Planning: Planning cinematography, sound and editing - Mrs. Quinlan

In this lesson the focus was to plan our key uses of micro elements. We divided each micro element up and each member of the group researched and analysed in detail the specific key micro elements that were crucial to use in our opening sequence.

This are the sounds we intend to use in our thriller opening (Gulustan)

There will also be non- diegetic/ contrapuntal sound of a ballerina box used right at the beginning of the opening credits. We chose to use this because it will not match with the dark atmosphere of the scene, making the viewer confused and intrigued. This will also express the child like innocence behind the story but how much damage obsession and hatred has caused. This is conventional as this kind of non-diegetic sound can give a background story and additional knowledge for the viewer. From this the audience will feel insecure because the simple tune will have a haunting effect giving this scene a fearful atmosphere.  The innocent track will be then replaced by growing eerie non diegetic sound.

Non-diegetic sound of an eerie metallic sound track will then be used throughout the opening scene, however it will be manipulated by pitch, volume and pace in order to make the sequence exciting. We chose this because eerie metal music will support the thriller genre, already signifying the audience what they could expect from the narrative. This kind of music could also scare the viewer which is the outcome of a thriller. This is similar in the opening of Seven where the non- diegetic sound changes in volume through out to create thrill as well as tension for the viewer.

An increase of tempo of the non-diegetic sound track will be used when the unknown character in the opening scene picks up the red bra while typography is being presented. We chose to increase the pace in order to place emphasis on this iconography. This is conventional to a thriller opening scene because it shows the audience that the red bra has a significance to the whole film and gives them connotations on what to expect. However, could make the audience insecure because such iconography can cause controversy as knowing that this could have a significance in the film could show that this thriller will be touching upon sensitive topics.

The use of these sounds will help to establish the genre of the film as well as help the viewer to infer the character’s role within the narrative because of the way that he has been presented. I think that the use of the mild and innocent ballerina box music in contrast of heavy metal is effective because it shows the change that the character underwent and how much hatred he has gained from being completely vulnerable and innocent.

This is a list of the most significant cinematography techniques that we plan to include in our thriller opening: (Natalia)

Close Up

One of the first cinematography techniques will be a close up of a double page spread from a fashion magazine with three beheaded women. We chose to use this shot because it will allow to show clearly the iconography and the beheaded women so the audience can put their full attention on this image. Also the close up will not reveal the identity of the hidden character who stays anonymous until the end of the sequence. This shot is conventional to a thriller because often close ups are used to show something significant without revealing the main character which helps to create a build-up of tension. This close up will have an effect on the audience as they will become curious of who could commit such a cruel act to a vulnerable female models. A similar close up is used in the opening of Seven where the character crosses out and highlights different texts from the Holy Bible without revealing his identity. This technique works well in this opening because it helps to keep the element of surprise and suspense for the viewer who is oblivious to the character on screen.

Medium Close Up

Another shot that we decided to use was a medium close up which will display one of the cast names as well as a red bra which will be quickly grabbed by someone’s hand off the screen. We chose to use this shot because it will allow to show two things at once, one being the credit and second being the red bra with a hand. However it will be close enough not to reveal too much of the characters identity and keep the audience intrigued. This shot is conventional to a thriller opening because often close up shots are used continuously in order to stimulate the spectator senses as well as their curiosity. This shot will make the audience feel curious because they are unable to predict what will happen as well as are not able to tell anything about what is going on. A medium close up is effectively used in the opening of Saw where the male character is exposed to the light and realizes that he is kidnapped. This allows the audience to see his fearful facial expressions but does not show the full location, leaving them in suspense.

Zoom In

We decided that we will use a zoom in when the frame introduces the iconography of the mannequin for the first time. We chose to use this camera movement because it will help to place emphasis on the mannequin and suggest that this is something significant and will play a part in the narrative or influence the character. This movement is conventional to the thriller genre because often thrillers tend to use zoom in in order to make sure that the audience will focus their full attention on the object/ person that the frame displays. I think that this zoom in will make the audience feel intrigued because they will be wondering why is a mannequin such a significant object and how will it influence the upcoming actions in the narrative. A zoom in is effectively used in the ending scene from Psycho. This is evident when the antagonist gives his final monologue and the camera zooms into his facial expression, showing that he is in fact a psychopath. This zoom in makes the audience place their attention on the character and allows to learn something about him.

