When looking at our introduction shot, in includes many conventions of the thriller genre, including setting, titles and name etc. For example:
- Our opening title is typical of the genre, either slow or fast, in this case slow. The opening shots set the scene for the action that will take place in the present moment. This is also seen in the very first shots of Batman: The Dark Knight. The establishing shot is quiet and still, setting the scene for the action that is about to take place.
- Also, the Mise en Scene of the intro of both films is very similar. For example, the lighting in both introductions are very high key, expressing lots of light into the shots. This is not true for all of the Dark Knight but is relevant in the beginning.
- The setting and location is different from the dark knight but is still typical of a thriller because of the Revenant and it's outdoor forest setting.
2. Film Title
When looking at the actual title, we've gone for a quite simple and basic one to make it stand out and give a bold message. There is a comparison between Drive's low angle and our low angle shot at the beginning, giving the viewer a sense of being small compared to the big action about to take place. This shows how we have used typical conventions of some big thrillers and how they've influenced our final outcome.
Also looking at our film title, you can see how we have taken influence from the single word title of Drive or Seven. The idea of using a single word title is very effective in setting topic and premise of the film, without giving too much away. For example, Drive infers that a lot of the film is going to be about cars and fast chases etc, however the main story plot is kept covered.
3. Eye shot
When looking at our first introduction of our main character, Tyler, we have used a close up of his eye, very similar to Under The Skin. This beginning shot is used to reinforce our thriller aspect and the use of sudden and unexpected plot twists or shots, like the ending of Seven. The very quick introduction of Tyler's eye send the viewer straight into the action, with the uncertainty is Tyler is actually alive. This is much like the beginning of Fight Club and how we are so rapidly introduced to Tyler Durden's character and life. This shows our close usage of typical thriller conventions, to stay as true to the genre as possible.
4. Tracking up Tyler's bloody leg
This shot is actually one of the most important ones in the opening scenes since it sets the atmosphere of danger or violence in the film. This works as a perfect contrast between the quiet and serene shots of the open forest moments before. This is a tracking shot is slow and adds suspense as we realise the gory situation Tyler is in. Also, this adds an interest to the viewer as they have no idea how he got there. The fake blood prop is also first seen here, having a typical relation to thrillers and their bloody, verging on gory tendencies. This is another point of how our film is a typical thriller.
5. First Flashback
In this scene we have the introduction of our first flashback and reveals the main plot to the audience. This has been done in a typical thriller style with a scene of action/shock/dilemma before with the plot then being revealed in the one after that. This also contrasts the gore and shock from the scene prior to the quieter, more peaceful scene of dialogue. Also, this scene shows our first use of special effects, used at the beginning and ending of the scene. We have used a white fade that drops into the scene to signify the transition between the past and present. This isn't necessarily typical of thrillers but is used a lot in many types of films. There is also a contrast in the clothing. This scene introduces Ewan wearing a pristine white shirt, showing innocence. This switching of time in scenes is very similar to flashbacks used in films like Inception, The Dark Knight and the reverse order in Pulp Fiction.
6. Track Back to Ewan's corpse
In this scene we use one of our longest shots to add suspense and shock. The camera slowly tracks back from Tyler's face to reveal the dead corpse of Ewan (white shirt now ripped and covered in blood) and the forest scene in front of him. This again adds another contrast from the dialogue scene, going straight back into the intense present day. This then adds more to the plot, revealing that whatever Tyler and Ewan went to do ended up with Ewan being killed. This flicking back and fourth between violence and plot thickening scenes is very common in thrillers such as Seven when they spend time investigating between crime scenes.
7. Flashback 2 (abandoned building)
This scene is where the main suspense takes place, with the viewers understanding that Ewan feels uneasy in the abandoned building, with the viewer inferring that somehow, Ewan meets his death here. This impending suspense and threat is found in a lot of critical points in thrillers such as scenes in Seven in the scene they explore the flat of the serial killer. This is where camerawork techniques like shot-reverse-shot takes place in the heated discussion between Tyler and Ewan. There is also a dissolve that is prevalent at the end of the scene, showing the gradual glide back to the present day. These small parcels of information that are drip fed to the viewer are found in many thrillers like Dead Man's Shoes and Seven.
8. Tyler dragging himself away
After re-entering the modern day, we see Tyler limping through the mud. This shot begins level with his foot as it scrapes through the mud, the dark lighting make it look cold and making him seem vulnerable. This shot signifies the danger that Tyler is in but also arises the question of why he has left so quickly? This is to make the viewer question Tyler's role in Ewan's death and if he may have actually been involved. This possible plot twist is a very big part of Thrillers and is found in films such as The Usual Suspects, Seven and Dead Man's Shoes. This shot is also characteristic of The Revenant, as DeCaprio limps through the forest in many scenes.
9. The final shot (gun barrel)
This final shot is found in the 3rd and final flashback, bringing the opening to our film to a close. This scene introduces a third unknown character who is following Tyler and Ewan through the building. This ending with the 3rd character adds more suspense and interest, keeping the viewer interested in what the rest of the film is going to unveil. This is typical of most thrillers such as the introduction of The Dark Knight, Point Break and Pulp Fiction. The point of view of the gun barrel and shrouded gunman is a very personal shot, adding suspense and fear. The fact the shot ends on a completely black scene adds a cliff hanger ending and acts as a full circle, as the viewer already knows who's going to be shot. This is similar to the structure found in Pulp Fiction.
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