Film Openings Research Cambridge Project

Changes in story 

There were significant differences between my original film idea and my current one. Initially, my story was going to be a mystery/thriller that contained darker themes and the typical mystery film tropes of mystery movies of having the narrative revolve around a murder or a kidnapping. However, after researching some films within the mystery/thriller genre I realized that the trope was heavily overused. As a result, I wanted to do something more original that would still engage with the audience. 

So I thought that instead of a simple murder case we could do a different type of mystery and do a sort of treasure hunt similar to the movie National Treasure (2004). This inspired me to change it which allowed the opening to include more action/adventure elements, instead of overly relying on the suspense and darker themes. This adjustment allowed the film to appeal to different audiences by interesting the viewers that enjoy intellectual content alongside the more action/adventure viewers by making it more engaging.

Originally, the film opening was supposed to revolve around the protagonists, and using background details like newspaper headlines, theories on sticky notes, and photographs of evidence or traces left by the antagonist to establish the context. However, after discussing our idea with our teacher, she suggested to us that it would more effective to develop the context through the portrayal of the antagonist instead. As a result, the beginning part of the film opening will show the antagonist stealing a MacGuffin, which will immediately establish the conflict, create the mystery, and identify clearly who is the antagonist within the story. It also perfectly aligns with Todorov's narrative theory, where the film heads from equilibrium to disruption. The theft of the Macguffin represents the disruption, and immediately introduces the conflict and pushes the plot forward.

Film Opening 1: National Treasure

The opening of the film begins with a flashback utilizing the "dark and stormy night" trope, where a younger version of the protagonist (Benjamin Franklin Gates) learns about a legendary treasure from his grandfather that was hidden by the Knights Templar/Freemasons. This scene sets up the narrative of the film by notifying both Benjamin and the audience that the six previous generations couldn't find the treasure. This creates the problem that motivates the protagonist.

The film then cuts to a now grown-up Benjamin traversing the Arctic, where there is some light-hearted dialogue and scenes that develop Ben's character as resourceful and intelligent.  The opening also clearly establishes who the antagonist is by contrasting Ben's ideals and passion for history with Ian Howe's greed. This follows the Propp narrative theory by immediately defining the dynamic between hero and villain.

Film Opening 2: Sherlock Holmes (2009)

The opening of the film hooks the audience very effectively by having a bunch of unanswered questions. Some examples include, the identity of the guards in the carriage preparing for some sort of confrontation, why is the protagonist (Sherlock Holmes) going after the cult, the purpose of the cult, and several other questions.

The atmosphere being very dark and eerie reinforces the mystery genre and increase the tension within the viewer. Additionally, the opening establishes the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, which highlights their chemistry by showing how in-sync they are. The showcasing of Holmes's ability to analyze his surroundings and predict outcomes with extreme precision establishes his intelligence alongside his and Watson's physical ability to take down multiple men shows that they aren't just intelligent. This establishes exactly who are the protagonists.

Film Opening 3: Knives Out

The opening of the film does a great job of establishing the tone and setting with an establishing shot of the mansion, which appears very dark and isolated with it being surrounded by fog and dark forests. This immediately sets up the mystery narrative. The film also uses props very heavily with the most noticeable one being a mug reading "My house, My Rules, My Coffee!" which foreshadows the type of power structure within the family later on in the film. 

 The various pieces of unsettling and decor also suggest that the person living here is very wealthy, and that there may be hidden secrets, and encourages the audience to search for any clues. The interactions between the women that seems to be the housekeeper, and Mr. Thrombey establishes a clear power dynamic between them. The opening ends with the revelation of Mr. Thrombey's death, ending on a cliffhanger that encourages and motivates the audience to continue watching the rest of the film to figure out who it was.

 

Takeaways

I learned many things and got plenty of inspiration from these films. First, after watching National Treasure, I realized I wanted it to have lighter themes and not follow typical mystery tropes. Then, after watching Sherlock Holmes, I realized that I wanted to include more details about the dynamics and relationships between supporting characters. Finally, after watching Knives Out, I realized that alongside simple props, that I wanted to have props that had a deeper meaning behind it as well. 

Research Blog Cambridge Project

Research: Props (Mystery Genre)

When I was doing research to find inspiration for my film opening, I came up with some ideas for the plot of my own film opening. After finishing up the main premise of the opening I realized that I would have to gather and use props in the production of the film as props play a very important role in communicating parts of the story to the audience. So after I realized this I went and researched props that are commonly used often in mystery films in order see examples of how mystery movies use props to help create meaning. The research provided a few common examples like newspapers, investigation boards, magnifying glasses, and flashlights just to name a few, all of which are often used to convey clues and build up the mystery.