Extreme Close Up

Another shot that we have decided on is an extreme close up. This shot will display the character’s lips which are being painted with a red lipstick. We decided to use an extreme close up to display this frame because it will place emphasis on the red colour as well as help to keep the characters identity anonymous.  The emphasis of red will make the audience feel fearful because red connotes evil and blood which proposes danger, thus creating a threatening atmosphere for the viewer who will expect something dramatic to happen. This shot is conventional to the thriller genre because usually extreme close ups are used in order to make something very significant and show its importance in the narrative. An example of an extreme close up is used in the thriller Knowing. The dates and numbers which were circled in red marker were often displayed in an extreme close up to show their importance in the narrative as well as to show that they are dangerous, which was evident by the use of red marker.

Low Angle  

Moreover, our group decided to use a low angle when the character is partially revealed. We wanted to use this angle because it will show this character’s supremacy as well as suggest that they are in fact dangerous. This angle is conventional to the thriller genre because often angles help to establish the hierarchy and power distribution between the characters. In thrillers, low angles, are usually used to make someone look dominant and powerful in comparison to others. This angle would make the audience feel intimidated by the character who has much more authority and supremacy over the vulnerable viewer who needs to look up to the character.  A low angle is used in the thriller Wanted where the character of Morgan Freeman is displayed at a low angle to show his high status and power within his crew.

Tilt Shot

We have come to the conclusion that a tilt shot should be used to fully introduce the character, starting from bottom to top, displaying his full image. We want to use this movement because it will allow to closely display the antagonist and almost evaluate his features, including costume, make up and body language which will allow to convey the character representation. This movement is conventional to a thriller genre because often tilt shots are used to introduce a significant character who will have a massive impact on the narrative. This tilt shot is likely to make the audience feel shocked realizing that this is a man who wears female clothing but at the same time they could feel fulfillment because they finally got to know who the anonymous character is. An example of an effective tilt shot is used in the opening of a mystery thriller Chloe, where the tilt shot reveals one of the main characters, allowing the audience to see her body language and costume.

Long Shot

Lastly my group and I have decided to use a long shot at the end of our sequence. This shot will display the silhouette of the antagonist walking out of a dark yet unknown location. We want to use this particular shot to end our opening because it leaves the viewer with a cliff hanger. Additionally the viewer will be in apprehension because they are unaware of what the antagonist actions are and where did he go. This shot is conventional to the thriller genre because often long shots are used to allow to the audience see full body as well as surroundings. Because the setting is very dark the audience will be able to infer that this character has evil intentions. A long shot is used towards the end of thriller Seven, where Somerset runs towards Mills and the antagonist to tell them what is in the ‘box’. That shot allows the audience to see full body language and the deserted location giving the audience some information but the scene.

These are the editing techniques we intend to use in our opening scene (Bibi)

Cross-cut: One of the first editing technique that we chose to include was the cross cut. This editing techniques is mostly used in our opening thriller which will introduces the opening credits, then cross-cut to another frame showing an Elle magazine with the front page of the model cuts out, and then again back to the opening credits of newspaper cuts-out. We choose this technique because we want the scene to be chaotic and make the audience feel intrigue and create mysteriousness. This shot is conventional to a thriller genre as it introduces two setting without confusing the audience. We decided to create mysteriousness throughout the opening thriller, thus we though that this editing will be suitable for this shot.

Dissolve: Furthermore, a dissolve will be used when the opening credits of the cast member are shown with the iconography of the red bra, then a dissolve is put in place. This is because is the first iconography where the audience are able to make assumption about the character, thus the dissolve transition will focus of the iconography and make the audience feel curious and want to find out more about the character. This edit technique is conventional to a thriller movie, because it introduces another frame fluently, or sometimes makes the scene looks chaotic if is framed well. This will make the audience engage and want to find out more what will happen next.

Jump Cut: Additionally,  a jump cut will be utilize when the mysterious character begin to wear a tights. This is because we don't want to make the audience feel bored or show them how to put on some thighs, but to save time while filming and also make the scene look disturbed which will make the audience feel curious and anxious, as the identity of the mysterious character in nor revealed. This editing technique is conventional to a thriller genre because it allows more action to take place in a short time making the audience paying attention. Also is a technique that add distortion and negativity to the frame which it's what it were looking for.

