Hanna Codes and Conventions

Hanna, a young teenage girl has the strength, stamina and smarts of a solider because of the strict training her father, an EX-CIA, member, put her through. All to become the perfect assassin. When Erick, her father, believes Hanna is ready he then sends her into the deep end of the world on a journey across Europe, trying to stay under the radar of a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets of her own. As she nears her final target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence and unexpected questions about her humanity.

This film does stay strict and follow many of the Codes and Conventions that are used in thriller films for example the contrast and shades of colours usually being quite dull, quick cuts and edits in time with non digetic music as well as false endings and foreshadowing.

Further more it was stated in an interview behind the scenes of Hanna that all of the soundtracks and scores used in the film were all computer generated and none were live music recorded. 

 In these multiple images theses are all quick cuts in time to a gun sound. This could be triggered by Hanna having a quick but short memory of her mother or This is also linked to the fact that she died by 3 bullets which could mirror why the sounds matches the cuts. Because of how little time we got to see her mother it could leave the audience puzzles and wondering how it was we had just seen , then making it clear later on in the film. Further more the colours are quite dull and this could be linked to because Hanna doesn’t recall much of her mum as well as keeping the serious thought in her head. 

Here we see a contrast in the tone of shades with it almost being like a sanctuary for Hanna before all the action starts. This cold mirror her feelings about the world having the snow as her comfort zone and being isolated from the outside world. 

This image on the other hand is very solid and dull with the colour contrast as well as scenery keeping a very serious tone to the environment. Also the reflection of the windows on the floor almost gives an optical illusion of it being a bigger room than it is almost disorientating the audience making them feel uneasy about this place and what the protagonist could be thinking there. Both images act as opposites to each other as well as characters alike where Hanna’s home is free in the wild where as Marissa is locked in this study building. This could then further more lead to foreshadowing that their environments and personalities will eventually clash.

  In these next few images we see another example of quick cuts in sync with intense music completely mirroring the seriousness of the situation Hanna is in. The massive contrast with bright shinning lights in the pitch blackness of the night really captures the tones of the capture and also how all the solders are stationed outside the cabin anticipate what might happen next. This makes the audience wonder what might happen next as well as being able to see what exactly is going on outside of the cabin where as Hanna cannot. It also puts us at time in her perspective through first person camera shot being able to experience how strange and frightening this all may appear. The sharp lighting also builds tension and suspense as where the bright light hits, solid black figures appear creating an eerie atmosphere adding to the non digetic soundtrack playing in the background.       

                                                                             

                                          

 In this scene we are first introduced to the antagonist, which is where the action starts. Even though Hanna is aiming at the camera that Marisa is watching through the fist person prospective on her is very real as we see the shock in her face as to how dangers her enemy is and what she is capable of. Here we see her first sign of fear as well as a glimpse of what could be foreshadowing. We also see a colour contrast with Hanna being in the lighter room and Marisa in the darker room as well as both leaning opposite directions indicating a power struggle. The effect of the light shows the Hanna is in the right where Marissa is in the wrong, giving the audience a clear picture of who is good and evil.

In this image the window in which Marisa is stations with the screen from the camera reflects off of the window further more showing a power struggle with the two finally clashing. The fact that Hanna is a faded image in the reflection could show how much Marisa underestimates her and how little she knows of her almost like a ghostly figure haunting her.

This scene is another part matching the score in the background however there is a chase happening which the music mirrors very well. The dull facility and the flashing bright lights against the dark create a very intense and interesting chase. Also with the first person prospective camera on Hanna when running to the lockdown door is very intense as it keeps switching between the two, keeping the audience guessing if she will make it through or not. This keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as Hanna may not make it and if she gets trapped what would she do and if Marissa finds her.
 

