Analysis of thriller opening sequences

In media today we watched the opening sequence of three different thrillers and these were, children of men, memento and the history of violence. they all had enigmas at the beginning of them so they all involved a mystery and make the audience want to know what's going to happen next. Children of Men and Memento were my favourite beginnings out of the clips we watched. 

Children of Men is about the future and what its going to be like, so heres a brief description, In 2021, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant women to a sanctuary at sea, where her child's birth may help scientists save the future of humankind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCTgUq6hzUk&feature=related

Who was Alfred Hitchcock and What did he do?

Alfred Hitchcock was a British filmmaker  and producer, he lead many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. he succeeded in silent movies and movies that used sound. Hitchcock then moved to Hollywood to carry on succeeding with his career. He made films for about 60 years. He made very successful films like 39 steps which was a silent movie that was also a comedy, this was made in 1935 and became very successful. He also made the movie psycho which was made in 1960.  

He creates suspense and shock very well by knowing something the audience don't know. one of his techniques he uses is called a MacGuffin.  A MacGuffin is a plot device that motivates the characters and advances the story, but has little other relevance to the story. Alfred Hitchcock used this technique in the 39 steps back in the 1930's as an early example of concept. and then explained it at Columbia University. 

He also uses enigma which is when something is mysterious or inexplicable or a  riddle or difficult problem. This creates suspense and shock because it gets the audience trying to figure out who done it or what's going to happen next which will make them want to watch the film more so they can find out. Also in thrillers this is commonly something which the protagonist has to find out or solve before the narrative is resolved and the film finishes. 

Hitchcock also uses the technique of the red herring in his thrillers. The red herring is the name given to a device which attends to divert the audience from the truth or an item of significance. This creates shock and suspense because it gets the audience wanting to know the truth and it makes them think they might know but then it could make them wrong so it will make them want to watch the rest of the film to find out the truth because it would be very unpredictable and there could be a twist at the end, it could be the unexpected. 

No Country For Old Men

This is the opening sequence to No Country For Old Men so you can see for yourself how effective it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQNvn4eb8LQ

Hey welcome to my blog. This blog is about my media coursework, this will involve me and my group making a 2 minute long thriller. During this course we will have to include our own music, and we would have to do editing and research to make our short movie successful.