Research Tasks - "Joyride" - Matt Bull

"JOYRIDE"

1. Identify genre(s) used: The genre used for this film is predominately thriller based, although drama is used to add to the effect of the story. The reason why it is a thriller is mainly down to the misé en scene used throughout. set at night and the sense of the unknown adds to the drama and questioning of the storyline. Being set in an unknown location to the audience, but using dialogue of the characters gives evidence of the area which then could relate to the audience as something that could happen in a "real life" situation.
2. How does is use the genre uniquely: This short film is a thriller due to its technique of putting the audience into not knowing what is going to happen next, and when something does happen, not actually seeing the events unlike a horror. the use of blood and violence is not as dramatic as a horror would be, but used to give hints/clues into whats happening, especially in this film.
3. How does the film use the short film format: JOYRIDE uses the short film format to its full potential by making the pace quick, adding more tension to the story and keeps the audience interested and thinking throughout.
4. What do find interesting about the use of sound: Sound in this particular film is used significantly to emphasise key moments and actions. A background tune is used to set the story straight away, and makes the audience feel that something might happen from whatever you see from that first shot. Although not used for a long period of time, it is used at other moments of significance, adding to the same technique as the pace of the film, adding and building tension. As stated before, thrillers use sound in a way of not revealing events but plays a bit part into letting the audience know whats happening without seeing it first hand. This is used to great extent when the main character is in the boot of the car, and the police pull the kidnappers over and realise he is in the boot and attack them. The audience cannot see whats happening, but the sound does the same as the image would, with the added signal that blood pours onto him from the policemen.
5. Themes, Issues & Representations: The film moves very quickly and is very tense and enjoyable with moments of violence, brief cliff hangers and an ending that is dark but enjoyable at the same time. I didn't know the cast, but they do well in their roles of the characters, especially the lead who is very sympathetic and allows us to get right into the film without much build up.

Matt Bull