Ram & James' homework

Rams homework:
"How is mood and atmosphere created through the use of mis- en- scene in the opening credits of "Donnie Darko"

In the opening credits the general mood created is one of tension and eerieness. The sun hasn't risen yet, so the "lighting" is very low. The audiences first sight of life is of something in the middle of the road, this's intriguing and makes the viewer look forward to see this object clearer.

The road is empty and there's no cars, again making the viewer think it's late at night, this also creates an eerie silence. The person in the middle of the road is very still, and the viewer gets an uncomfortable feeling when the view is increased, as if you don't want to see it clearer. When the viewer is able to realise its a teenage boy, the curiosity turns into confusion, as the character very casually rides back home, as if this situation is normal. The fact he rides a bike, instead of driving a car, supports the idea of him being childlike. When Donnie yawns, and rubs his eyes, he looks very playful, vulnerable, and childish, this makes his character relatable.

Donnie is in his pyjamas with messy hair, making it evident to the audience that he didn't intend on waking up there, this creates further intrigue. On his journey home, he rides past lots of trees, and is on a long road, this makes the journey seem longer than it is. A change in mood, and atmosphere is contrasted well with the beginning part, as when you go past the sign to his town of "Middlesex", the setting goes from being dark, quiet and eerie, to busy, bright and cheerful. At this point it takes the story to "everyday life" with joggers going by, people in their cars, and outside their homes, doing everyday things.

James' homework:
"How is mood and atmosphere created through the use of sound and editing in the opening credits of 'Saw'"

The title sequence for saw is very short. I will be looking at editing and sound. Both are very simple in the sequence but create a very eerie effect. After the sponsors of the film are shown, the actual titles start. Three different titles fade in and out. They appear slightly wavy which is to give the effect it is under water. After the last title fades a glowing blue object with a key attached starts floating down the screen. this is quite typical of thrillers as it is showing something that will be important later in the film and makes the viewer question what it is. This makes the audience become intrigued and encourages them to watch further.

The only sound in the sequence is the sound of gently running water. This creates a very eerie feel. After this the title of the film appears. It fades in and out in the same way the other titles do. This again creates an eerie atmosphere, that intrigues the audience.