Slow Motion: This slow motion technique will be combined with the tilt shot when the mysterious character wears a lady dress. The slow motion will focus on the action that is taking place, while the tilt shot will partially shows the identity of the mysterious character. This will make the audience feel interested as they may think that he character is going out to have fun. This is a conventional editing techniques for the thriller genre because it helps emphasis in a specific object or character. This will make the spectators feel intrigue and keep them watching.

Fade to Black: Lastly, a fade to black is portrayed at the end of the scene. This is because we want to demonstrate that the opening scene is come to an end. This will leave the audience questioning what will happen. Also as black as connotations of death and misery, the audience are more likely to think that the character was the antagonist and is ready to commit negative actions. This will makes the audience feel frustrated as they do not know what were his intentions and left with suspense which is conventional to the thriller genre as the theme of mystery is presented.

Overall, this planning has been beneficial to me and my group because i have broken down into sections the specific micro elements we used to bring our thriller movie together. Micro elements are a very important part of creating a movie as it adds emphasis on the situation and excites the audience.

Research:Typography - Mrs. Quinlan

Typography is how the writing is presented to the audience. As we analysed typography we looked at the following things: style, size, letter case, and colour. Doing this research was in order for us to have a better understanding of how we should present our language in order to make it conventional to the thriller genre. Each genre has its own typography look and I needed to make sure I knew what was common for thrillers.


Below are some thriller examples that I analysed to get inspiration from:




The Number 23:

The typography in ' The Number 23' the typography is quite child like and all of the place. Knowing that every letter has its own number, it shows the audience that the film has something to do with codes. The writing is boldly subscribed which shows he doesn't want to forget it and indicates the importance of everything written down. Additionally its all written in pen which is unusual as everyone types things in modern society. Most importantly, audience that has a relation to the number 23 gets drawn into the title.




Seven:

The opening credits for Se7en are one of the most iconic openings ever. The typography indicates that its a thriller movie even before the audience is introduced to the movie it self, also the opening credits are accompanied by montage to give the audience an insight into the film. Moreover the typography is very distorted and flashes up on the screen which gives the audience an uneasy feeling about the film. The words look like they've been carved with a razor or a knife which is an important aspect as we see an unknown character with a razor during the opening credits. The flashing opening credits indicate the unknown characters persona as it indicates that the character may have a bad mental state.




Halloween:

The typography of Halloween gives away the genre and the theme of the movie as the colour orange gives it all away. The typography is big and bold, which is actually common of thrillers made within the 80's. The role of the team is slightly smaller than the persons name which gives a lot of credit to the people who are in it. I like this and will look to use this in my opening. Another thing is that the names are in capital letters and again, I like this as it stands out to the viewer.


Overall, this research into credits has been beneficial as it has given me some ideas on how I want my typography to look. I like the fact that white is used against black which is what I plan to use, and also a scratch look as it creates feelings of mystery and uncertainty. I think I wall also plan to use capital letters for the names as I want the work of me and my group to be noticed by people who watch it.

Planning: Developing ideas in groups - Miss Begum

 Title: It’s Time

Narrative:

A young lady is lost and finds herself in Liverpool Street Train station at 11:45 pm. While turning around on the spot trying to figure out where she is, she realises a little girl sitting in the middle of the empty train station playing with a doll. As she approaches the little girl and is about to sit down to see if she’s ok she hears the voice of a foreign old man saying “isn’t it a little too late for a young girl like you too be out here… especially here.” As she turns around to ask why, there is no one there and she and the little girl are the only ones there. Exactly at 12:00 the big grandfathers clock bongs and she hears chants and a loud drum beat coming from outside. She is afraid to go take a look but doesn’t want to show her fear to comfort the girl but as she looks back at the girl, she is gone and her doll is still there. She picks up the doll and moves the arm, but weirdly when she does her own arm moves, almost as if the little girl controlled her and brought her precisely at 12:00. She slowly and steadily takes steps towards a window to see what’s going on and she see a crowd of people in ranks marching and chanting words in a different language. First she thinks it’s some kind of creepy festival but as she becomes conscious that something is controlling everyone she sees figure in a black cloak which she can’t make out due to it being dark and the figure being camouflaged…

Mise en scene:

Costume- black cloaks,

Iconography- the doll that controls the damsel

Setting- Liverpool train station

Lighting and colour- high key back lighting to make the setting look harmless and glamorous to defy the audience from the coming of events.

Sound-

Diegetic sound: Chants and drum beat, Grandfathers clock bong, the old foreign man’s voice.

Non-diegetic: The unpleasant humming sound before and after the old man speaks.