 As you can see in this shot the camera is rotating round Hanna’s face as she is running with the lights continuously flashing in the background, mirroring her thoughts and panic about escaping the prison. It’s also very jittery, unstable and cuts at some points further expressing her worry and panic. The audience also gets into her person space showing her true feelings and seeing a part of her that was not shown before.
 

 In this scene the camera movement is extremely unbalanced and shaking all over the place as it closes in on Marissa showing how un easy she must be feeling as to what she has to do. If a tripod was used her while filming it wouldn't not have had the same unbalanced effect on the audience. The contrast of darkness also reflects on the mood of the scene and what is about to happen. In the next shot it closes up on the reloaded gun showing that she is armed and that fact that she has loaded it on screen give a sense of foreshadowing as to what will happen next and why she has done this. 

Here you can see that Marissa is towering over Hanna’s mother as if there is a power struggle and the way they are positioned on camera could show that the battle is still not over as long as Hanna is alive. Also the dark contrast with the mum could show that the end is soon to come for her as well as seeing the fire in the distance with Marissa could symbolise her hatred for Eric and her determination to get Hanna. 

Here in this image the audience can see the reflection of Eric in the mirror where as Hanna cannot. This could give the audience mixed feelings about his appearance as well as the fact he has not addressed to her that he is in the room showing that he may be uncertain as to what she may think of him. The close up gives the audience an idea of how lost she must be feeling while as the story goes on the more questions build up against her father as well as her own existence. It could indicate that both of them have arranged to meet here however she is starting to wonder whether it was the right choice to make.

 Here was can see a powerful colour contrast with total darkness and only the faint glimmer or light curving round the side of the tunnel . This could lead to the audience being left in the dark and uncertain as to what may happen next. Also they are put into the same shoes as the protagonist where they cannot see nor predict what may come. This builds up tension because we are unable to see what lurks in the shadows and guided by a small light meaning that we are in a dangers place and not knowing if Hanna will make it out alive, holding the audiences breathe if she will be all right.

Here we can see Hanna towering over the camera, Marissa’s point of view, as the power struggle is over. Also as the camera focuses on the gun it shows that Hanna is armed giving her more power and generating fear. This particular shot can be interpreted as in the beginning she was at the same level hunting the deer and that Marissa could simply symbolise nothing more than an animal being hunted. On the other hand this is the exact position Hanna’s mother and Marissa was in when she killed Hanna’s mum however this time the tables has turned and Hanna is the one with a high statues and more dangerous than Marissa. 

 

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Thriller Codes and Conventions.

 

Girl with the dragon tattoo was adapted to the big screen from a novel that tells the story of a disgraces journalist, Mikael Blomkvist, who is hired to investigate the disappearance of a wealthy patriarch's niece from 40 years ago. Joining him is a top computer hacker, Lisbest Salander, however as they dive deeper into their investigation horrid corruption starts to emerge beyond their imagining.

 

In this shot you can see that the camera movements are in first person, moving in the same pace as well as direction of the protagonist so we are in his exact situation. This could show the uncertainty of how the protagonist is feeling as he is in uncharted territory, not knowing what could be around the next corner.  By seeing exactly what he sees the audience as well is on the edge of their seat and as puzzled. further more the contrast of white all around shows how pure and untouched this place is however clashes with the eeriness of the dull lightning giving off an over all mysterious vibe to the audience.  

Here is another example of the first person prospective in the car also mimicking how the protagonist could feel. The long path ahead, shrouded in the mist seems to go on forever which could symbolise the fact that this investigation he is on may never end. It could also mirror that there is only one way to go for him whether it is good or bad. This further more puts the audience on edge because of the lack and sees no light at the end of the road showing that there is no way out for him. Also the way the bare trees are set out in a lattice give a sinister and threatening vibe making the audience feel as though wherever this path may lead, it can’t be good. 

