THRILLER CONVENTIONS (SE7EN)

HOW DOES SE7EN MEET THE CONVENTIONS OF A THRILLER?

Constant rain sets the scene. Tight neighbourhoods represent the crime thriller; also suspenseful as the characters are trapped. Closed conversations and small talk (question and answer) depict heightened tension. Constant questioning eradicate their fears. Informal language and aggressive tone enhances their frustration and threat. Morgan Freeman's character's ill-favor of Brad Pitt's ego makes the audience feel uneasy as they got no sense of security or safe haven from the characters due to their conflict with one another. the close firearms on their body makes it seem as though violence has enclosed them. A typical feel of 'thriller' due to the lack of soundtrack to dramatise their voices. Specific accents to stereotype their environment. Specific scenes of excitement; music builds up, as though the directors want the public to feel prepared for what's to come. The diegetic sounds employ realism and the non-diegtic sound makes the audience feel helpless at the character's situation. Close-up of materials being  used causes jump-scares, as though the environment is attacking. Dark lighting and constant light beamed on top of the character's head to mark out their facial features. Some parts of their face remain hidden in the shadows representing somewhat their relationship with evil. Accompanied by diegetic (operatic/soft music) illustrate both the characters in the scene and the audience's emotions currently; innocence. diegetic sounds such as police sirens create drama and discomfort. Quick cut to chase scenes such as phone calls intercepting dialogue, illustrate the speed of the film. The introduction to new characters each scene makes the movie more unexpected. Environments are under the influence of train tracks or tall buildings, make the characters feel encapsulated by their own habitat. The audience is drawn into the crime-drama by making them view the gruel illustrations of the victim's body. We learn more and more about the characters as the film progresses, their sense of humour, or tastes (Morgan Freeman's taste in wine instead of beer) little details like those make viewers relate and feel closer to the them. The costumes and clothing worn by the characters are formal, portrays a sense of professionalism; very ambiguous as they look like they are workers of the government; makes their identity all the more significant. The antagonist is remained hidden, highlights the undependable nature of this film, as any circumstances can happen if the killer is let loose. Zoom out and panning hospitalises the character's surroundings, reference to animals evoke similarities towards humans (sloth, laziness). Close-fitted office environments to show the intensity of their occupation. Low tracking angles of the Brad Pitt's chase enhances the tension. Close-up to the killer's firearm but his identity remains out of focus; meeting the conventions of thriller, as the director doesn't give the antagonist away yet; to uphold surprise. We may have already seen the killer; typical cliché when watching a crime-drama. Mood lighting assembles the character's emotions currently; red, signs of death. Final reveal and traces of the killer is finally shown relating to the timeline of a thriller (disruption caused by the antagonist, and the revelation).
The quick soundtrack transition illustrates the different atmospheres within the film. For example the dramatic crescendo when the victims speak aloud, it suddenly switches to an office space with only diegetic sounds present (phone calls and monitors).
The close up scene of the characters equipping, especially with Morgan Freeman's character it reflects back to the opening scenes of the film. Emphasizing the cliche "it ends where it all started", foreshadowing probably the fate of the characters.

HOW  DO THE MICRO ELEMENTS INVOKE AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE IN THE AUDIENCE?

Mise-en-scène includes setting, props, staging, costume and makeup, figure expression and movement and off-screen space.
The setting evokes a depressing response towards the audience. They would often feel intimidated by the nature, which makes it more interesting to watch as the uncomfortability foreshadows the plot.

Performance includes physical expression, vocal delivery and interaction between performers (with reference to issues of staging/choreography where relevant).

The vocal delivery given by the actors are projectile in terms of their accent and constant use of swearing. It sets of the anger emotion, the audience will thus feel it's only right to somewhat feel "frustrated" aswell.

Cinematography includes photographic elements (e.g. camera position, colour, lens, depth of focus), lighting, framing and composition and special effects.

Photographic elemenents such as camera positioning can make the characters seem more significant. For example the high angle shots degrade the profile of the characters.

Editing includes the organisation of time, both within a sequence and across sections of the narrative and the organisation of space, especially in creating coherence for the spectator. The principal conventions of continuity editing, such as shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule, will be studied. The uses of montage editing will also be considered.

Sound includes diegetic sound, non-diegetic sound and the variety of ways in which aural elements (e.g. speech, music and noise) are used in relation to visuals. It is recognised that it is often difficult to separate micro and macro features of film, although macro features – narrative and genre – will be the basis for FM2.