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Lesson 4
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Alfred Dunham: BI Stacking Suspense
ASSIGNMENT 1:
What I learned doing this assignment:
I. Definitions for the categories for the Stacking Suspense Chart of scenes:
1. Action: Essence of what happens that may need a solution
2. Mystery: Obscure, ambiguous, cryptic, undefined
3. Intrigue: Something devious, covert, concealed, etc.
4. Suspense: Danger, worry that something bad will happen
5. Character: With the MIS of that character
6. Stakes: What is at stake, risk, and dangerous?
II. I noticed a progression of devices used, so I made up my own more generalized list of devices:
1. Actions where the character(s) are not revealed (Mystery)
2. Actions that point to a possible bad (or perhaps good) outcome (Intrigue)
3. Actions that suggest something is about to happen (Suspense)
4. MIS Character traits (MIS), like lying, generalizing, avoidance, tics, etc.
5. Objects or actions to suggest high levels of meanness or brutality, etc.
6. Discussions, especially in whispered tones.
7. Personal problems of a Character, like addictions, unusual behavior, etc.
8. Manipulative behaviors (especially)
9. Discovery, by many different methods, of evidence that may be relevant
10. Objects of suggestive value, ice picks, scarves, ropes, wire, guns, knives, etc.
11. Blame suggests the Character has something to hide
12. Test results – medical, forensic, psychological, etc.
13. Unusual levels of visible violence or violent ideology
14. Hidden relationships that become revealed, including hidden identity.
15. Clustered opinions, i.e., all the neighbors note certain questionable behaviors
16. Threats that raise the stakes, such as prison, career, being murdered, loss
17. Warnings – same as threats
18. Money received or lost, especially in large amounts
19. Jealousy displayed (especially when it is trying to be kept secret)
20. Pictures from hidden cameras or from security cameras
And for other movies, there are probably even more devices to add to the list.
These are the repeated devices used throughout this movie. Presented in slightly different ways, the possibilities become exponential, so there is little likelihood or necessity for any Scene to be quite like any other scene if done right.
Cliches one should be wary of — Chases (especially cars), smoking, drinking, drugs, sex – these can be boring and a waste of good film footage. I’ve been watching some old B&W films that are half used up with lighting up, blowing smoke, and gulping booze. That is off-putting after a while.
III. Stacking Suspense Chart
Scene 1:
1. Mystery — We don’t see the face of the killer
2. Intrigue — Killer hides the murder weapon —
3. Suspense — The hand reaching for the hidden weapon
4. Character – The killer is manipulative and without a conscience
5. Stakes — Brutality
Scene 2:
1. Mystery — We don’t know who the murdered guy is, or who did it
2. Mystery — The guy’s girlfriend becomes a suspect – is she?
3. Suspense – Mayo’s office wants no mistakes – why?
4. Character –Nick is a problem
Scene 3:
1. Mystery – What is the Roxy/Catherine relationship?
2. Intrigue – Gus and Nick mistake Roxy for Catherine and she allows it and claims Catherine’s innocence – why?
3. Character: — Roxy is mysterious, sexy, intriguing
Scene 4:
1. Character MIS – Roxy’s behavior patterns – sexy, mysterious, intriguing
Scene 5:
1. Mystery: — What is Nick’s medical problem
Scene 6:
1. Mystery: — We’re still wondering if Catherin did it.
2. Intrigue: — Catherine published a Thriller about a rock star who got murdered by his girlfriend – is this just a coincidence, or not?
3. Catherine’s profile – Psych. Major, inherited 1 Million dollars when her parents were killed, and she was engaged to a boxer who died – what does this all mean?
Scene 7:
1. Action: — Nick reads Catherine’s book and calls Gus – Why?
ETC.
IV. Looking ahead at my own developing script, in the context of the scenario, here’s how psychological horror elements might be incorporated into my script:
1. Uncertainty and Ambiguity: The couple’s disorientation in the fog, the malfunctioning GPS devices, and the mysterious symbols in the cabin create an atmosphere of uncertainty. The audience is left guessing what’s real and what’s imagined, much like the characters.