Parallel sound: Chants and drum beat.

Narrative Theory: 
Todorovs: It has a clear start middle and end throughout the whole narrative which will structure the narrative clearly so the audience isn't confused.

Aristotle: The main theme presented is supernatural which enhances the audience perspective of defiance as they know the damsel in distress is brought there by coincidence. This will draw apon there emotions as they will be scared for our damsel and confused on why the picked her.

Prop: Although we don't know if there is a hero in opening sequence, there is still the conventional thriller characters including a damsel in distress and a Villain

Sub-genre: 

horror, revenge,remorse

Narrative:  I want to divide the opening into 2 sections that will both make sense and work with one another. In the first section the opening credits will be presented with little narrative in order to establish the mood, atmosphere and genre of the film. This section is an intertextual reference to the opening of Seven where we don’t see the characters but can tell what is happening and what this could resolve in. In section one the main focus will be the anonymous letter that someone is creating by gluing and sticking newspaper cuttings together to create a whole. The newspaper cuttings will also become the typography for the opening credits. Section 2 on the other hand will have a clearer story line. It will start with a female character simply jogging in a forest until she finds a mysterious letter which is the one from the first section. She then feels unwell and takes medicine which causes her to hallucinate and hear things that are non-existing. She spots a weird ritual where an unknown figure does something to a child’s dead body. The sequence ends with an image of a female who wakes up on the floor with blood on her face leaving the audience with wonder whether the ritual was just a hallucination or reality.

Sub-genre: Psychological/ Mystery thriller.

Themes: Mystery, Supernaturalism, Death, Medicine, Chaos, Darkness.

Characters:

• Female Protagonist
• The Supernatural antagonists
• The Child Victim
  
  

Narrative Structure and Theory: 

• Todorov: in section 2 there will be a clear start, middle and end. The equilibrium when the female simply runs for leisure. Disequilibrium when she takes the pills and sees things. New equilibrium when she wakes up.
• Aristotle- the theme of child’s death should draw the audiences’ emotions and make them feel pity and distraught. The theme of mystery will make the spectators feel engaged with the narrative more and make them intrigued.
• Propp- the female character as a hero and the supernatural figures as the villains and the victim is the child.

Mise En Scene:

• Iconography- the Pills are the key iconography in this opening. This is because they are one of the causes of the visions and they give meaning to the narrative and character. The letter which is another stimulus for the protagonist.
  
  
• Lighting and Colour- low key natural lighting which will help to make the scene much more threatening and scary for the viewer.

• Setting- forest. Forests tend to be isolated and have connotations of mystery and danger. This will help to establish the thriller genre.

• Facial Expression and Body Language- the antagonist should slouch a little bit to show that they are mysterious and will not open up to anyone. The female protagonist will have a steady and firm body language and facial expression so the audience can put their hopes in her. The child victim will lay on the floor with open hands to show that it was a welcoming and good child who should be pitied by the viewer.

• Costume- the antagonist will wear a black cloak with white or black masks. This will help to hide their identity and show that they are in fact a supernatural character rather than humans. The hidden identity will scare the audience. The protagonist on the other hand should wear something casual to show that she is a typical person who the audience can relate with. The victim will wear a white to represent its purity and vulnerability.

Title: ‘Can You Hear Me?’ – This title will fit this opening because it will reinforce the idea of suffering from schizophrenia which is what the protagonist tries to fight. Also this is a direct question that aims at the audience too. The spectators will question themselves which will be engaging for them.

Advantages for choosing this idea:

• It is original
• Isn’t cliché
• It will draw the right emotions from the audience
• It has accurate thriller themes
• The characters are untypical
• The setting can be easily accessible                        
• The typography for the opening will be original and will not be added but it becomes a part of the scene which is also unique.

Potential problems and how I plan to overcome them:

• The natural lighting can be an issue as there needs to be a right balance so the scene isn’t too dark and still seems believable. However this could be tackled by editing the sequence and making it darker in Final Cut.
• The pills can be hard to access. This could be overcome by simply using sweets that look like medicine.

Planning: Final idea - Mrs. Quinlan

introduction:  what is a final idea and why is it important?

A final idea is an idea we've finalised as a group to match the conventional thriller expectations.The final idea is important as it strengthens each of our initial plans and structures how were going to set and structure out our opening scene. This is useful for our group as it gives clear information on what we need to do first and directs us through the process of creating an efficient thriller opening sequence. It is important for our group to understand the narrative clearly to interpret it in a thrilling way and if necessary to add simple ideas to create a distorting atmosphere for the audience. 