In this image you can easily see a major contrast in shade, showing the protagonist in black cloths as well as in a shadowed place, could symbolise that he is in danger or foreshadowing that something bad may happen .Furthermore when he closes the door to Matins house it blocks off all sound from the outside leaving the characters and audience to dwell in an eerie silence. This could also lead to isolation and imprisonment as the audience is helpless to see what will happen next as well as the characters. 

As you can see in this image the protagonist and antagonist are dressed in similar cloths which could hint a conflict between the two or that they are both equals. Also if you look closely in the reflection of the window that acts as a mirror then you can see the reflection of Martin which actually looks as if he has surrounded the protagonist showing the vulnerability of him; this also shows something to the audience that he cannot see emphasising that the protagonist is unaware of what is about to happen or what kind of danger he is really in.  

In this camera shot it closes up on the knife that the protagonist has just put down further emphasising how vulnerable and defenceless he is against what the antagonist has planned. This plants a bad feeling in the mind of the audience as we know something is about to happen. 

As you can see here there is an extreme contrast in colours with the only light coming from the top of the stair case and the dark all around which could symbolise that they’re going down into danger .Also the fact that the protagonist is first, at the lower end of the stairs, and the antagonist last, at the higher end of the stairs, shows a power struggle where the antagonist has charge of the situation and what is about to happen. Because of the lack of light in this scene the audience is permitted to see so little giving them an even more uncertain feeling as to where this may be going and what is to come. 

The effect of colour contrast is further more expressed as the protagonist is seen walking into a pitch black door and with the audience not being able to see what he may be walking into it created tension of the unknown. The way that his clothes almost blend in with the blackness of the door could show that he is already slipping to evil clutches. 

In one of the final scenes the clash of the protagonist and antagonist finally comes as the colour contrast and scenery are balanced with the protagonist in the light and the antagonist in the darkness. However here we almost go into the eyes of the antagonist as the camera is positioned over his shoulder showing that the tables have turned in terms of who we are not watching. This could almost give the audience a false ending showing that the antagonist has one and now with the protagonist gone we are now watching through the eyes of him. 

Shutter Island Codes and Conventions

Ever since the release of Shutter Island back in 2010 it has been argued that it is one of the most finely crafted thriller films considering its codes and conventions as well as uniqueness, according to IMDB. However with all the twists and turns through out the story some find it hard to see it this way, this is what most film critics have said anyways; that it is not nice to be messed around although others say it’s the whole part of watching a thriller film not knowing where the story will take you.

Plot:

In 1954 , Federal marshal Teddy Daniels and his new partner Chuck Aule travel to Shutter island to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient names Rachel Solando. She had been sectioned at the institution for dangerous criminals at Ashcliffe hospital after drowning her three kids. Because of Teddy’s past experiences being a WWII solider and the loss of his wife in a criminal fire it has left him traumatised however it has driven him to take on this case because the killer who started the fire is rumoured to be at the same institution. As Teddy and his partner dive deeper into their investigation they uncover hidden truths that were better left unfound and with a wild storm kicking up it leaves them stranded on the island with no outside help, further discovering the real Shutter Island.

Codes and Conventions of Thrillers:

 

Colours normally dull with black and white shades –

    This is used to keep the seriousness of the story going and, if used in the right way, can set a very sinister and chilling atmosphere to suit the genre. For example in the film “memento” in the scenes when the protagonist is on the phone they are all in black and white, this effect is used to possibly for shadow the danger of him being on the phone and who he is talking to.

Fast paced editing and quick cuts –

     this keeps the story moving all the time and doesn’t let the film drag on, taking you out of the suspenseful atmosphere. For example in “Hanna” where the soldiers surround the hut that Hanna is waiting in it does quick cuts between her and the surrounded hut. This effect could be used to mirror how important this scene is as well as how Hanna could be feeling.

A Protagonist and Antagonist –     

      not necessary the hero and villain but show’s the struggle of two rivals which the story is normally set around or has some large connection too.

