Before the First Kill: Film Openings

 Before I even think about storyboarding or scripting this opening, I need to find some inspirations to accurately develop the psychological horror genre tone I want to achieve. Let's analyze some film openings that can help me...

1. 

The opening of Midsommar (2019) focuses on the protagonist, Dani's, grief, using slow pacing, sad visuals, and little to no sound to make her emotions/pain more evident at first glance. This establishes her suffering as the root the story's punitive fantasy as this sequence shows how the violence and rituals later in the film act kind of as symbolic consequences for neglect, loss, and injustice, creating the tension that will just continue to build up throughout the film.  It also shows how horror can be psychological or moral and not just physical, It can arise from emotional or moral dilemmas. I would like to emphasize that in my opening as well, using symbolic inspiration by representing our protagonist, the serial killer's, punishment through psychological elements, this shows that he's experiencing the consequences of his actions on a deeper, mental level. 

Link to this opening: TheOncomingStorm (2019, Oct 18,). Midsommar- Opening Titles [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Rn3ucq_h9xY

2. 

The opening of Hereditary (2018) Immediately establishes the theme of inescapable lack of control, and psychological entrapment through the use of a mini dollhouse, which is an exact replica of the main family's real-life house. This visual metaphor symbolizes the characters' feelings of feeling trapped in their circumstances, which is the first sign of the theme of inherited trauma and unfortunately inevitable fates. The seemingly calm environment contrasts heavily with the underlying sense of doom, showing that horror can come from even the most familiar, "safe" spaces. And when it comes to punitive fantasy, this, again, shows that punishments can be not just physical threats, but psychological as the characters must face consequences that are unavoidable and mostly unjust. Using elements like repeating patterns, skewed perspectives, or symbolic objects can represent confinement that I can also take inspiration from. 

Link to this opening: Hereditary (2018) – Opening Scene [Video]. (2020, January 7). YouTube. https://youtu.be/qi072RFPJUc

3. 

The opening of The Shining (1980) conveys themes of isolation, vulnerability, and impending psychological tension/ultimate collapse through its use of large, empty landscapes and little to no dialogue. By introducing its characters in a vast, deserted environment, it emphasizes how insignificant they seem and the power outstanding forces have on them. The slow pacing, use of sound manipulation (to create eerie vibe), and broad visuals create a mental tension, yet another example of horror coming from ones mind and their environment. In context of punitive fantasy, it can be seen how punishment can be immersive and unavoidable, forcing characters to face their weaknesses, secrets, and fears. Techniques in this film such as distorted sound and long takes can communicate a strong mental and emotional weight, and I'd love to play around with different ways of conveying psychological entrapment, so I'll experiment and see what makes the most sense within the 2 minute time frame. 

Link to this opening: The Shining • first scene 1080p [Video]. (n.d.). YouTube. https://youtu.be/kiV3J_e977

We'll experiment and figure that out together...

K Blog, byeeee!!!

To Catch (or, research) a Killer

 The first thing I need to establish in order to find a tone for this opening is the development of the main character. I want the protagonist (serial killer) to evoke unease to the audience from the moment they first see him. I thought the best way to conceptualize exactly what I'm looking for is by finding some inspirations for the character and going from there. 

SOCIOPATH VS. PSYCHOPATH

my biggest mission right now is researching the differences between a sociopath and a psychopath. It's important to me that I know what goes on in our protagonist's mind so I can clearly and accurately reflect that onscreen. Does he feel initial remorse? Is that why his karma begins in the form of switching bodies? Do his feelings towards causing pain change once he experiences it himself? According to clearmindtreatment.com, what differentiates a sociopath from a psychopath is their "emotional makeup, behavior patterns, and origins of their conditions". This means I need to distinguish those differences and hint at them throughout the opening. This is obviously very ambitious to attempt in the 2 minute cutoff time of the video, but I think the details are what capture the audiences' attention in the beginning of a film, which is why this is so vital to me. so, lets dive deeper into that by first finding examples of each and deciding from there.

Souther, R. (2025, April 16). Sociopath vs. psychopath: How to spot the differences. Clear Mind Treatment.
https://clearmindtreatment.com/blog/sociopath-vs-psychopath/

SUSPECTS ACQUIRED FOR RESEARCH:

• Patrick Bateman (psychopath)
  

  American Psycho (2000)

  - Superficial charm, lack of empathy, obsession with control and image

  - Motivations: deep-seated narcissism, emptiness, insecurity, and rage
• 
  
  

American Psycho [Film still]. (2000). Lions Gate Films.

