Analysing thriller film scenes

 Film - Book Of Eli
Scene - Bar fight



"How does the location and use of light depict the emotional landscape of a character?"

The location is set in the dusty bar of a post apocalyptic town. The protagonists face is half shrouded in shadow, to indicate that he has an evil or dark side. The antagonists face on the other hand is in the half light of the bar, showing a full picture of his face and indicating his innocence. The protagonist Eli's combatant skill is shown by him smashing the face of the antagonist on the bar. The sounds of the antagonists panting, indicates that the attack on him by Eli came as a shock or that he is fearful of him because of it.
As Eli collects his belongings from the bar, a man behind him draws a knife from his belt, suggesting that there is more violence to come. A high angle shot is then focused on Eli indicating that he is strong and powerful. The music at this point drops to a lower pitch and slows indicating danger. Eli puts his bag down showing that he is ready for a fight.
Eli responds with a biblical reference indicating that he is religious and fights for a righteous cause. The music in this scene refelects the location and context of a post apocalyptic bar, it also builds tension that there will be violence subsequent to the initail attck by Eli.




Film - The Dark Knight
Scene - Jokers interrogation





"How is sound used to create suspense and other effects in the scene?"

As the commissioner, Gordon enters the room, the door creaks, showing that there will be trouble and creating suspense. The creaking door is a classic technique used in thriller films as it indicates to a viewer that something bad is about to take place. The large metal door slams to give a sense of power to Gordon, it also makes him more intimidating, suggesting to the audience that he is in a powerful position and should be feared and that the Joker is in a weak position. The door creaks once more, creating a sense of tension, that keeps an audience on their toes as the light turns on and Batman is standing silently behind the Joker. This emphasizes the Joker's weakness as he is unaware of Batman's presence. As Batman 'looses his cool', and discovers that his friends are in danger, the music changes to a single tone, that gradually get louder in volume and higher in pitch, this brings the level of suspense up and up, gradually to an explosive climax.

Film - Sherlock Holmes
Scene - Vernier fighting




"How is the antagonist and protagonist represented on the scene?"

In this scene the protagonist, played by Robert Downey Jr. is showed initially as weak, being beaten up by a much bigger and more powerful man. However he is quick enough to taunt the antagonist by slapping him on the head, and dodging his attacks. Sherlock slumps to the side of the ring and takes some of a bystanders drink, this shows that he is greedy and probably exhausted. Sherlock is distracted by jeers of the audience where he is knocked out by the bigger man. Sherlock sees a familiar crest on a white hanker chief by which he changes from a weak, and annoying man to a very intelligent and strong man.
Sherlock sees a pretty woman dressed in red, which represents danger, this could mean that she is dangerous to Sherlock or if she causes danger. This is emphasised by Sherlock's
After giving up the fight he is spat on by the bigger man and then plans in a matter of moments, his counter attack on the antagonist, where he systematically deconstructs a plan of action, and carries it out in a quick and unflawed way.
After Sherlock physically traumatizes the other man, he calmly walks and collects money from a man, and takes an unlabelled bottle and walks upstairs. This shows that he feels no remorse or guilt for hurting another person and can go about recreational activities as if nothing has happened.