Reasons why props are important

Props are essential in mystery movies because they help provide crucial clues and evidence that move the narrative forward and encourages audience interaction by persuading them to try and solve the mystery themselves. They often help guide and attract the audience's attention towards important details while still keeping the suspense and secrecy. Filmmakers in the genre can create hidden codes or correlations that keep the viewers engaged and wondering about what is happening.

In addition, they also contribute to things like character development and setting. For example, simple everyday objects can reveal things like a character's personality and lifestyle even if there is no dialogue.  People may not realize this at first just like I how didn’t realize when I was first beginning this class but after taking this course I do realize that they help do all of this and much more. They can also carry a deeper meaning and representation that can help support the themes within the story. A good example of this can be seen in Alfred Hitcock’s Psycho (1960) where the female character(Marion Crane) was flushing down the toilet torn paper which contained evidence of money that she had stolen and emphasizes her guilt and increased the tension within the audience. The prop makes a very short appearance but in the short time it was made very clear that it was important and added onto the mystery (Spoiler) when she died shortly afterwards which subverted audience's expectations. This also showed how props can be used to mislead viewers and dramatize certain events.

Ideas for Props

Below are some of the original ideas for props that we had before conducting our research. Props shown in brackets were removed due to cost, practically, and other limitations.

• Envelopes - (Similar to coded messages in other media like the Riddler in DC media that would provide clues to push the investigation forwards, while leaving an iconic symbol like the cards in the video game and series Persona 5)
• Newspapers - (Feaurting headlines related to the antagonist, providing additional context about previous events)
• Sticky notes - (Used to contain recorded discoveries and theories related to the antagonist)
• {Moving whiteboard} - (Originally intended to organize the clues but removed due to practicality)
• Half-Empty coffee mugs And Empty Ramen Cups(Used to imply the protagonist’s character by showing his lifestyle and obsession with the case)

Below are some of the ideas for props that we came up with after the research

• Photographs(Used to show some physical evidence the protagonist has so far as well as to allow the audience to visually assess and understand the investigation.)
• Blackboard( A location to display the photographs and sticky notes, to reinforce the investigation-board trope commonly used in mystery films.)
• Necklace(Acts as part of the MacGuffin that gets stolen and is what drives the protagonist forward which follows Propp’s Narrative Theory (1928) that also sets up the main antagonist of the film)

Below are some potential ideas that we may or may not use.

• Eviction papers/Unpaid bills(Could be used to develop the protagonist’s character by showing his financial situation and could provide an additional motivation for the case)
• Mask(Could be used to make the mystery about what is the antagonist’s identity more intriguing and apply to the costume design of the characters)

Cambridge Project Schedule

Designing a Timeline

Making a timeline for this large project is one of the best things you can do as it allows you to organize and schedule your time clearly and makes it clear what to do and when to do it. I've learned the importance from this class as it would be to terrible to be scrambling to finish work every week and stressing out over it. So making the timeline first is the most efficient method of staying on track to finish this project.

Establishing Phases of Project

We will be splitting up the project into different sections where we will do different tasks in each one.

1. Research

• Research, view, and analyze examples of film openings within the genre I selected to find inspiration for my project

• Research, view, and analyze examples of the plots of films within the genre I selected to find inspiration for my project.

2. Planning

• Come up with the main premise of my project

• Write the script for the film opening

• Find any music if necessary

• Create a storyboard

• Find actors/production members to participate in the project

• Select date and location for filming

3. Production

• Film Scenes for film opening

• Record Foley Sounds if necessary

• Record Voiceover if necessary

4. Editing

• Edit all of the footage together

• Add the title and credits of the film opening

• Adjust Foley sounds and Voiceover if necessary

5. Reviewing

• Review and analyze the current state of the video

• Make revisions if needed

6. Creative Critical Reflection

• Research information required for the reflection

• Create the reflection

• Edit and Review CCR

There are 7 weeks remaining from the point I finish this post until the deadline. It was heavily recommended to us to have a buffer week in case of any problems or errors that may occur.

Timeline

(Same list but breaking it down based on week)

Week 1 (1/16-1/23)

• Research
• Start planning for the opening and come up with potential ideas
•  Plan Ideas for the plot
• Start creating a script

Week 2 (1/26-2/1)

• Finish planning
• Create a Storyboard 
• Find a location and time to film at
• Find actors
• Set filming days

• Possibly start filming

Week 3 (2/2-2/8)

• Start Producing
• Continue filming
• Record Voiceovers if necessary
• Start recording foley if necessary

Week 4 (2/9-2/15)

• Begin Editing

Week 5 (2/16-2/22)

• Continue editing
• Analyze how it is going
• Review every part of it

Week 6 (2/23-3/1)

•  Add any revisions that are necessary
• Creative Critical Reflection
• Research information relating to the reflection.
• Create the reflection.
• Edit and review CCR.

