A Review

Thurston Community College AS Level Media Studies Thriller Opening
"SMILE"

"Smile" was impressive, although obviously borrowing from many sources, I want to do so myself so I can hardly judge. Smile used a good soundtrack and a strange voiceover, using basic shots to effectiveness, the shots of the friends shows the voyeuristic style of the obvious antagonist and how they seem only to notice him as he takes their picture, reacting with smiles shows how he is an outsider and allows the audience to already understand the mind of the character and his friends. Detail shots and Close Ups are used to good effect, the voice over permeating most shots. The editing uses graphic matches and simple transitions to create continuity, also hiding the antagonists face throughout whilst focusing on the faces of the other characters hits home the voyeuristis elements of the film.

Coming away from Smile I have a clear view of how editing can create a suspenseful opening without having to climax as many student films feel need to do, instead leaving the audience with an ambiguos last shot. I will keep this in mind whilst shooting my film.