2. Isolation and Paranoia: The couple’s isolation in the wilderness contributes to their growing sense of paranoia. They can’t trust their senses or the environment around them, heightening their fear of the unknown.
3. Hallucinations and Illusions: The characters might experience hallucinations or illusions triggered by their fear and stress. These illusions could distort their perceptions, leading them to question their own sanity and the reality of their situation.
4. Dread and Tension: The buildup of tension through eerie sounds, glimpses of shadowy figures, and the feeling of being watched can evoke a constant sense of dread. The audience anticipates something terrifying without knowing exactly what it is.
5. Emotional Strain: The situation tests the characters’ emotional stability, causing them to question each other’s intentions, sanity, and even their love. This emotional strain adds layers of complexity to their journey.
6. Unresolved Mystery: The diary and symbols in the cabin introduce an element of mystery that the characters need to unravel. Unanswered questions and a sense of the unknown contribute to the psychological horror.
7. Internal Conflicts: The characters’ internal conflicts—facing their own fears, guilts, and doubts—can be as terrifying as the external threats they encounter.
8. Lack of Control: The characters’ inability to control their environment or predict what will happen next amplifies their vulnerability and fear.
V. Looking ahead at my own developing script, since it will largely be a psychic thriller, I made a list of sounds that can help set the mood:
1. Whispers and Murmurs: Hearing hushed, unintelligible whispers just out of earshot can be incredibly unsettling. It suggests the presence of unseen entities or hidden intentions.
2. Footsteps and Rustling: The sound of footsteps approaching, receding, or rustling in the underbrush can evoke the fear of being pursued or watched.
3. Distant Screams: Distant screams that carry on the wind can create an air of helplessness and suggest that there might be others in danger.
4. Breathing or Hissing: Faint breathing or hissing sounds can evoke a feeling of being near something unseen and potentially dangerous.
5. Creaks and Groans: Unexplained creaking and groaning sounds, as if coming from the surroundings, can make the environment feel alive and unpredictable.
6. Eerie Music or Melodies: Haunting or discordant melodies can manipulate emotions and intensify the sense of dread, creating an eerie ambiance.
7. Heartbeat or Pulsing: A faint, irregular heartbeat or pulsing sound can amplify tension and anxiety, mimicking the characters’ racing hearts.
8. Scratching or Clawing: The sound of scratching, scraping, or clawing against surfaces can suggest the presence of something trying to get in or out.
9. Chains or Dragging: The metallic clinking of chains or the dragging of heavy objects can evoke images of captivity or an ominous force.
10. Animal Calls: Sounds of animals in distress, such as frantic howling, growling, or distressed animal cries, can trigger a primal fear response.
11. Unexplained Echoes: Voices, laughter, or other sounds echoing in the distance can create confusion and an eerie sense of the unknown.
12. Sudden Silence: An abrupt cessation of all sounds can be as terrifying as loud noises, as it heightens the sense of anticipation and vulnerability.
13. Guttural Growls: Deep, guttural growls can evoke the fear of predatory animals or otherworldly creatures lurking nearby.
14. Static or Interference: Hearing static, interference, or distorted voices on communication devices can add a technological layer of unease.
15. Childlike Laughter: Hearing eerie, childlike laughter in unsettling contexts can trigger a fear of the supernatural or the uncanny.
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Alfred Dunham: SOTL Stacking Suspense
ASSIGNMENT 2:
What I learned doing this assignment:
I. This film is harder to get at, as the actions are more psychiatric than physical, even though the physical component is vented in some of the grossest of ways. They (the actions) stem more from a disturbed mental state than from the easier-to-see things like greed or fear or anger or even disgust. However, these also stem from altered mental states distinctly related to the grosser forms found in this story. Bill’s hatred becomes internalized, and Hannibal nails it – it’s often coveting what is not “yours” or what one cannot do. The writer can easily play up almost anything to create M.I.S., And a little fantasy doesn’t hurt the story. If you have tomatoes in your backyard, they are probably full of hornworms! The moths in the movie wore tiny jackets with skulls painted on them.
