Review

Firstly, Our group sat, and made a brief outline about what we were going to discuss in the preliminery task, and also the angles we would use. We then made a storyboard to plan exactly what would happen, and then we began filming. The plan was useful as, it enabled us to know what we were suppose to be doing, and have us a guideline to go by.


During our filming task; we used a variety of different camera angles such as; birds eye view to show the location from above, and show the layout of the scene, we used panning shots for effect,  to suggest that the charachter is moving, and bring out the character from other things in the frame. We also used tracking shots, the effect of using this shot is to make the viewers feel like they are a part of the action, instead of being static observers. I feel like i have developed my skills of using a camera, and my confidence using once has definitely increased over the task, as i had an opportunity to practice different shots and angles.

Continuity was something we lacked, as we forgot to wear the same clothes as  we had in the previous lesson and therefore had to refilm the footage we had already shot, but we used this as extra practice, and found that the footage we reshot, was  better than the orginal film. 

I was not able to take part in the editing of the video, as i couldn't be in school due to a family wedding that i had to attend. However, i feel that the group i worked with did a brilliant job with doing so.


Overall; the preliminary task was enjoyable, and gave me a chance to work with new people and learn new skills.

Preliminery Task

How does Quentin Tarantino utilise conventions of the thriller genre in Kill Bill Vol 1

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Kill Bill Volume 1 (2003) Official Trailer

Opening Scene Of Volume 1

Quentin Tarantino utilises many types of generic thriller conventions in his film Kill Bill volume 1, An aspect, in which Tarantino utilises aspects of the thriller, is the way in which he uses light.  The scene opens with a black screen and the diegetic sound of the bride’s heavy breathing; and the sound bridge - these are the first signifiers that the film is within the thriller genre. We then see a close up shot of the bride in black and white, noir and chiaroscuro lighting; this can be used to create confusion amongst the audience or can indicate a flashback in a film. In Kill Bill, it is used in order to tribute to old thriller films such as ‘The Third Man’ which is also in black and white. The bride is shown from a high angle shot; this is to signify her vulnerability and weakness. She also has blood on her face – this indicates violence and crime.

The diegetic sound of the brides’ heavy breathing, and noises continue- this connotes that the bride is innocent. In the background we can hear the diegetic sound of footsteps, which are gradually getting louder; this is a generic thriller convention that creates suspense and tension amongst the audience as they are unaware of who is coming. The camera then cuts to a low angle tracking shot of a man’s’ feet walking. He is wearing boots with a Cuban heel; this suggests he is wealthy, as these types of shoes are expensive.

The use of diegetic sound within the opening of Kill Bill Volume 1 connotes the aspects of the character – we can tell the man within the tracking shot is the villain. Diegetic sound is also heightens the mood, and it also adds to the sense of drama within the opening. Diegetic sound also makes film realistic, and therefore we can sympathise with the character and the tension and fear she is feeling, and the footsteps she can hear. Tarantino is also ensuring that he is building up tension and suspense within the audience, and makes them wonder what is going to happen and who the man is.
                                                                                                                                 

The camera then cuts back to a high angle shot of the bride’s face;  we then hear diegetic sound of the door closing and we hear a man’s voice say ‘Do you find me sadistic?’ this indicates immediately that he is someone who Is sadistic, and enjoys blood and horror. It also connotes that he inflicted these injuries on her. We then hear the diegetic sound of the man walking towards the bride, and wiping her face, with a silky handkerchief, with the name bill embroidered into the corner. Immediately the audience are aware that the man wiping the blood off her face is Bill.  The blood and the silk handkerchief contrast, as the blood represents; violence, corruption and brutality whilst silk represents, soft nature, and delicacy. The bride’s facial expressions communicate to the audience that she is very uncomfortable being near Bill, and flinches when he touches her, even if it is through the handkerchief. This shot tells us a lot about Bill; he is wearing a bracelet; that may be symbolic, for example, he may be incorporated with a gang- which would imply he was a dangerous man.

 This shot, again shows the vulnerability of the bride, but also the importance of her character, and the power and importance Bill has within the film. It also shows that he has a high status within the film.  Quentin Tarantino has also used generic conventions by using enigma within the opening scene – the enigma is that Bills face is never seen, and the contents of the briefcase in the movie are never revealed to the audience.

Practice Shots

Worms Eye view


















High Angle 

Medium Close up

Extreme Close up           

                                                                                                                            

Birds Eye View

Close Up

Tilt Shot         
                                                                                                                                                         

Low Angle




















Long Shot

 

Over the Shoulder Shot  

                                                                                                                             

StoryBoard for Priliminary Task

Shot Reverse Shot, Match on action & 180° rule

180° rule

The 180 degree rule is one which means that two people in a scene should always keep the same left and right relationship to one another, so that the audience watching doesn't get confused. The picture below shows that if the camera crosses the line connecting the two charachters together, it is called crossing the line, this is called a reverse shot - and it means that the two charachters are seen on opposite sides of the shot than before.

Match On Action

This is when the camera follows the steps, movements and action that the character makes and then cuts it from one action to the next but making it a different angle or camera keeping sure that it is giving continuation to the scene.

Shot Reverse Shot

Shot reverse shot is a technique used when two characters are talking to one another; face to face, and one character is shown looking at the another, then it shows the other charachter lookingback at the first. Because the charachters are facing eachother it looks as if they are looking at one another.