focused on the conventions of sub-genres I think I may be interested in using for my own production.
Mind Map created by Bayleigh Sly with ExamTime
After looking into conventions and movies openings I have decided that my chosen genre is Horror and I would particularly like to focus on the Slasher sub-genre. Slasher movies are very iconic and I like the conventions used and the subtle ways that each movie makes itself unique to the rest such as 'ghost face' in scream or the chainsaw weapon in 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' I would like to incorporate some of these ideas into my movie opening and also try to put my own unique spin on the genre.
"The Slasher film is a sub-genre of horror film, typically involving a mysterious or masked psychopathic killer stalking a sequence of victims in a violent manner, often with a bladed tool such as a knife, machete or axe"
Horror Directors
Wes Craven
One of the most iconic directors and writers of horror, particularly Slasher movies. He is the creator of 'The Nightmare on Elm Street' franchise about a 'disfigured midnight mangler' who preys on teenagers in their dreams.
He also directed the entire 'Scream' series. Scream is said to have 'revived' the slasher genre.
"I like to address the fears of my culture. I believe it's good to face the enemy, for the enemy is fear" - Wes Craven
Wes Craven has always created very iconic protagonists in his movies, Freddy Krueger in 'The Nightmare on Elm Street' and Ghostface in 'scream' are both very well known both costumes often sold at Halloween and are instantly recognisable by most people. I think this is an important factor when creating a horror franchise but not necessarily needed to create a successful horror.
Filmography
Showing all the movies he has worked on, most being horror.The ones highlighted are his most famous slasher movies, almost all went on to have sequels and are very iconic especially within the horror genre.
Tobe Hooper
Another iconic director known almost excursively for his work on Horror movies, most famously 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'Poltergeist' which was based on the story by Steven Spielberg.
His 1974 film 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was described by Stuart Heritage of The Guardian as " One of the most influential films ever made"
Tobe Hooper has emphasised the need to scare the audience and to use a more broad fear and not just the use of clowns, demons and ghosts. Hooper explains that successful horror films utilise real world events to scare the audience. He believes the key to a successful horror movies is the ability to create suspense. From looking at other film openings I have found this is achieved though camera angles, I felt the point of view (from the protagonist) shots to be very effective in achieving this. I also think that music and sound effects, both diegetic and non-diegetic, is a very important factor in creating suspense.
Filmography
Films highlighted are his most influential Slasher Horrors.
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