Week 7 (3/2-3/8)

• Buffer week.
• In case any problems arise

Conclusion

Im going to try my hardest to follow and stick to my schedule and correct it if any problems occur. In past projects I have done terribly with scheduling and organizing my time to work on them, but this time I will do my utmost effort to stick to it and I will hold myself accountable now so I can have a better result.

Portfolio Project Genre #2

Type of Genre                           

I've decided to do a film opening with the thriller genre. I chose this genre because it seems like a very interesting genre to try and make a film opening of.

Characteristics of Genre

Films in the thriller genre tend to use the colors red, black, and deep blue to represent and evoke a sense of danger, fear, and coldness within the mise-en-scene to make it feel unsettling within the films to make people be aware of the "high-stakes" of the situation. The usual types of lighting and visual techniques used in thrillers include low-key lighting and high-contrast lighting which work together to create a dramatic and sinister effect, dark shadows/silhouettes to hide a character's facial features to create a feeling of anonymity, mystery, and danger, and spotlighting and motivated lighting to make the frame feel claustrophobic to make the audience feel trapped, increasing their tension. Most films in the thriller genre are focused around a race against time, a feeling of suspense and anticipation, and mostly feature a protagonist overcoming threats and obstacles placed or sent by the antagonist which follows Vladmir Propp's Character Theory where there are 7 types of characters two of them being the hero who is the protagonist and the villain being the antagonist who obstructs the hero and works against them.

  

Typical Target Audience

The typical audiences of films in the thriller genre had ages range from as young as 15 to around 50 although the core demographic consisted mostly of people who are between 15 and 35 years old. Movies in the thriller genre tend to appeal to people who are drawn to suspense, psychological tension, or in other cases violent or intellectual content. The different sub-genres have different demographic with more mature audiences viewing more psychological or romantic thrillers, while younger (mostly male) audiences view more action/crime thrillers.

Friends(1994-2004)

Genre Conventions with Content

The content usually shown in thriller movies tend to consist of a serious threat whether it would be a killer, or a conspiracy, or just a ticking clock which will often put the protagonist in danger and put them
in situations that are high-stakes with the protagonist fighting for their safety and survival. Films also tend to have a fast-moving plot with a constant stream of obstacles either by the antagonist or for other reasons. They typically show themes of fear, survival, power and control, and psychological instability

Genre Conventions with Techniques

Techniques that are often used in the mystery genre include some visual techniques like having dark color palettes and the use of handheld shots to heighten the emotional stakes and make it seem more realistic. Some sound techniques like the use of loud and suspenseful music to "amp the stakes" and make a scene more climatic and sudden sound cues like jump scares to spike the audience's adrenaline and increase engagement. Some editing techniques like having a fast pacing and rapid cuts during action scenes to heighten the tension, accelerate the pacing, and to mask the limitations of actors or stunts. Some narrative techniques like cliff-hangers to keep the audience wondering, red herrings to distract the audience and protagonist, and flashbacks to reveal the truth behind certain events.

Insidious(2010)

Institutional Conventions

Some techniques that are used for the marketing of films in the thriller genres are the showing of trailers that emphasize danger and urgency on social media with media convergence on platforms like Youtube or others like X, TikTok, and Instagram alongside posters in places like theaters, bus-stops, or billboards that show things that give off an intense and dark narrative image alongside symbolic items or objects. Some techniques that are used for the distribution of films in the thriller genre such as playing it in theaters and following that up with a rapid and wide-reaching upload to digital streaming platforms so people can access it freely.

Shutter Island(2010)

Films in Genre

Now You See Me(2013)

Movie about an FBI agent and Interpol detective tracking down and attempting to bring to justice a team of magicians who pull off bank heists and robberies.

Adam Project(2022)

Movie about a time-traveling fighter Pilot that teams up with his 12-year-old self for a mission to save the future after unintentionally crash landing in 2022.

The Dark Knight(2008)

Movie about Batman alongside allies like Lt. Jim Gordon and DA Harvey Dent fighting a new criminal who calls himself the Joker who forces Batman to tread the line between heroism and vigilantism.

Portfolio Project Genre #1

Type of Genre                           

I've decided to do a film opening with the mystery genre. I chose this genre because it seems like a very interesting genre to try and make a film opening of.