• Leather Face (sociopath)
  

  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

  - Acts from fear and family conditioning, emotionally reactive

  - Motivations: fear, obedience, and a desire to protect his home and family
  
   
  
  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre [Film still]. (2003). New Line Cinema.

After reviewing these 2 different characters, I feel like it's be more impactful if my protagonist was a sociopath. If he was a psychopath, he'd feel nothing by switching into his victims' bodies. Sociopaths act out of emotion, they're rarely organized, so they are more likely to care about karma.

TARGET FOUND

I can now develop my own character and take inspiration from sociopathic characters in other films! And since I wanna make a psychological horror/fantasy film opening, I can draw out inspirations from both genres. I've decided I can take small elements from characters like Nina Sayers in Black Swan (2010), Jack Torrance in The Shining (1980), Donnie Darko in Donnie Darko (2001) , and I'll try to find more. I want to give the serial killer effect, yes, but I also don't want him to feel shallow and simply murdering people for fun. Again, I don't expect to develop his whole backstory in the 2 minute opening, but I'm an actor myself, and the best advice I've gotten when acting out a short excerpt from a longer project, is to always know and analyze what happened BEFORE and AFTER that specific moment. So, by knowing our character's background and the basic premise of the overall movie, as a director and as the person editing, I can make justified and accurate decisions for this opening so it doesn't feel cliche and like another overdone serial killer movie. 

it's still there first week so I don't have a full character developed but I know I'd want him to definitely be an older man, I can even try to get an older actor to make it more realistic...and I want sociopathic characteristics to be dropped throughout the opening. Little hints to convey a certain character to the audience. For now I'm really just tying to get an overall vibe for the character and I hope storyboarding and the script will help me pinpoint what exactly I want to portray, as well as researching more on sociopathic tendencies for more accuracy.

K blog, I'll update more soon, byeeee!

Project Timeline

Above all the media knowledge I've gained since starting this class, the biggest lesson I've learned is that time management is EVERYTHING. That's the basis of all assignments and has made me a more responsible student overall. That's why I felt it was important to begin this long project with a guide so I use all given time wisely and in the most productive way. 

Lets first create a full to-do list so I know exactly what tasks must be completed:

1. Research 

• find out the genre I want to choose
• find examples of films in that genre
• figure out a basic plot
• find examples of existing openings that can be inspirations for mine

2. Planning

• write script 
• find any music/sounds I wish to use
• storyboard 
• figure out if group members want to act or if we want to use actors
• find actors (if needed)
• find locations, dates, and equipment for filming
• find fonts and style for title and credit texts

3. Production

• film all scenes 
• record any foley needed

4. Editing/Post-production 

• edit clips together 
• re-record foley if necessary 
• finalize title and credit font and style

5. Revision

• make any final small changes/edits 
• analyze to make sure every detail is intentional and justified
• make sure everything is up to par

6. Reflection

• research information needed to write reflection 
• create the reflection
• edit and review CCR (critical creative reflection)

Now, we can create an actual week-by-week timeline using the tasks as a guide:

Week One (1/16-1/23)

• begin genre research
• choose genre and start planning narrative/script
• 3 blog posts

Week Two (1/26-2/1)

• finalize genre and basic plot
• find opening examples for chosen genre
• start finding possible filming dates, locations, actors
• start writing script 
• 4 blog posts

Week Three (2/2-2/8)

• research media theories to include in script 
• storyboard 
• group meeting to finalize filming dates, locations, etc.
• 4 blog posts

Week Four (2/9-2/15)

• try to get most filming done
• record necessary foley sounds 
• 4 blog posts

Week Five (2/16-2/22)

• start editing 
• finish first cut 
• record any additional foley sounds if needed
• 4 blog posts

Week Six (2/23-3/1)

• revise editing 
• compare changes and make sure they're justified, if not, change back (play around, see what works and what doesn't)
• research for question #1 on CCR
• 4 blog posts

Week Seven (3/2-3/8)

• research for rest of CCR
• finalize project details 
• finalize CCR
• 4 blog posts

Week Eight (3/9-3/17)

• make sure all elements of project are ready (opening and reflection)
• fix/make any last minute changes if necessary 
• post all elements of project
• 4 blog posts

SOOOO...

