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Welcome back blog! In class today we reviewed 8 videos created by students throughout the previous years. We reflected on them and provided our on comments. I have included them below, take a look!

1. Dare to Thrill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=nYpjHCwRO6Q

This dynamic opening sequence effectively captures the fast-paced energy of the teenage protagonists through a series of quick cuts, mirroring their daring game and frantic search for car keys. Cutaways and handheld shots masterfully simulate their hurried movements, while a tracking shot emphasizes the urgency as they locate the car. The subsequent driving sequence employs rapid cuts and handheld shots to convey the thrill of speeding, culminating in a ground shot that captures the impact of a speed bump. A sudden shift to a POV shot from the trunk introduces an element of mystery and suspense. The editing style, characterized by short takes and straight cuts, maintains a consistent sense of urgency and excitement, perfectly complemented by the upbeat soundtrack. The production design effectively utilizes natural lighting, creating a striking contrast between the darkness of the car and the vibrant energy of the teenagers. The interplay between the background music and the on-screen action, such as the synchronized increase in volume, enhances the immersive experience. Finally, the inclusion of a POV shot from within the car adds a layer of intrigue and suspense, highlighting the unexpected and potentially dangerous nature of their discovery.

2. Always Watching

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-yrsmQS7bo&feature=youtu.be

This opening scene, while attempting a different approach with close-ups of the 'stalker' and therapist, ultimately fell short. The lack of coordination was evident, and the story's progression lacked logical flow. The close-up on the stalker's face, intended to be unsettling, felt prolonged and somewhat ineffective. The suspenseful music, while fitting the theme, overpowered the dialogue, making it difficult to fully grasp the characters' interactions. This, coupled with distracting camera work that often cut off actors, hindered audience engagement and detracted from the emotional impact. Although the emotional acting and use of darkness were commendable, the overall execution suffered from poor editing choices and a lack of attention to detail. This clip serves as a valuable learning experience, highlighting the importance of careful editing, balanced sound design, and a well-structured narrative in filmmaking.

3. The Blue Boar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvMH-1XdR9c

This opening scene effectively sets the tone with its lush visuals, intriguing close-ups, and dreamlike high-key lighting. The scene begins with a ground shot panning from the young lady walking towards the lush greenery of a forest, immediately immersing the viewer in the natural setting. The cut to a close-up of the young lady's reaction to her mother's dialogue, revealing only the lower part of her mother's face, conveys a sense of seriousness and intrigue. The use of high-key lighting throughout creates a dreamlike and almost enchanted quality, enhanced by blurred edges around certain frames. This visually stylistic approach effectively transports the viewer into the character's headspace, a technique that our group should consider adopting. The costuming accurately reflects the film's time period, providing valuable insight for our own production. The transition into song, though sudden, immediately establishes the film's genre and sets the stage for the narrative. The lyrics, carefully chosen and thoughtfully incorporated into each scene, explore themes of freedom and a yearning for the unknown, mirroring the character's evolving journey. This seamless integration of music and visuals, along with its exploration of themes like freedom and yearning, provides valuable insights for our own production.

4. White Coat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=dvAsmo32uo0

This opening sequence effectively establishes a suspenseful atmosphere through the use of low lighting, close-ups, and special effects, such as smoke and abrupt sound cues. The contrast between the dimly lit scenes and the brightly lit laboratory effectively guides audience attention. The production demonstrates a high level of technical skill, with exceptional camera work, expertly edited opening credits, and the skillful use of a focus pull. The sound design effectively complements the background music, creating a rich and immersive soundscape. Within the first few seconds, the opening sequence effectively establishes the plot and sets the stage for the rest of the film, providing valuable insights for our own horror/thriller project, particularly in terms of pacing, sound design, and the effective use of cinematic techniques.

5. Stalker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxIZJKdc-Sw&feature=youtu.be

This opening sequence effectively builds suspense through a deliberate contrast in tone. The initial high-key lighting creates a sense of normalcy, making the sudden intrusion of the camera sound and suspenseful music all the more unsettling. The extreme close-up shot of the protagonist's face effectively captures her confusion and fear, while the non-diegetic heartbeat in the second scene further amplifies her terror. The final high-angle shot, framing the protagonist in the car from the perspective of her stalker outside the window, creates a chilling sense of voyeurism.

6. Nostalgia

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p8azlLRHyqaShaOJC6SBJwzGx7s9Cjpk/view

This clip, despite utilizing techniques like extreme close-ups to highlight details of paintings and the elderly woman's expressions, ultimately fails to engage the audience due to a lack of a clear story and cohesive narrative. While the pan to the sky revealing the scene's title is clever, the overall execution feels disjointed and lacks the polish seen in other clips. The clip does, however, offer valuable lessons for our own project. The successful parallel between the painted woman and the elderly woman highlights the importance of establishing clear connections and utilizing effective transitions. By focusing on a cohesive plot line and carefully considering the impact of each shot and transition, our group can avoid the pitfalls of this clip and create a more engaging and impactful opening sequence.

7. Rise 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9AKdUT8nyg&feature=youtu.be

This opening sequence effectively captures the protagonist's energy through dynamic cinematography. A POV shot from the trunk foreshadows the importance of soccer, while a pan shot accompanied by uplifting music introduces the film's title. High-angle shots and creative editing, including synchronized sound and visual cues, maintain viewer engagement. The authentic performance and skillful use of camera techniques, such as focus pulls, make this an inspiring and well-executed opening. The seamless transition from natural sounds to the protagonist's music further enhances the scene's dynamic quality.

8. Dear Lover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_bKQDg6fiI&feature=youtu.be

This opening scene effectively establishes a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere through the use of calming music and establishing shots of the greenery and forest. The voiceover, combined with close-up shots of the protagonist, provides intimate insights into her past and sets the stage for the narrative. The cross-cutting between the protagonist and the greenery scene effectively engages the audience and hints at a complex story. The desaturated scene of her lover leaving further enhances the melancholic tone and provides a clear visual distinction between the past and present.