Paranormal Activity 2

'Paranormal Activity 2' is a thriller film, which came out 22nd October 2010, following from 'Paranormal Activity' which was released 25th November 2009. Due to the film being a massive hit though out these two years, they have announced a release date for 'Paranormal Activity 3' in the USA; 21 October 2011. 

Synopsis: The Ray family experience what they think is a break in. This happens a number of times, so the family decide to install security cameras around their home, only to realise sinister activity is unfolding in their house.On the first night the film footage shows the pool cleaner creeping out the pool on to the side of the pool. As the nights go on more suspicious activity unfolds, including; pots dropping, doors slamming, cupboards opening and the lady become possessed.      

Paranormal activity 2 fits in to the thriller genre because it builds up suspense and tension. Also its very jumpy and mysterious, but its not gory, this makes it a thriller.  

                                                       

These are a few images from the film. As you can see the images are all very dark and mysterious.

Camera angles and shots

There are many possible camera angles that can be used in the film industry. Here are some of the camera angles which we can use while filming:

                                                      Establishing shot 

This shot is usually taken outside the place
where the action is taking place.
This is shot is very important as it clearly
shows the audience where everything
is taking place, to avoid confusion.




Close up

This is a close up shot. It usually
zooms up on the face or an item.
This camera shot is very important
as it will show the facial features
and facial expressions of a person.




Low angle shot

This camera shot is taken from
below an actor or set. The use of this
shot, causes the person or item to
look large and intimidating.






High angle shot
This shot is taken from above the
actor. The use of this angle makes
actor look innocent and vulnerable.






Tracking shot

The tracking shot is where the
camera operator moves along side
the action. This shot adds excitement
and helps the audience see what
happens as it travels next to the
actors.



Point of view shot

With point of view shot, the camera
is positioned so its as if you are seeing
through the eyes of the actor. This
camera shot is very effective as it
makes it more exciting for the audience,
as you can see what the actor is seeing.



                                                         Framing shot

In this shot its using a piece of set or
scenery to frame a shot. This makes
the audience focus on exactly
what they need to be.

Preliminary task ideas

For the preliminary task im working in a group of 3, so we will need other people to be the actors. In our group we were thinking of having the location at a farm. We thought we would locate our filming in a farm as its dark at night and can be eerie. We were planning on having a person/farmer walking in to a barn and having a conversation with another person. The conversation will be about a planning a kidnapping of a child. We thought this subject would be good for this conversation, as it will create quite a mysterious atmosphere. The farmers costume will consists of old clothes and large boots to create a dirty and creepy looking farmer.

The 180 degree Rule

The 180 degree rule is used when two people are having a conversation. The camera stays one side of the people, and

doesn't move across the 180 line. Using this rule makes the 

position of the characters clear to the audience.  If it wasn't

used then the audience would get confused

on where the characters are positioned.

Top 10 Thrillers

These are the top 10 thriller movies:

1. The Godfather -1972  

2. The Godfather part 2 -1974

3. Inception -2010

4. Pulp Fiction -1994

5. The Dark Night -2008

6. Fight Club -1999

7. Rear Window -1954

8. Psycho -1960
9. The Usual Suspects -1995
10. The Silence Of the Lambs -1991

Preliminary Task

During our class time we had the chance to watch a few preliminary tasks from last year. They were all very unique but effective in different ways.
The first one which was made by George and Jack was very mysterious. It was set in a dark house, where the light was very dim, this darkness caused an eerie effect, which built uo tension. There is an extreme close up on jack when he speaks, this close up enphasises what jack is saying. The music linked in well with the thriller genre as its a piano playing, which creates a creepy mood. However when the music is playing it stops very suddenly which stops the build up in tension.

The next task we watched was Callum's and Zoe's. The setting was a key part in this film as it was set at night, which created tension and mystery. It was also set in a cafe, however during the cafe shots the sounds are not very good, as the surrounding sounds are very loud which causes the characters voices to be very quiet. Due to this problem Callum and Zoe had to put sub titles on, so viewers could see what they were saying. Also the camera shots became very shaking at some points, to resolve this they should have used a tripod.

The next task that we watched was produced by Livi, Asia, Tilly and Claudia. Their task was set at school when it was empty. The lighting was very good as they chose a corridor which had a flickering light. The costumes which were used were also very good as they were very dark which is a stereotypical colour used in thrillers. In this task there was a close up shot of a girl on the floor covered in blood, this was very effective as it linked to a thriller with the blood and violence.

Another task we watched was by Matt and Lauren. In this film there was some very good music. However you could hear the camera rustling so the sounds and music wasn't very clear. Towards the end a girl is tied up in the cupboard, i really liked this bit as  its alot like a typical thriller shot.

Thrillers

The definition for thriller is: A suspenseful adventure story or movie.
There many subgenres which are used in thrillers, an example of a few are: mystery thrillers, crime thrillers, disaster thrillers and medical thrillers. But the primary subgenres are crime, mystery and psychological thrillers.
Thrillers are associated with crime, murder and violance. The difference between horror and thrillers, is that horror involves a lot more blood and gore, where as thrillers doesnt incorporate gory scenes very often.