Now that I have a guideline for how to move forward with my project, this entire process will hopefully go much smoother. I'm a little nervous but mostly excited to start and I can't wait to take you guys with me through the whole experience!

K blog, byeeeee!!!

Portfolio Project Genre #2

 Now that I've chosen my main genre, I made a mission to find a more niche sub-genre, something that sets my film opening apart and gives it a hook that would interest a real audience. Since my first genre establishes the overall tone for the narrative, I wanted a sub-genre that explain WHY the narrative happens in the first place. There were the supernatural ones, the thrillers, but I wanted something more interesting, more unorthodox. Then I found the Punitive Fantasy sub-genre and completely fell in love. 

PUNITIVE FANTASY SUB-GENRE

This sub-genre is rooted in themes of punishment, ethical dilemmas, and consequences. It uses unsettling "what if?" scenarios for a character to explore guilt and accountability, when wrongdoings are met with ironic, usually supernatural, punishments. The protagonist is often morally-grey and haunted by their internal battles or secrets becoming externalized, forcing them to face their past sins as physical manifestations. This punishment is usually the main plot of the story and mirrors the original is or crime. 

(2006). Final Destination 3 [Film still]. New Line Cinema.

Some genre characteristics technique-wise include:

- Repetitive narrative structures to suggest entrapment or a mental/physical prison.

- Restricted POV that denies the punished character any control or authority.

- minimalistic exposition so punishment feels unquestionable.

- symbolic imagery such as mirrors, loops, confined spaces to reinforce themes of self reflection and consequences.

WHAT ARE SOME FILMS/TV SHOWS THAT INCLUDE PUNITIVE FANTASY? 

A great example of a film or TV show that displays punitive fantasy is the series Black mirror (2011-), which puts morally flawed characters through technological or psychological punishments, although the series often doesn't reveal true moral authority. This encourages the audience to have their own individual interpretation on whether the punishments are justified or not. This shows how as long as the ethical complexity behind behaviors is subjective, it will always affect consequences. I want to explore these themes of ethical complexity in my film opening and leave it up to the audience to interpret the justifiability of the punishment and whether or not they will feel empathy for the protagonist. 

(2014). White Christmas [Film still]. In Black Mirror. Zeppotron; House of Tomorrow.

I was kind of having trouble finding films that fit the basic premise of what I wanted to do in my film opening, so I'll just show some movies with endings that kind of align with the type of narrative I want to develop. The films The Green Mile (1999), and the Saw series (2004-) both include elements that could work as inspirations for my vision. The concept of the villains in those stories having to ultimately experience the same pain they caused others is the root for my film opening. For example in The Green Mile, the cruel guard Percy Wetmore, who enjoyed terrorizing inmates, is forced to mentally relive the pain he caused when John Coffey transfers the suffering of a murdered inmate to him, destroying him mentally. Or in Saw, Where John Kramer (Jigsaw) traps people in lethal traps that force them to experience the same pain they caused others or that they gave to themselves through careless living. Both endings have the antagonists or antiheroes face a demise that specifically mirrors their past actions, forcing them to face the pain the inflicted. I think playing around with self reflection in my opening would be so interesting and hook the audience immediately. 

 

(1999). The Green Mile [Film still]. Castle Rock Entertainment.

(2004). Saw [Film still]. Lions Gate Films.

SOO.....

Now that I've identified the main genre and sub-genre for my opening, I'm so beyond excited to start actually developing such an insane (and frankly, ambitious) idea into a 2 MINUTE video...wish me luck?

K Blog, byeeee!!

Portfolio Project Genre #1

Before choosing AICE media, I had heard about this project from peers who have taken this class in the past; and so I knew walking into this that I'd need to come prepared to avoid as many bumps in this long process as possible. I thought about some genres that I know I like watching and I am pretty set on the type of film opening I want to make. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR GENRE

The first genre that has always interested me and I think would be very fun to develop is the psychological horror genre. I love how instead of being simple gore and jump scares, it dives deeper into emotional conflicts behind the horror, making it the original horror genre that much more uncomfortable and scary. Usually centering a deeply flawed or unreliable protagonist, realities are distorted and themes of loss of control, punishment, and paranoia are often explored in a variety of ways. Violence is often implied rather than explicitly shown, which allows fear to be created from the audiences imagination rather than being planned and expected. 

