There are many codes of enigma in both films these are questions that you ask yourself that solve themselves as you watch the film. They also involve us in the film and make us feel included in the investigations. These questions will have you shouting at the screen! You always keep watching once one question comes up. In both films codes of enigma feature strongly. They are used in Seven more to explain the murders each one being a deadly sin. In Lethal weapon they are used to explain the mysterious character of Michael Hunnsecker and of the younger cop. Codes of enigma make both films more interesting and add depth and make the storyline deeper.
Genre in these films is very important it keeps the audience interested as the plot thickens. We all know what our favourite genre is and we particularly will look for these genres and sub-genres in all films we watch. I would not found myself drawn towards these films but enjoyed them because they had lots of unanswered questions. Even so these films show their genre very early on the films. In lethal weapon as soon as the prostitute kills herself we know it is going to be in the horror genre. Also in Seven we see that this is a horror crime when we hear the police sirens and the unsolved mystery of the fat man pops up. All genres have conventions horrors being one off the easiest ones to spot. The first thing to look for in a horror film is the dark colours and scary or fatal music. We always look for the chilling font or the dark imagery. The thriller genre is a mix of crime and horror both these films fit into this category. They both rely on the suspense factor a lot the suspense factor includes codes of enigma. I don’t think there is a separate category for thriller this is a mix for things that don’t fit entirely into the horror genre.
Hollywood films always use big stars because audiences recognise them and relate them to a certain genre. If we really like a certain star we mostly go and see the films with them in it. In the two films we have seen the stars used are very obviously used for reasons. Morgan Freeman in Seven is used because of his past background of being in police films. Brad Pitt on the other hand is not always seen in these sorts of films he is there for the female audiences who adore him. I think when we see trailers for a film we almost automatically look for a certain star to help us decide if we want to go and see it.
When we see a film we look for a strong storyline or narrative. This is essential for all Hollywood films. When we see a film we are given the narrative very quickly. This is to keep everyone interested if you have to wait a long time for the narrative then the film is boring. Most films follow Todorov’s theory of Equilibrium. This means there is calm, disruption, calm. We like to think that once evil has been committed everything goes right again. Seven follows this pattern up to the end when Mills kills the murderer is goes back to disequilibrium. In both films the narrative is very interesting. In lethal weapon the ongoing madness of the younger man is quite funny yet disturbing and the mystery of the gang that are attacking Michael. In Seven the ongoing serial murders keep interest and mystery and the relationship between the two policeman is getting stronger each time a murder is committed.
Films from Hollywood always use a variety of cameras and shots. These shots are decided by what emotions or what scenes are trying to put across. Close ups are brilliant for showing emotion; medium shots can help to show groups of people in the scene. Extreme long shots are good are good for establishing the scene or setting. Editing is used in Hollywood films quite often. This often makes the film more exciting as you can cut from shot to shot very easily. This is used in Lethal weapon to show each character in turn in some scenes. In Seven the changes of shot are a lot more subtle they sometimes go close on people then turn to a extreme long shot to give you an overview.
Clear characters are essential as the audience must be able to understand them or relate to them in some way. In most Hollywood films they use a stereotype or two EG the dumb blonde. More and more Hollywood directors are moving away from these and are giving the typical stereotypes a makeover. Hollywood films also use binary opposition which creates conflict. I.e. Mills vs. Somerset (Old vs. Young.) This therefore causes interest. Different genres have different ways of representing each group of people. I think women should always be portrayed as strong and men sometimes as weak people.
I have learnt a lot about horror and crime films. Hollywood producers and directors use a variety of techniques to entertain audiences. The main points in my essay are about camera shots, characters and setting the scene.