Terry Winsor, the film's auteur director, establishes the thriller genre of Essex Boys within the title sequence of his 2002 production.
A dimly lit, derelict garage acts as the setting for the first scene in the film; chiaroscuro lighting and a dark, claustrophobic composition is supposed to spark fear in the viewer, as conventional mise en scene - cobwebs galore, overpowering blackness and a neglected car - is utilised in order to connote further the bleak, dismal location. The set could be interpreted as an indicator of the character's current state - intimidated, and very vulnerable, as if abandoned there like the old vehicle resting beside him. Alternatively, non-ambient lighting is used here so as to reinforce an initial sense of isolation the audience may have picked up on and establish Essex Boys immediately to be a noir thriller, due to classical noir films generic inclusion of non-natural lighting.
Developing the genre and plot hastily, Winsor introduces us to the character of Jason Lock. A medium close up point of view shot is selected to establish him, whilst Billy Reynolds narrates through a dirtied windscreen. The lamp hanging from the roof is positioned behind Jason, insinuating that he is to act as Billy's only hope throughout the film, as if he's some sort of saviour. The placement of glass from the windscreen comes between the pair, implying Jason's detachment from both Billy and the viewers, as Billy is narrating to us and so we feel more inclined to relate to him as he is taking us into his confidence. The scene is one of an ominous nature for sure, as the arising sense of being unhealthily detached from emotions, people and socially accepted norms and values begins to suggest Lock's psychotic tendencies. The screenshot above foreshadows the behaviour, the violent outbreak of Jason in the food factory.
You need to upload your images again, they are not coming up on your blog. If you are having problems please contact either me or Mr Seal.
ReplyDeleteI'll access your case study within the next week or so.
I suggest you endeavour to do a prezzi in order to present a mood board to include analysing the range of shots I have sent you. If you haven't got the screen shots from Essex Boys please contact me. Have a look at Jamie Debenham's case study which is a strong Level 3.
ReplyDeleteI like the way that the desolate garage suggests Billy's possible state of mind.
You say....immediately to be a noir thriller, due to classical noir films generic inclusion of non-natural lighting....
Don't you mean use of non ambient lighting? There is no ambient lighting used in the garage sequence, this lighting has been specifically designed to establish the generic credentials of the film.
Very perceptive comments about the positioning of Jason when he is introduced in the film and how the view of Jason through a dirty wind screen connotes his detachment from empathy.
Instead of "narrator" you could say ...the audience is positioned with Billy and thus views events through his eyes, this is because it's Billy voice used for the voice over.
To strengthen: add another slide/s or another post titled “Intertextual References in Essex Boys”
For example: reference thriller films or TV series (preferably with screen shots or uploaded footage) that use or develop similar generic conventions. For example in “Essex Boys” noir lighting with a chiaroscuro effect (the establishing shots of Billing in the garage) reinforces the generic roots of the film. Other examples you could reference, and don’t forget the films or TV crime dramas that you have and are watching independently.
• “The Opening to Once Upon a Time in America” also uses noir lighting whilst the chiaroscuro effect is achieved when Eve switches on her bed side lamp.
• The iconic final sequences in “The Third Man” is another example where the director amplifies the genre with the use of chiaroscuro lighting when Harry Lime is trapped in the Viennese sewers.
• Tarantino also uses the same effect with Ordell murders Beaumont in the waste ground in “Jackie Brown”.
Thus the audience is transported into an isolated world where nightmares become reality.
Also think about comparing the generic locations, costume or character types with other thrillers.
An intelligently reflective response.