'Psycho' analysis

The 'shower scene' in 'Psycho' is one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history. Whilst viewing it I found it especially interesting how despite portraying a brutal attack, Hitchcock does it without actually showing any explicit violence. Quick cuts are utilised to their best effect and this combined with close ups and shadows delivers a realistic and scary murder scene. We are planning on including a murder scene in our thriller opening,so we will be taking notice of this technique; I think that if we try and explicitly show a murder taking place our film may end up looking too amateur.

Initial ideas

This is our first mind map of ideas for our thriller opening. To produce this we remembered the conventions of a thriller that we had researched (violence, suspense, action sequences, an unusual setting, ordinary characters in extraordinary situations) and brainstormed for some potential plots. Some were developed more than others, and through discussion we arrived at the idea of a chase sequence.

We especially drew inspiration from 'No Country For Old Men'. The idea of a countryside setting proved both appealing and accessable, and the neutral background, costume and props was especially interesting to us as a group.

Scene 1 - Our main character would be stalked through a cornfield - possibly at dusk for a more dramatic feel. The killer would be shown subtly, either silhouetted or in shadow. The main character would then be strangled.

Scene 2 - The next day. The main character would be found by a girl merrily roaming through the field.

Film Classifications

The BBFC stands for the British Board of Film Classification, and is responsible for classifiying cinema films to advise the public wether a not a film is suitable for their viewing.

U - films given a U rating must be suitable for children over the age of 4, they must contain a 'positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counter-balances to any violence, threat and horror.'

PG - PG stands for 'parental guidence' and should not disturb any child aged 8 or over. However, some scenes may be unsuitable for young children - parents should use their discretion as to wether or not they allow their child to watch it unaccompanied. Mild bad language is accepted in a PG film, as are mild sex references and moderate violence, but frightening sequences may not be prolonged or intense.

12A - This is a cinema classification only, no-one younger than 12 can watch a 12A classified film unless accompanied by an adult. Discrimination may not be included unless it is being clearly condemned, drug use should not be glamourised, moderate horror is permitted as long as it is not sustained, moderate language is allowed, as are discreet sex references and mature themes - as long as they are portrayed in a way acceptable for young teenagers.

12 - The same criteria exists in classifying a 12 film as with a 12A film, however the 12 classification is used only for video and dvd works.

15 - Children under 15 may not watch or buy a film with a 15 rating. Drug taking may be shown as long as the film does not promote misuse, strong horror may be used, strong language is justifiable based on the context, sexual activity may be shown without strong detail, no theme is prohibited and violence may be strong.

18 - An 18 film does not prohibite many elements on the basis that adults are at liberty to choose their own entertainment. The only exceptions are where there are explicit sexual images not justifiable by context, or where the material risks harm to individuals or society .

R18 - R18 films are only to be shown in specialised cinemas or liscened sex shops and may not be supplied via mail order. Any content is permitted except that which may encourage sexually abusive and illegal behaviour such as paedophilia or rape.

Information courtesy of http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

Most thriller films tend to fall into the category of 12, 15 and 18 classifications, as use of violence, bad language, adult themes and suspense and tension are almost always included. Category '15' is often the most desirable rating for film companies especially when making a thriller, as this means their film can reach a very audience without having to compromise on the content. In our thriller we are keen to include the conventional elements such as violence and suspenseful sequences, maybe not in the opening but definitely in the rest of the film if we were to make it. Therefore, we are aiming to make a film that would be given a rating of '15'.