Characteristics of Genre

Films in the mystery genre tend to use the colors black and grey within the mise-en-scene to represent and convey the sense of "mystery" within the films alongside potentially giving off feelings of sophistication and sorrow. Films in the mystery genre tend to use a lot of low-key lighting to create a gloom and dark atmosphere while making the viewer feel a sense of suspense, dread, and anticipation about what will happen next or what's about to be revealed.  Most if not all films in the mystery genre are focused around the solution of a problem or crime.The main characters in mystery films tend to be detectives, private investigators, or rookie sleuths, with the protagonist usually being presented with an array of suspects who have the motive to do the crime and they have to figure which ones are innocent and which ones are guilty.

This is Not a Murder Mystery(Not out yet)

  

Typical Target Audience

The typical audiences of films in the mystery genre had ages range from as young as 15 to as old as 45 although the core demographic consisted mostly of people who are between 18 and 30 years old. Movies in the mystery genre tend to appeal to people who like viewing more intellectual content involving problem-solving and stories relying on stories or clues over stories about violence.

Genre Conventions with Content

The content usually shown in mystery movies tend to consist of a crime or unexplained event, an investigation, a detective/investigator, red herrings to mislead the audience away from the culprit or truth like how it was done in Frozen where (Spoilers) Hans is revealed to be the villain, and a final reveal where the truth is revealed and the mystery is solved. It also tends to contain themes of justice, logic and reasoning, and truth vs deception.

Frozen(2013)

Genre Conventions with Techniques

Techniques that are often used in the mystery genre include some visual techniques like having dark color palettes and close-up shots on clues, important objects or character reactions(example: sweating out of nervousness), some sound techniques like the use of subtle background music to dramatize the reveal(or create suspense) or silence to encourage focus on something on the screen, some editing techniques like having a slower pacing so that the viewer can see and analyze everything on screen, and some narrative techniques like flashbacks to show theories that the characters have at the moment or show what actually happened. Another technique that is done to make mystery movies more enjoyable is restrict information available to maintain the mystery and keep the truth hidden until the end.

Ratatouile(2007)

Institutional Conventions

Some techniques that are used for the marketing of films in the mystery genre are the showing of trailers that emphasize intrigue on social media with media convergence on platforms like Youtube or others like X, TikTok, and Instagram alongside posters in places like theaters, bus-stops, or billboards that show detectives/investigators, clues, and other points of interest to create intrigue and show a story that focuses on investigation and reasoning. Some techniques that are used for the distribution of films in the mystery genre such as episodic formats with series in the genre or having it show up quickly and heavily on streaming platforms so people can access it freely.

Films in Genre

Sherlock Holmes(BBC 2010-2017)

Series about detectives Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they solve modern and complex mysteries and crimes.

 

Knives Out(2019)

Movie about the murder of a wealthy crime novelist on his 85th birthday and main suspects are his dysfunctional family.

Weapons(2025)

Movie about the mysterious disappearance of an entire class of children except for one all disappearing simultaneously in a small town.

Portfolio Project Transition Post

Transitioning to Cambridge Portfolio Project 

This past week we have learned about the instructions for our portfolio projects and the requirements we will need to fulfill to receive a good grade. So from this point forward, all of my future posts will be about the development and process of my submission for the Cambridge Portfolio Project. All of the previous blog posts have helped me organize and store all of my new knowledge that I have learned from this class. To be completely honest, the task seemed very daunting to me at first due to seeing how extensive all of the work has to be and the high standards, but I am already formulating ideas on what to do, which genre it will be, and how to do everything I want to do. To start us off on our projects  teacher showed us a few good examples of previous submitted film openings and taught us about what made them be considered good.

One of the approaches I am primarily considering doing is developing character techniques. I like using this one because the character development relies on things like the dialogue that the characters is apart of,  the design of the character, and the interactions between the character and their environment, which all work together to provide a lot of insight about who my character is, what type of person they are, and can allude to their background. It is a great way to start a film opening because you can develop all of this one character and still expand on it by focusing on other characters or the relationship between the characters within the same opening. 

Another approach that I am considering is the establishment of background techniques. The establishment of background techniques mostly relies on mice-en-scene elements to develop the context without the use of character dialogue. Another thing they rely on is the establishment of the setting which is the location the character is in and includes prop details, costume design, make-up, representations that may allude to future events that will occur later on. All of this combined can create a lot of intrigue if you show specific things that the viewer does not fully understand individually but can piece it all together by the end. Through the use of many different shots or angles you can provide another way of viewing an object, person, or location which can build up the background and context even more.ss