Stacking Suspense Chart
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</div>The Chart I did is not posting. Looks like I’ll have to un-chart the information
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This is the re-post of Assignment 2
Alfred Dunham: SOTL Stacking Suspense
ASSIGNMENT 2:
What I learned doing this assignment:
I. This film is harder to get at, as the actions are more psychiatric than physical, even though the physical component is vented in some of the grossest of ways. They (the actions) stem more from a disturbed mental state than from the easier-to-see things like greed or fear or anger or even disgust. However, these also stem from altered mental states distinctly related to the grosser forms found in this story. Bill’s hatred becomes internalized, and Hannibal nails it – it’s often coveting what is not “yours” or what one cannot do. The writer can easily play up almost anything to create M.I.S., And a little fantasy doesn’t hurt the story. If you have tomatoes in your backyard, it is probably full of hornworms! The moths in the movie wore tiny jackets with skulls painted on them.
Stacking Suspense Chart – The Chart would not Post.
This is the information removed from the Chart Form
SCENE 1: Logon, Main Title/Intro
ACTION: Clarice is seen jogging through a wooded area with military-type obstacles. The logon reads Quantico, VA – that’s FBI – music is somewhat ominous and suggestive.
MYSTERY: Where is she, exactly? Why is she jogging alone? Going up and over hurdles… FBI training?
INTREGUE: Does Clarice have the “right stuff?” – Her qualifications are outlined.
SUSPENSE: Lone joggers can be in grave danger
CHARACTER: Clarice: Who is she, what is she up to, is something bad about to happen? She appears smart and well-liked
STAKES: Her career
SCENE 2: An Interesting Errand
ACTION: Clarice is called into Jack Crawford’s office
MYSTERY: What’s up?
INTREGUE: She has been picked to get information out of Hannibal the Cannibal. The rules….
SUSPENSE: Posted pictures of “Buffalo Bill’s” handiwork on the bulletin board.
CHARACTER: Clarice: Who is she, what is she up to, is something bad about to happen
STAKES: Her career, her life
SCENE 3: Don’t Touch the Glass
ACTION: Clarice is led into a prison dungeon, underground
Dr. Chilton brags, half-hits on Clarice.
MYSTERY: Hannibal is a psychopathic cannibalistic killer, yes, but what else? He sniffs the air, tells Clarice what sort of body lotion she uses, is angry with
Dr. Chilton seems self-absorbed. Refers to Hannibal as his prized asset.
INTREGUE: He’s housed in a dungeon with other similar men. He asks personal questions.
SUSPENSE: He yells at her for only being a trainee… then relents
CHARACTER: Clarice – shows fear and uncertainty but does not fold…. She stands up to Hannibal
Hannibal – seems downright cool and civil… until the questions…. He loses his temper
STAKES: Clarice –Her life, her psyche
Dr. Chilton – his career
Hannibal – his reputation – he has quite an ego
SCENE 4: “Closer”
ACTION: Clarice moves closer to the glass but does not touch it, as instructed. Flashback as a child with her police father is later told that Miggs is dead (apparently by Hannibal for insulting Clarice.
MYSTERY: What is Hannibal up to? Nothing gets past him. Figures Clarice is a student from her badge.
INTREGUE: Hannibal is toying with Clarice, seeing how far he can push her. She suggests maybe he’s afraid, and he comes back with his tale of “eating his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”
SUSPENSE: Will Clarice “stumble” on some technicality? She’s intelligent, open, and business-like. He sends her back to school but calls her back to suggest (shouting) that she look up Mr. Mofet
CHARACTER: She does show fear but also caution and discipline. Outside the facility, she cries.
STAKES: being taken in – career, her life is in danger… like Miggs?
