Thriller Analysis

Welcome to the Punch (2013) & Headhunters (2011)

What Similarities do the two films share?

In terms of genre, the two films both fit into the genre of Crime Thriller. They follow the convections of a thriller film which is dark lighting, dull colours, build up of suspense and tension through the use of audio such as music, diegetic and non-diegetic sounds and also through a range of camera shots. Additionally, it also uses quick cuts which create suspense for the audience. On the other hand, not only do the two films follow the convections of a thriller, they also have elements of a action film as they both include high speed car chases and constant violence.

What differences do the two films have?

Both films have shown that they have different ways of interacting with the audience through their own use of characterisation. For example, in 'Headhunters', the audience first meet Roger Brown (Aksel Hennie) as his first sentence is "My name is Roger Brown, I am 1.68m...". Instantly, the audience has received significant information such as the main characters name and now have an idea of who one of the characters are. This is when it becomes recognisable to the audience that Roger is living a lifestyle where he commits crimes and earns money. However, in 'Welcome to the Punch' the use of characterisation is low as the audience are unable to know the background information of the characters let alone the main ones. Due to failing to receive this information, the audience has trouble knowing the 'little' details of characters within the film which are significant as it is what makes their character who they are. However, at the beginning of the film, the audience see Max running after Jacob but is unfortunately shot in the leg by him. This fits into the theme of 'Insecurity' as both leading characters in films are insecure.

Midshot of Jacob (Welcome to the Punch)

Censorship

The film 'Headhunters' is rated age 15 and over by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification), this is because it throughout the film there is violence, strong gory images and also sex. In my opinion, this is the right rating for the film because with the use of gory images in the film which is rated as 'strong', people under the age of 15 may feel distress and upset which may affect them emotionally. Additionally, in relation to the film including sex, this links to how the representation of women is portrayed in the film. For all of the female characters in the film, the audience first meets them acting as sexual objects for men. This connotes to the audience that the representation of women in 'Headhunters' is negative and can have an affect upon females in the audience.

Wide shot of vehicle included in the car crash (HeadHunters)

Mid Shot of Roger after the Car Crash

The film 'Welcome to the Punch' is rated age 15 and over as it includes strong language and bloody violence (which consists of the use of weapons such as guns). 

Max finally confronts Jacob with a gun at the end scene (Welcome to the Punch)

Similarly with Headhunters, I think this film was given the appropriate rating as it includes violence which typically, is harmful for members of the under age 15 audience to view. Not only would it be harmful or distressing for people under the age of 15 to view, but members of this audience category may be negatively influenced by the actions that are portrayed in 'Welcome to the Punch' and 'Headhunters' which may possibly drive them to do the wrong things which can potentially harm others. 

Visual Codes

In this shot taken from 'Headhunters', it shows the aftermath of the car crash which took place. This screenshot portrays the camera shot that was used is a mid shot as it shows the surrounding environment/objects around the centre (who is Roger) and the body language. Roger's body language connotes to the audience that even though it is clear he is stuck, he is struggling to release himself...for the audience the tension builds as there are dead bodies of the policemen surrounding Roger and that fear of the car potentially blowing up due to a fuel leak or the car falling down. However, more after this screenshot, Roger is forced to play dead as he is aware someone is coming. During this part of the movie, the music that is used is a rhythmic heart beat which increases the tension and suspense for the audience. Additionally, the use of camera movement is effective as the camera zooms in and out of the man who is staring at Roger and Roger's eye which is virtually unnoticeable due to the high level of suspense and tension which was previously built from the aftermath of the car crash. This portrays the use of a close-up which makes the audience feel involved and make them feel the emotions that Roger is feeling which is fear.