Tilting –

    A movement of the camera that can pan up a character ,for example, to cause suspense on what it’s trying to show the audience (e.g. who the killer may be ). For example in Shutter island where Teddy is standing on the edge of the cliff, looking over , the camera tilts up which builds up tensions with the slow camera movement as to how he would react to chuck 

 

Mirrors and Stairs – 

      Things that may seem odd but can have an incredible effect on foreshadowing things or symbolism. For example the mirrors to show the audience something that the character will not see for example in “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” the antagonist can be seen in a reflection of a window behind the protagonist showing that he is surrounded and helpless however we as the audience sees it; he does not. The Stairs can be used to show power statues where the powerful is at the top and the weak at the bottom or the same with good and evil. In some films it can also be used to confuse the audience not knowing where they lead to.  ( where quick editing may come into play ) being dead. 

False ending –

      A very popular convention of thrillers which can outline where the story may be heading however then taking an unexpected turn to another ending which the audience may not have seen coming or directors can sometimes use this to their advantage then right at the last minute make an unexpected plot twist that can throw people off. For example in “The Sixth Sense” where at the end they reveal that  Dr. Malcolm Crowe was actually dead the entire time.                                                                                                                                                    

Nearly all of these are essential to make a thrill film work and have the right effect that’s originally intended. This means that many of these were used in Shutter Island to help with the impact it had on the audience.

 

Shutter Island screen shots with codes and conventions: 

Camera shot is in first person to show the rout in which the main characters are going, drawing the audience into the scene by being able to see what the protagonist is seeing. This effect causes the audience to be in the characters position, which could make them feel almost trapped, knowing there will be no way out because of the towering walls and gates.

Further into the first person camera shot, past the gates, is another set of gates as well as high towering walls further emphasising the feeling that the audience will get from this, mirroring the protagonists thought and feelings of entrapment and foreboding.

Another camera movement used is tilting round a high red chair slowly which causes suspense for the audience as to who might actually be in the chair and what it may solve. the lack of light in this scene could also indicate that the protagonist is in a dangers place, giving out an unsettling feeling that this won't end well.

Here is an example of Mise en scene, keeping the aspect of black and white shades and a complete black background. This shot in particular could foreshadow what will happen next with the protagonist’s face shadowed and his partner in the light perhaps showing that the protagonist is going to do something he knows he shouldn't.

Also the way the camera is focused on his face in the shadows could show that he is carrying dark thoughts and in the wrong where as his partner is out of focus but in the light showing that Teddy is too far into darkness to be dragged out.

This is another example of Mise en scene with the colour contrast being very dull colours and the strong ray of white that’s reflected off of the walls. This causes an almost vulnerable feeling for the characters as they, and the audience, cannot see what lies in the darkness further more building tension as what might happen. Also the man that is running is dressed in pure white however where the light captures him his shadow is a solid black that makes an interesting contrast with the colours as well as a sign of foreshadowing. The darkness and dull contrast of colours and shading could symbolise that the protagonist is in the depths of something sinister and unsettling giving an uncomfortably feeling to the audience hoping for the protagonist’s safety.

Here is yet another example of Mise en scene where it’s not only another contrast with dark colours but with lots of stairs. The use of this many stairs can cause confusions as it tries to disorientate the audience once again putting them in the protagonist’s shoes as to where he will go next. This can also indicate that the protagonist is in the middle of the level of stairs showing he’s at a cross road whether he will go up to where it should be safe or go down where it could be dangerous however his real destination. The darkness and inefficient light could add to the confusion of the layered stairs as we cannot fully see all corners of the room and what could be lurking inside it; considering the protagonist is chasing someone. 

In these shots in an example of quick editing because they are all shown for a second. When this takes place is the scene where the protagonist thinks that his partner is dead at the bottom of the cliffs. The way the fast editing has been used can mirror his panic and sudden realisation of what had just happened. This shocks the audience also as we find out at the same time as the protagonist and realise as soon as the quick cuts play.