Midsommar [Film still]. (2019). A24.

Some genre characteristics technique-wise include:

- "Restricted or subjective camera perspectives" (such as POV shots) to amplify feelings of personal anxiety or panic through immersive perspectives.

- Muted color palettes and lowkey lighting to imply an uneasy and eerie atmosphere.

- Sound design that highlights uncomfortable silence, internal sounds (heartbeats, breathing, footsteps), or even distorts audio to convey a sense of confusion or disassociation. 

- Slow pacing or long takes to further build tension 

- Unreliable editing like contradictory flashbacks, rapid disorienting cuts, hidden information, Surreal Time Jumps that also further conveys confusion.

WHAT ARE SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR FILMS? 

A perfect example of this genre would be the film Black Swan (2010), which utilizes body horror to develop a battle of internal obsession rather than external monsters. Through hallucinations and an intense hunger for success, the line between reality and pure madness is heavily blurred, sending the protagonist, Nina, into complete psychosis. Body horror is used through acts of self harm and actual physical transformations as a visual representation of Nina's restless strive for perfection, along with the use of "doppelgängers" which symbolize her "white swan" side (her innocence) and her ultimate transformation into "the black swan" (the product of her darkest desires). I really want to use the same concept of the horror coming from the character's own personal experiences rather than external "scary" events occurring. In other words, in my own film opening, I want it to feel more raw and and less like a spectacle. 

Black Swan [Film still]. (2010). Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Another great example of this genre would be the film Get Out (2017), which also strays from using traditional supernatural threats and instead conveys fear through societal anxieties and using a character's vulnerability to manipulate their reality. The film uses hypnosis to exploit the main character, Chris, 's past experiences, which proves how this genre's focuses on characters' traumas and uses it against them. The tension in this movie is first established through the micro-aggressions of the Armitage family towards Chris, leading to Chris' initial unease, which then progresses to his full psychological manipulation. What is so cool about this film is how the villain isn't a person but is instead the concept of the dehumanization and social paranoia that stems from racism. Like this film, I hope to rely on creating an unsettling atmosphere and using symbolism to create a psychological threat/prison rather than using explicit violence to evoke fear.

Get Out [Film still]. (2017). Universal Pictures.

SOOO...

After researching this genre, I am super confident that this is what I want to do. I think it's so interesting how a film can use such distinct techniques to go beyond the usual "character vs. character happily ever after" simple plot recipe and explore deeper themes of internal battles humans go through and the extreme consequences of them. I hope to evoke the same vibe as these films and will definitely watch some others to get more inspiration on how to develop this tone and style. 

K Blog, byeeee!!!!

Transitioning into the Cambridge Portfolio Project!

Up until now, media studies has been all about learning the basic elements of different media types and learning how to identify and analyze these various pieces of media. Now it gets real...my class and I are beginning our portfolio final projects! While it definitely feels a little intimidating, I'd be lying if I said I haven't been thinking about this project since I signed up for this class. Previous students who've taken media studies have told me all about their film openings and I've even been in one of them. Now it's my turn! From this point on, my blog posts will consist of the development and "behind the scenes" of my film opening. You won't be able to get rid of me in the next few months, I will be writing a few blog posts a week and show all my progress. From planning, to writing, to...rewriting, to filming, to...re-filming, to editing, and finally, submitting!

Like I said before, I basically have a set idea on what kind of film opening I want to make. I won't give it all away now because we just started, but I really want to create an immersive, thought-provoking opening that will make anyone watching wonder "what comes next?". Using the techniques I've been learning for the past 6 months, I hope I can accurately create a really strong opening that I'm proud of. 

I think the part I'm most excited for is the editing. That seems kind of random out of all the steps in this process, but I actually really love editing, I'm also an insane perfectionist when it comes to things like this, so editing a piece perfectly scratches my brain justttt right and I love watching the finished product when it all comes together. As I've learned, it's the details that make a piece standout, so the post-production phase is super important, and I can't wait to get there!

SOOOO...

since it's still early days, I will keep researching the genres i'm interested in (I might also make a Pinterest board with a color palette/aesthetic I want for the opening) and finding a main inspiration for the style I want to achieve, so I'll keep you guys updated ;) 

K Blog, byeeee!!!!