Thriller Opening Evaluation

I have analysed 3 thrillers in detail. Throughout this analysis I have considered what conventions make the films most memorable to the audience and how the director has managed to capture that sense of memory from the film. The first film I plan to evaluate is Antoine Fuqua's Shooter. Shooter is an edgy, non-stop action thriller about a brilliant ex-military sniper (Mark Wahlberg) who finds himself in an unthinkable situation; framed as a Presidential killer. Plunged into a shocking world of terror and conspiracy, the retired shooter discovers the race is on to prove his innocence even as he is pursued by every law enforcement agency in the country, as well as a shadowy organization on a relentless manhunt aimed at destroying the secrets he has uncovered. The opening scene starts with wahlberg in action picking out mercineries and then immediately drops him into civilian life after his commanding officers left him out in the field. He's then confronted by CIA agents pleading to help him protect the president of the united states and then maliciously setting him up on doing the exact opposite.

This film was a spectacular watch, I think what i most enjoyed was how well the conventions fitted together. The non-diegetic sound was well picked; right tempo was used for regular scenes and then sped up as suspense had risen. The mise-en-scene of the movie as a whole was very appropriate this includes props etc. I enjoyed the camera work in this film also; extreme long shots taken from a snipers perspective, picturesque arial shots to show the gravity and reality of situations Bobby was thrown into. I was impressed with the amount of detail the script writers went into with the leads past and how well they were able to link that into todays life and how they have been able to use civilian life as an "urbanised war zone".

As one man evolves into the perfect version of himself, forces more corrupt than he can imagine mark him for assassination. Bradley Cooper makes an outstanding performance in Neil Burger's Limitless. A fantastic movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, fantastic camera shots mixed with a fantastic selection of non diegetic sound makes this film. The pure brilliance from Burger's perspective of this film makes it such a great "must-see" movie. De Niro thickens this movie with his experience and flawless talent as with Abbie Cornish's looks. The camera work in this was brilliant, I especially liked the "sped up time sequence" through time square that is used as the cover. This film is very "Wall Street" through the middle so there are alot of city settings. This doesn't give great oppurtunity for arial shots, however it gives the camera the freedom to capture the life of these buisness men. The mise-en-scene is very realistic and appropriate, specifying on costume; lots of suits being worn, at the beginning of the movie though "Eddy" is a long haired, unshaven journalist. The transition from this to his suited up self makes it all the more interesting to watch as the development progresses. The sound of this film is very "urban" therefore no many non-diegetic sound effects need to be used. But when they are they are superbly suited. For example; whenever Bradley Cooper is found in a moment of deep thought the sound will try and project everything he is thinking rushing through his cynapses.

Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible-inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. With rapid shots and carefully placed sound, this has to be one of my all time favourites. Mental screw up does not cover this, Different worlds screams mise-en-scene to the max. There are planty of costume changes, including setting changes. From the Alps to Spain and then back to Lower Manhatten all in one day. The costume is magnificent and the sound leads to you to want to stand next to the screen if that will get you closer to the action. Arial shots, extreme long shots, extreme close ups, medium shots, high angle shots - i think this film has it all. You may think if you haven't watched this film yet "overkill?" but no. there is a subtle artistic taste when the camera work is shown in this movie. Defintely one of the best psychological thrillers of 2010-2011.