Thriller 1: Analysis of Black Swan (Psychological Thriller)

Director: Darren Aronofsky (2010)
To begin my research into the conventions of thriller films I am going to look at openings of some films and analyse the titles, camera angles, editing, mise-en-scene and music.

Camera- distance, angle, movement and editing- speed, style

The film opens with an establishing long shot of Nina who is revealed when the lights slowly show her on the centre of a stage. This then cuts to a mid-close up her feet which show her dancing to the music. The fact it cut to her feet may suggest that this film is about choices and paths to take in life. Furthermore, throughout her dancing a spotlight is following her at all times. At this part in the film we assume she is on a stage which makes her seem like an important character. After this she then sits down with a happy expression on her face which the cuts to a long shot of her. This then shows someone walking up to her; however the uneven mood of the film suggests that this could be something potentially scary. Soon after a male figure is shown which makes Nina stand up and this may be because she is trying to defend herself. He follows her around which pans to a close up of her face which highlights her scared facial expressions. After this the camera follows them around, always showing the male character looking at her back. Mid-close ups are then used throughout the rest of the dance until Nina walks off which is shown by a mid shot then a long shot. The spotlight then fades which signifies it’s the end of the dance.

The next scene cuts to a close up of Nina in her bed which highlights her happy expression. The camera then moves to follow her from getting out of bed which makes her seem like an important role. After this a long shot has been used to show her stretching, which changes to a mid shot when she sits down and then a close up to show her talking. After this it cuts to her and her mother having breakfast which then cuts to a mid shot of her showing how thin she is. After this, it shows close ups of their faces

Sound- effects, music

The music throughout the clip is clearly a classical piece of music that shows fast and slow paces. At the beginning, it begins calmly and peacefully as Nina dances, however it soon begins to change when she sits down as it becomes more tense. When they dance the music makes the atmosphere more rushed as its get faster and louder which is built up from when the male character (black swan) walks over to Nina. The climax of the music indicates that something is over which could be a symbolic meaning for Nina.

Mise-en-scene- props, costume, setting, lighting, colour

• Setting

The spotlight slowly reveals the Nina wearing a white dress in a black stage. The contrast between these two suggests that Nina is pure and elegant as she stands out to be white. The next scene is in her home in a flat which shows Nina’s bedroom and kitchen.

• Lighting

The lighting starts off slowly and shows there is more darkness as there is only one spotlight showing the main character. The lighting in the flat is produced by the sun which enters through the windows.

•  Characters

Nina began by wearing a pretty ballet dress that was very long which covered most of her legs. The white material contrasts to the back background making her seem more pure. Her facial expressions changed-at one point as she seemed happy then scared. When she woke up she was wearing a pink top and jewellery which makes her come across as feminine. Her mum however wears black which makes her come across as evil as she could be interpreted as the black swan and that Nina is innocent.

Titles- font, colour, placement

The film starts with subtitles which are shown in white to contrast with the black backdrop. The typography is formatted in a serif font which makes the titles come across as feminine. The slim and tall quality also adds to this. Furthermore, the formal tone makes this film to come across as serious which is reinforced as ‘Black Swan’ is written in capital letters, highlighting what the film is about. This is also spread out in the screen which is done to grab attention.