Post-Production: Analysis of Score

In our short film, 'Bloodline' we had to incorporate a score that would follow the codes and conventions of the thriller genre, e.g. a fast paced dramatic score once the film is about to or has reached a climax - this was one of the main ways in which we as the creators of the film get to engage the audience. In addition to this, we had to be able to source royalty free music so as to not commit fraudulence and therefore had to use the internet to find a score that concurred with our criteria. The website that we used to obtain the three pieces of music is http://www.freeplaymusic.com/ which had a range of styles and feels from which we could choose.

'GRAVE DANGER' 

The first part of the score that we used in the introduction was mysterious with a tense vibe which went well with the context of a mysterious murderer preparing his weapon in the dark. Our audience does not know much about who this character is but the score indicates that something dangerous is likely to happen - the score helps provide the audience with an insight on what happens on screen as they are watching as well as what might happen next. In this case it is outlining what will probably happen to the other character in the opening sequence shown through cross cutting.
This particular score makes use of an ominous background tone which is constantly on loop to emphasise the feeling of imminent danger and so that the audience are stuck in suspense because they do not know when the score will end and therefore when something significant is going to happen. We only made use of around the first half a minute of the score because we felt that we got the desired effect out of it that we wanted our audience to feel, plus one continuous score throughout the opening sequence would not work as effectively as a variety of pieces.

'DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE'

This part of the score we used subtly to build up tension and suspense in the fact that this mysterious murderer is now finished with preparing and is now on his way to kill. When looking up this piece the word 'domestic' caught my attention because it was relevant in that it created the feel of a threat within an urban environment which is where 'Bloodline' takes takes place. 

In it there is an ambient ticking noise connoting that time is running out for the victim and that the opening sequence is nearing its climax. 

'RUNNING AWAY'

This was used to show that the victim has nowhere to hide or escape his imminent death even though he is unaware of his killer. This creates dramatic irony and therefore suspense for the audience who know that the victim is going to die but he does not and everyone is left trying to anticipate how and more importantly when he is going to die. 

There are a number of different instruments used at the same time to create that sense of urgency and danger especially when at some points they peak which creates excitement for the audience who are now intrigued by what is happening and what is going to happen.