Initial Ideas for Thriller

Once we finally wrapped up the Preliminary Task, we took time from the conventional media lesson to devise ideas for our two minute Thriller. Fundamentally, the process was much more difficult that we initially expected, as we had to conjure up a concept that provoked audience response, with a sparse budget and no valuable resources. Furthermore, it appeared that as a group, we had conflicting ideas as to where we wanted to take the Thriller as a whole.

Though nothing yet is necessarily set in stone, we mutually held interested over a female antagonist- Someone who breaks the rules and regulations of conventional Thrillers, whilst similarly deceiving the audience with typical feminine stereotype qualities in the process.

We primarily decided that a conventional death was not necessarily needed within the opening two minutes of the Thriller. We pondered on whether to shoot something with an underlying messages of death, (torture scene etc) without giving too much information away.

So far, we as a group have arranged two ideas enveloped around the female antagonist…

Initially, we formulated a plan where the audience follows the conventional female on what appears to be the mundane stroll back home. The audience will instantaneously identify she is a conventional female through the Mise En Scene of clothing, naturalistic lighting, typical setting etc. Pre-conceived notions will go to their minds, formulated by stereotypes that this female is completely harmless, and if anything vulnerable. However, when she reaches home, the audience will see that behind the quaint exterior of her house lies a chamber so devastatingly solemn and ominous it will catch the audience off-guard, and therefore provoke audience response.

Two different films influenced this idea- that being Silence of The Lambs, and The Thing- based around the notion that evil can lurk behind any face, where all stereotypes are literally thrown out the window, thereby enhancing suspense and drama.

However, after careful deliberation, it seemed somewhat ludicrous. I personally felt the message was still very much valid, as well as solid, though scouting for a residency where the exterior is presentable, while the interior is dismal proved quite difficult. We were also drawn to a conclusion that following a females day-to-day routine was too dull, considering we only have two minutes to shoot the sequence.

Therefore, we mutually agreed that the second notion had a better foundation to work upon. It ultimately encapsulated elements from the stripped down primary version, with more layers, creating enigmas with an overriding sense of ambiguity.

In these opening credits, we plan to link an image briefly seen in a “red room” to a torture scene, shot in a warehouse. The audience should note that the man seen in the picture will be the same man who is strapped down to the chair.

The figure in domination over the male will questionably be undisclosed until the end of the sequence, with subtle clues that this sadistic figure is actually female e.g. laying out torture devices in a pristine manner, as a conventional women would in the kitchen with domestic utensils, clicking of heels?

The sequence conclusion could follow two variable tangents. One being where she executes the man writhing on the chair to almost signify what is to come. However, we could arguably leave the scene open with the man simply screaming for mercy, leaving the audience to question the fate of the victim so early into the film.

The fact the audience witnesses a woman performing horrendous misdemeanours I feel is vital. As men are renowned for impulsive acts of violence, while women are stereotypically passive and calm. Therefore, this should provoke the audience into questioning what has encouraged such acts of violence.

Like I said before, nothing is yet set in stone. Ideas can flourish and the sequence could be enhanced further. However, I am currently satisfied with the plot-line so far, as it seems driven and thought provoking, whilst entwining means of action, enigmas and ambiguity.