SCENE 5: Your Self Storage
ACTION: Breaks into the old storage with a car jack. Gives Mr. Hester Mofet a card with a number to call if she gets trapped. She researches Hannibal on microfilm. Returns to Hannibal with more questions.
MYSTERY: All sorts of odd junk, but especially an old limousine, covered with an American flag, with a headless mannequin inside. Also, a head in a jar is found.
INTREGUE: .
SUSPENSE: What’s this got to do with Buffalo Bill?
CHARACTER: Buffalo Bill is neither gay nor a transvestite. He simply hates himself. He is trying to transform.
STAKES: Absolutely nothing gets past Hannibal, and he seems attracted to Clarice. Not good.
SCENE 6: Hannibal’s Helping Head
ACTION: He gives her a towel for her wet hair and asks about her bleeding finger, scratched on the Storage door.
MYSTERY: How does he know about so much? Clarice’s cut finger.
INTREGUE: A head in a jar. Why? Hannibal confronts Clarice with Jack Crawford’s motives, and she rejects it, suggesting that Hannibal sounds more like Miggs.
SUSPENSE: “I’ll help you find Buffalo Bill if… “ + conditions
CHARACTER: Hannibal seems jealous of Crawford, hates Dr. Chilton
STAKES: She gets Hannibal to back off and help. The discovery of who Bill is.
SCENE 7: Help from a Size 14
ACTION: A young woman drives down a road at night singing. Happy
MYSTERY: She is watched through night vision goggles, and we don’t know who.
INTREGUE: A man is trying to load a big chair into a van. The young woman offers to help.
SUSPENSE: he coaxes her inside the van to pull the chair in, jumps in, and kills her. A young woman shows up in the river three days later.
CHARACTER: The girl is Frederica Brimwell. We find this out later
STAKES: Death
SCENE 8: Girl from the River
ACTION: Clarice is in the morgue in a tiny town
MYSTERY: Clarice lists her findings and discovers a moth cocoon down the girl’s throat.
INTREGUE: What is it? Where did it come from? Why is it there?
SUSPENSE: Clarice goes through her examination of the corpse
CHARACTER: Gutsy young woman!
STAKES: More killings can be expected
SCENE 9: A Little Privacy
ACTION: Jack leads the sheriff into a side room to discuss the sexual part of the crime
MYSTERY: Clarice gets side-tracked by a funeral going on
INTRIGUE: The young police guys can’t take their eyes off Clarice – the chrysalis in her throat
SUSPENSE: Examination of the body of the dead girl
CHARACTER: Bill: Clarice is beginning to understand what Hannibal has told her about Bill
STAKES: Bill seems to think he is doing them a favor – more death
SCENE 10: Signs of Bill
ACTION: The M.O. is Bill’s. Clarice returns to talk to Hannibal, and Dr. Chilton gets furious.
MYSTERY: The “star-shaped cuts,” bound hands but not feet, etc.
INTREGUE: What is he doing with the skin?
SUSPENSE: Dr. Chilton listens in on the conversation, records it
CHARACTER: Chilton is being very unprofessional
STAKES: Chilton is covetous of Hannibal’s insights, fears for his career
SCENE 11: Moth Men
ACTION: Clarice goes to a museum. For an ID. of the cocoon/chrysalis
MYSTERY: Why down the girl’s throat? Bill loves the moths. It’s symbolic
INTRIGUE: Museum – the cocoon is identified as an Asian hornworm moth
SUSPENSE: The mythology associated with this moth species
CHARACTER:
STAKES:
SCENE 12: A Senator’s Plea
ACTION: T.V. – Senator Ruth Martin pleads for her daughter’s life, but she is very smart about it.
MYSTERY:
INTREGUE: Ruth presents he daughter as a person, not a thing.
SUSPENSE: Will Bill listen?