Title: Who is that Woman?

Sub-Genre:  Psychological thriller

Narrative/ Plot:  

The opening begins with pieces of paper ripped on the floor. Once in a while these will create the typography for the opening credits. The eerie music will accompany extreme close ups of beheaded women in newspapers which has been cut out or scribbled on which will help to introduce the mood as well as the theme of hatred. Moreover there will be short and quick cross cuts to someone putting on a hand bag, lipstick and tights as well as other clothes. Simultaneously the camera will dispose a mystery character putting on clothing on a mannequin; as if trying to put up a new outfit together. This will be accompanied by cross cuts of fashion newspapers of famous and expensive magazines such as Glamour or Elle with models. The anonymous character starts to take the outfit from the mannequin and puts it on themselves. The final shot will reveal the male who wears this costume and walks out the room. (Fade to black)

Narrative Structure:       

• Todorov: Equilibrium- the beginning and when there are just bits of paper on the floor.         Disequilibrium- when we see the beheaded models and cross cuts of putting on handbag and lipstick. New Equilibrium- when the character is revealed and walks out.
• Aristotle: the different themes should evoke meaning and response from the audience, whether emotional or physical. For example the theme of mystery will intrigue the audience who will be curious to know who the mysterious character is. 
• Barthes: the idea of cultural references will be explored by the idea of a male putting on females clothing and being interested in becoming the other sex. Also the theory of semiology will be explored by the use of denotations such as magazines or lipstick and their different connotations.

Characters:

• Unknown character: the main character is the antagonist however his identity is only revealed at the end. The way that the shots will be framed and the contribution of lighting and cinematography will show that this character is evil.

Mise En Scene:

Costume, Hair and Make-Up:

• Antagonist: male antagonist in female clothing such as tights and blouses or dresses. This will subvert the conventional image on an antagonist but will be interesting to explore and develop in order to create an effect on the viewer. The Make-up should be heavy so it will be easy smudged in order to reinforce the idea of evil nature.

Lighting and Colour:

• Throughout, lighting will be mostly low key with highlights of top lighting and under lighting. The low key will allow the audience to feel the thrilling atmosphere. The top light will allow to highlight the important iconography or typography which is relevant to the narrative. Moreover the under lighting will help to create the chilling atmosphere as well as create a representation of the antagonist and reinforce his evil intensions.

Setting:

• The unknown setting will help to make the audience feel insecure because they are completely vulnerable and exposed to their surroundings as everything is hidden and mysterious. Because of the use of lighting it will look like they are surrounded by darkness.

Iconography:

• The newspaper cut outs which will also play as typography
• The Mannequin
• The magazine pages
• Lipstick which will be used to write the title of the film

Facial Expression and Body Language:

• The antagonist will have an aggravated facial expression to show his anger and frustration towards the magazine models. In addition he will also feel hatred towards these covers. His body language should look feminine in order to suggest that he is imitating the female models, however because this doesn’t work he becomes stiff and has rigid movements.

Film Influences:

• Seven- this is because there are many cut outs and highlighting just like the character from the Seven opening did. Also we plan to use lighting in a similar way to the opening of Seven where there were many lightbulb flashes and yellow highlights to create fear amongst the audience.
  
  

Advantages of the Idea:

• Its original
• Influenced by a classical thriller
• It is chaotic and will make the audience question the material
• Doesn’t give away too much of a narrative which is what an opening should do

Possible Problems and how to overcome them:

• The possible issue that will occur is to find a dark enough location that will allow the lighting to work effectively. This could be tackled if we film during an evening or night.

Why is it a Conventional Opening?

This idea is conventional to the thriller opening because it evokes the right audience responses. These include fear from the anonymous as well as obsessed antagonist. Moreover the use of themes such as mystery, obsession and hatred are often explored in thrillers which will also cause the audience to feel tense as well as enhance the narrative. Lastly this opening doesn’t give a lot of information about the film but has just enough to intrigue the viewer and continue to watch.

