Analysis on my film opening: what have I done?

After weeks of planning, filming, and editing, my two minute film opening Stalker is finally complete. This project has been a fun experience, pushing my creativity and problem solving skills to new levels. In this final blog post, I will analyze the key aspects of my film opening: what I have achieved, the challenges I faced, and how the final product aligns with my original vision.

My film opening follows the conventions of the psychological horror genre. I wanted to create a sense of unease and suspense from the very beginning, drawing the audience into the protagonist’s paranoia. The plot revolves around a young woman sensing she is being watched, which builds up tension before revealing a shadowy figure: the stalker. This aligns with common thriller tropes, such as isolation, dim lighting, and ambiguous threats, which I incorporated to immerse the audience in the protagonist’s fear.

Since I had limited equipment, I had to think outside the box to achieve dynamic and eerie shots. One of my most creative solutions was using my phone attached to a stick to mimic a drone like overhead shot. This added an unsettling perspective, making the audience feel as though they, too, were watching from afar.

The lighting also played a crucial role. The night of filming was particularly windy and eerie, with the streetlights out due to a storm: an unexpected but perfect setting for my film. The dim, natural lighting contributed to the unsettling atmosphere, reinforcing the thriller aesthetic.

Sound design was essential in amplifying the suspense. I carefully selected background sounds, such as distant footsteps, to build tension. The absence of music in certain scenes also enhanced the realism, making the silence feel ominous.

For editing, I focused on maintaining a steady but suspenseful pace. Quick cuts between the protagonist’s perspective and the shadowy figure helped create a feeling of being watched.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the filming conditions. Shooting at night with limited lighting made it difficult to capture clear footage, but I adjusted by strategically using available light sources and enhancing brightness in post production. Another challenge was ensuring smooth shots without professional stabilization equipment.

Looking back, I am proud of what I have achieved with Stalker. Despite working with minimal resources, I managed to create an effective, suspenseful film opening that adheres to the thriller genre. The process has taught me valuable filmmaking skills, from cinematography techniques to creative problem solving.

If I were to improve anything, I would experiment with more advanced camera movements and possibly incorporate more detailed mise en scène elements to deepen the narrative. However, given the constraints, I believe I successfully conveyed the eerie, unsettling atmosphere I aimed for.

This project has reinforced my passion for filmmaking, and I am excited to continue exploring storytelling through visuals. Thank you for following my journey!