The Birds, Alfred Hitchcock

As a group we decided to study into another thriller by Alfred Hitchcock- 'The Birds' where we created a PowerPoint studying the first opening 5 minutes- therefore we are able to see how we could potentially start our own thriller. We found that from the two films we have studied by Hitchcock, the opening of the film consists of

''Ordinary people in extraordinary situations''

(Hitchcock)- therefore we discussed how we were favourable of this idea, and felt that our own opening should include ordinary people that come to find themselves caught in a very extraordinary situation- a gripping introduction that will keep the audience hooked. However this is not the only approach that can be used for a thriller opening- jumping straight into the action is what the 'Dark Night' opening consists of. The immediate city shot establishes equilibrium within the film, which is then counter balanced by the window smashing- the audience are straight away involved with the action and are intrigued to discover the rest of the 'story'. Yet the opening of 'The Birds' is a long 1 minute 40 seconds worth of credits, which we felt was un-interesting to view as we wanted the film to begin. On the other hand this can be seen as a gripping start as the audience are then forced to sit and wait for the film to begin, anticipating the action that lies ahead.

Lauren Taylor.