Possible Themes:

• Mystery
• Morality
• Obsession
• Hatred
• Revenge

Audience Response:

• At the beginning the audience is likely to feel confused as they are kept in tension because of the lack of knowledge about characters and narrative.
• During the cross cuts of beheaded models in newspapers the audience will feel disgust and fear as well as curiosity because they are unsure of what is going on.
• As the Audience are exposed to the shots of putting on lipstick, tights and hand bag they can become more relaxed as if thinking that this is all a mistake and someone is just getting ready to go on a night out.
• When the audience are finally introduced to the antagonist they are probably shocked to see that it is a male and will feel uneasy. They can also feel confused and question what is he up to and why does he feel so strongly about these models and fashion. 
• At the end they will find themselves terrified and insecure because the sequence leaves them with no answers to their questions.

Conclusion:

The final idea is one of the most useful resources we could use to make our opening scene as it clearly directs us on the narrative, the genre behind it, sound that will sound adequate and accompany our  thriller opening perfectly. Our final idea is all of our ideas combined which makes it easier to work with as each of us know how to potray each bit of the idea presentabl

Research: Questionnaire results - Miss Begum

Why was it important to receive and analyse feedback?

It is important to collect feedback and to analyse the data that we got because this helped us to identify what the popular choices were from the audience and then we could use this information and plan for it in our storyboard.

To help me analyse the data, I created various graphs so the results were easy to read. Once I identified the most popular choices, I thought about how I could implement it in my product opening to make sure I was attracting the needs of my audience.

Below are some of the feedback I got from my audience.

Overall, creating the graphs has been really beneficial as it has allowed me to analyse the data that I received from my questionnaire. This has been good as it has allowed me to make specific choices for what I should be including like the setting, sub-genres I should include and what types of characters I should be looking to include. This has been a great bit of research into my audience to support my planning.

Research: Questionnaire - Miss Begum

What is the importance of primary research? (Questionnaires)

Questionnaires are important because as you've determined who your target audience is, you have control over who you give the questionnaire to. Moreover questionnaires are simple, detailed, and specific to what you need to know from the audience. It is primary research which makes it liable and allows you to collect accurate data. Questionnaires also grant you chance to manipulate the people you ask the questions to as you engage in their mind.


Advantages and Disadvantages of questionnaires:

Advantages-
-Easy and practical to make
-Large amounts of information can be collected
-It doesn't take long to fill in so information an be collected faster
-You can be specific with the questions and only use ones you need

Disadvantages-
-Lacks validity
-There is no way of knowing if the person is telling the truth
-People may read into every question differently

Who did you ask and why?

I will ask my target audiences which are teens aged over 15 as my film will be rated 15 and thriller movies are usually targeted to a younger generation such as teenagers. I will give it to my target audience because they can give me ideas on what sub genres and other mise en scene techniques they prefer in a thriller movie as they are going to be the ones watching my thriller opening.

Conclusion

The questionnaire has been useful as it is primary research i collected my self. Also it gave me ideas on what to base my thriller on and what people enjoy watching in a thriller opening. The feedback will help me decide on what to include plan out my initial idea to suit my target audiences expectations and to be similar to conventional thriller openings.

Research: Censorship - Miss Begum

Who are the BBFC and what is there role?

The British Board Of Film Classification(BBFC), provides age ratings such as U, PG, and 12A. Their job is to rate, sometimes cut, censor or even reject some films due to disturbing and unethical scenes
 that may seem offensive. Their role is to protect members of the public from offensive viewing that is likely to harm the viewer in any way possible, including psychologically.

What is the difference between films being cut and banned?

Cut- When a film is edited with scenes being removed that the BBFC see inappropriate for viewing.

Texas Chainsaw Masscare(1974)

                                            

Texas chainsaw massacre was refused an age certificate as it was seen as unacceptable by the BBFC. The film was describes by critics as a 'Pornography of terror.' The film was banned due to its focus on 'abnormal psychology' and the high level of terrorisation. Be that as it may, the film was edited and cut many times and was acceptable to viewing in 1998. Moreover, A remake of the film was made in 2014 and was rated a certificate as modern society are more tolerant to torture and violent scenes that they were before.

Banned-

When a film is rejected completely from cinema viewing due to indecent, harmful and offensive material it contains.

Scum (1979)

                                         

Scum was banned for viewing in 1979 as it was seen as raw, violent and shocking. Its based in a contemporary borstal which is run by explicit and extreme violence rather than reason. The content it had was seen unacceptable by the BBFC due to gang rape, racism, and extreme violence. However with contradiction, the film was finally classified in 2007.

What are the things get censored and why?

