The narrative is linear, all the events transpire in a chronological order over a single week. Murders in the film are based on the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, laziness, wrath, envy and pride.
Thriller Codes and Conventions
Seven pays heed to several different thriller codes and conventions. For example, it is set in every day city with all the outside scenes use a dark colour tone, plus it is always raining, creating a gritty mood. Seven uses Bonitzer’s theory of teasing the audience with little bit causing them to want to know more.
Camerawork
The vast majority of the time when ever Mills and Somerset are talking the camera are eye level. This shows there equal status and importance. A hand held camera is used when Mills is chasing John which is used to show the emotions running during this scene.
Mise En Scene
The general feel of the film is a dark, brooding feel. Typical of city detective stories. Except the ending scene which takes places in sunny open fields, almost snatching Mills and Somerset from their comfort zones. Also of note is the use of binary opposites in this film, such as the drastic opposition of the main characters; Somerset is a old, worn out and calm cop whereas Mils is much more younger, energetic and restless.
Sound
A lot of diegetic sound is used in the film to help build the world of the film, such as traffic and rain to build the idea that their city is just a regular, hectic city. An interesting part of the film is the scene in Somersets apartment where he uses a metronome and blocks the city noise out, this shows that Somerset is doesn't want to live the city life but wants to retire to a calm, relaxing life rather than the turbulent, violent life his current job holds for him.
Editing
The opening sequence is shot in black and white using close ups, dead bodies and blood in order to make the view feel uncomfortable, this always starts to build up hatred for the killer.
Red Eye
Narrative Structure
The film follows a linear path, introducing the characters within the first few minutes.
Thriller Codes and Conventions
Red Eye uses the typical conventions such as a dark, gritty city, music building suspense and using Bonitzer's partial vision to capture the audiences attention, by showing the mystery box and also the theft of the wallet.
Camerawork
Cinematography in Red Eye uses close ups to interest the audience, creating Bonitzer's tease effect. The camera follows the action as well, such as following the box in the truck, acting almost like the audience creating a curiosity.
Mise-en-scene
The start of the film is very calm and normal, showcasing a regular house. We see some pictures of a girl showing that she is smart, attractive and athletic, the sport she is playing is hockey, which is a stereotypically aggressive sport showing that the girl is quite strong.
Sound
Sound is used to great extent in thriller films to help build suspense, Red Eye is no exception to this rule. The music gives pace to the film, also the diegetic sound help builds the horror feeling such as the car doors slamming and doors creaking. Also whenever the film gets faster, so too does the music.
Graphics
The credits in this film are simple black and white, which connotes the binary opposition of good and evil. The title follows this style in that it is very simple, however the title is red, which connotes blood and death. The simple graphics suggest that the film makers don't want the audience to focus too much on this subject however
State of Play
Narrative Structure
The film follows a linear path, showing a chase scene it is more straight forward than the previous two films introductions. However we do not know why the chase scene is happening.
Thriller Codes and Conventions
Political thrillers are usually always set in a major city, in this case Washington, one of the most politically powerful cities in the world. Also the chase scene is at night time and it is raining, not very original, however it does help set the tone that something bad is happening/about to happen.
Camerawork
The camera shakes during the chase scene which helps build the tension and pace.
Mise-en-scene
The city is shown as a dark and gritty city however you do see shots of key political buildings connoting a dark, seedy under belly of a political world.
Sound
There is a big use of diegetic sound used in the chase scene, such as an emphasis on the mans heavy breathing as he is running, this builds tension.
Graphics
The opening shot shows that the location is Washington, this is a pretty obvious place to set a political thriller. Also the graphics mirror the look and feel of The Star Spangled Banner.
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