R+P Post 6: Our Chosen Genre and How We Plan to Connote This

Our chosen genre for our film is neo-noir, which is essentially a crime drama film. Our film also has sub genres of action and thriller. Conventions of the film noir/neo-noir genre include low key lighting, black and white, shadows, suspense, mysterious music and murder. The genre is communicated through our opening sequence in a number of ways:

• There is mysterious, tension building music which is fast pace to signal that our character is mysterious 
• The profile on the iPad makes her seem stalker-like and secretive (corresponding the effects of shadows)
• The disposal of the detective badge signifies she is not all she seems
• The identity of the woman (essentially her face) is kept secret until the end
• The captivating, dark effect of the graphics
• The revealing of the gun and ID cards/passports
• Low key lighting which creates an ominous atmosphere
• Femme Fatale character

We used some films as means of inspiration for our opening sequence and to denote the genre. In the crime thriller film 'Se7en,' the identity is concealed but we still see his actions and this has an exciting and ominous effect. Furthermore, the flickering titles created a mysterious atmosphere.  In the opening for 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo,' dark, edgy graphics are used to achieve a sinister feel and set the scene of the film. Thirdly, we took inspiration from the music used during the murders and/or prior to the murders in several Columbo films. For example, in 'Murder by the Book' (1971), the theme song is full of suspense and mysterious, demonstrating that the character is up to no good. Additionally, the fast pace and excit
ing element of the music we have chosen to use could be influenced by 'Pump It,' the theme used in 'Pulp Fiction.' In the neo-noir film 'Basic Instinct,' the leading character is Catherine Tramell, who is connected with a murder and seduces the detective working on the case. Similarly, we have incorporated this convention of the femme fatale through our female character who is shown to have a gun and throw away her police badge, insinuating that she is not the person the audience thinks she is.

We chose this genre because there are many interesting stories to be told. Not only does it build up lots of excitement through conventional events (murder, lies etc) but it also focuses highly on the lives of the characters, allowing the audience to build a personal relationship with them.

Neo-noir films have essentially introduced elements that were not available with the classic noir films. The violence is more potent and the visual effects and style are more believable. Some directors who have contributed to the evolution of classic noir include Scorsese with 'Taxi Driver,' The Coens with 'Fargo,' Tarantino with 'Reservoir Dogs' and Michael Mann with 'Heat.'