Political censorship:These are censored as the government (or a political party) may hold back certain kinds of information. This is done to avoid rebellions or embarrassment. However if the film is released, the consequences will not be avoided

Religious censorship: As religion is such a sensitive matter and personal to many people, the idea of it cannot be mocked as it could seriously offend people. An example of this is 'The Exorcist' which was banned because it portrayed a little girl using religious symbols in a sexual way. 

Graphic Violence: Graphic violence is a depiction, especially of vivid, brutal and realistic acts of violence. This is usually censored to avoid distress to the audience and to prevent influence. An example of this is Blood Feast. This film includes extreme violence as an Egyption caterer kills various women to bring alive a goddess.

Sex and Nudity:

 Sex and Nudity can only be displayed in films if it follows the narrative and has a relevant reason. Movies with extreme nudity and sexual activity will be banned or censored by the BBFC as the film has no narrative to support the idea and it is seen a pornography. An example of this is Gasper Noe's 'Irreversible'. This included strong sexual content and had to battle out to get the movie displayed.

Drug Abuse: This is censored if it galmourises the use of drugs or if it can portray any copycat behaviour from the young. The drugs need to show a moral ending otherwise it will be cut from the scenes or potentially banned. 

Corrupting the young: Any themes or ideas that may harm a young child's mind and traumatised them. Moreover movies using young children to commit violent and corrupting ideas are bound to be banned. An example of this is Mikey, this consisted of a child killing adults. This movie was banned as the BBFC was afraid young children will get influenced and copy his acts.

Animal abuse:

This may be cut or banned due to harm to living creatures (animals) purposely during filming which is made illegal. This is because it may upset audiences especially young ones. Also because humans have no right to take away life for entertainment just because animals are unable to speak. Cannibal Holocaust is a massive example of this and has been banned for animal abuse. The movie is still banned in many countries till this day.

Language: Bad language is commonly censored but may also be cut if it is used excessively in one scene for no moral reason as it may disturb and make viewers feel uncomfortable. Although bad language is allowed in 15 rated movies, it has to match the narrative, as so with 18 rated movies although swearing is more severely portrayed then. 

Shock/Lighting: Movies including strobe lighting may be edited and cut as it can harm viewers vision, especially audiences with epilepsy as it can get them drowsy and put them in danger.

                                                        Natural Born Killers (1994)

Natural born killers tells the story of two victims of traumatic childhoods who became lovers and mass murders and are irresponsibly glorified by mass media. This film was criticised for glamorising murder and containing extreme violence, suicide and rape. Considering this, the producers had to cut 7 minutes of the movie for it to be certified, nonetheless; the film was still banned in many countries because of its strong political views. Natural born killers is one of the biggest and most known censored films due to its A-list cast, this is the main reason critics and viewers were surprised by the film ending up banned and edited many times.

Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

After being declined, the film was finally released in 2001 with many scenes being cut. Cannibal Holocaust achieved notoriety as its graphic violence aroused a great deal of controversy. There was rumors around the movie that claimed some actors were killed on camera. Although Deodato was later cleared, the film was banned in Italy, Australia, and several other countries due to its disturbing portrayal of graphic brutality, sexual assault, and animal violence. Although In 1981, video releases were not required to pass before the British Board of Film Classification, the film was still banned in over 50 countries and gained its place as the 20th most controversial movie of all time. After cutting many scenes, the film was finally rates a R18+.

Hell Camp (1977)

This is one of many fictionalized World War II Nazi POW camp atrocities. Due to its offensive depictions of sexual violence and extreme impact violence throughout, the film is still currently banned in the U.K and Australia. The film was perceived as intolerable due to its excessive sexual violence.

Who debates this idea:

NEGATIVES:

Directors are the main people who debate this idea as if their movie gets banned, it corrupts them as they get in debt as the are not able to make money because the movie is not allowed to get released. Also, when a movie is banned, the name and the director gains a bad reputation and no other production company would want to invest money into their film; due to their previous banned movie. Directors feel they cant express their art too. Taking away peoples freedom to watch what they want.

POSITIVES:

• it protects people from harmful images, especially the young
• Prevents copycat behavior to be applied by viewers
• Prevents audiences from upholding any ideas they've heard or seen in the film 
• Can protect views from harmful content that may psychologically harm them consciously and unconsciously 

I believe films getting banned for controversial reasons is a good thing as audiences watching the movie are not able to infer what to expect from a graphic, movie by just the title. Banning and cutting the movie avoids audiences from shock and fear that may psychologically harm them.