Megan Edwards' Media Blog: Thriller- Rough Cut

Reflection:

Within the rough cut of our thriller opening, I am particularly pleased with the over-lay placed over the establishing shots between 0.00 and 0.15, portraying the similar fragmented and gritty tone to the opening of 'Se7en'.
Alilcia's performance as the femme fatale Miss River' at 1.29 to 1.43 is particularly endearing and lustrous, expressing the same glamour as Lynn Bracken in 'L.A Confidential'.
This is supported by the uncomfortable, whispering soundtrack.
I am also pleased with the tilt shots at 0.16 and 0.23, creating a sense of secrecy and obscurity much like the disorientating sewer scene in 'The Third Man'.

However, from watching the rough cut, I am now aware of what aspects i need to improve on:

A soundtrack from 0.00 to 0.16 needs to be included, in order to set the enigmatic tone from the very start, and continuing throughout the opening.
The fragmented flashbacks (of 'Iga' running and 'Miss River') would be more recognisable if in black and white, to symbolize being part of 'Crowe's' imagination and thoughts, like those in 'Casino Royale'.
This will also be supported by a fade transition at 1.14 to signify that we are going into 'Crowe's' thoughts, as the narrative is a little unclear.
Within the 'Iga' flashback, the tone slightly drops as there is now soundtrack. Therefore, including dreamy, idyllic music would sustain the tone.
Edit the alley way scene at 1.07 slightly sooner, as we can see 'Iga' smile, which is certainly out of character.
Not all the titles rendered properly when exporting. However, despite this, we will change the font seen at 0.04 to a slimmer, 'scratchier' one ('A. Typewriter) to suit the uncomfortable overlay, achieving the same effects as 'Se7en'.
Also, to build up tension, we are considering to start the soundtrack slightly early, like 'Layer Cake', to introduce and hook the audience before anything has even appeared on the screen.