CHARACTER: Bill seems to understand something, even if it is deranged
STAKES: Catherine’s life
SCENE 13: Quid Pro Quo
ACTION: The back-and-forth reveals are dangerous – Hannibal is attempting to get into Clarices’ head, but settles for Quid Pro Quo.
MYSTERY: Hannibal gets Clarice to reveal her worst memory
INTRIGUE: Hannibal explains the meaning of the moth, to Bill – metamorphosis – change
SUSPENSE: Each round of reveals is met with a “Will it continue?” Quid Pro Quo!
CHARATER: Catherine has faults, but she is NOT an object.
STAKES: Catherine’s life is on the line, now. Will she be the lamb that is saved?
SCENE 14: Lotion in the Basket
ACTION: Bill demands Catherine put her lotion in the bucket and threatens her dog
MYSTERY: Why is he so intent on getting the lotion?
INTREGUE: What’s he going to do with it?
SUSPENSE: She’s about to fall apart
CHARACTER: Bill tries to be female-like in his mimicked caterwauling
STAKES: Catherine goes to pieces and wants her mommy.
SCENE 15: A Deal for Dr. Chilton
ACTION: Clarice presents Hannibal with a deal. He wants more.
MYSTERY:
INTRIGUE: Dr. Chilton listens in on the conversation, and is angry some senator is offering him a deal –
SUSPENSE: Chilton is losing it
CHARACTER: Chilton is a shallow man
STAKES: Dr. Chilton is about to lose his only claim to fame.
SCENE 16: Muzzled for the Senator
ACTION: Dr. Chilton has Hannibal in a wire mask that is crushing his nose. He then threatens that there will be no Island deal.
MYSTERY: Dr. Chilton transfers Hannibal out of state, bound and masked.
INTREGUE: Hannibal and Ruth sign a deal.
SUSPENSE: A pen gets passed around, Hannibal makes sexual remarks to Ruth, and there is a bit of a scuffle
CHARACTER: Hannibal is playing a shell game
STAKES: Hannibal’s freedom, Catherine’s freedom, Clarice’s career
SCENE 17: The Screaming Lambs
ACTION: Boyle allows Clarice’s visit, and Clarice takes us down a personal memory lane – her attempt to save the innocent lamb/Catherine. Dr. Chilton hauls Clarice off, then offers her information to the press as his.
MYSTERY: Her inner strength is being revealed… but what is it? Where is it?
INTRIGUE: She failed to save the one lamb – in what way is this driving her to save Catherine? We see a drawing of Clarice holding a lamb.
SUSPENSE: Is Hannibal now in her head, or will she deal with it… and him?
CHARACTER: Clarice – her reveal is unsettling; how will this interfere with her investigation
Hannibal – his skill of manipulation, what is he planning? Will he be able to own her?
STAKES: Information that can lead to Catherine’s release, the riddance of screaming lambs in Clarice’s head – Hannibal seems to be on Clarice’s side (hopeful???)
SCENE 18: His Second Meal
ACTION: Hannibal palms a small piece of metal (from the pen?)
MYSTERY: cuffing Hannibal to the bars of his cage
INTREGUE: Is the piece of metal in his mouth part of the pen he sees in Dr. Chilton’s pocket?
SUSPENSE: The police get careless. Will he get loose? Tiny slip-ups
CHARATER: Hannibal’s intelligence and resourcefulness are underscored.
STAKES: Hannibal’s freedom, the death of the officers
SCENE 19: “Lecter’s Missing”
ACTION: Hannibal frees his hands from the cuffs with the piece of metal; he cuffs one officer to the bars, and incapacitates the second officer. From the lobby, the elevator goes up and down.
MYSTERY: Who is using the elevator?
INTREGUE: Is it Hannibal?
SUSPENSE: They search the third floor, and discover the officers… one is hoisted spread eagle, sliced open, and the other is beaten to a pulp.
CHARACTER:
STAKES: Hannibal’s freedom
SCENE 20: Pembry’s Ambulance
ACTION: The beaten officer, still alive, is placed in an ambulance – and it drives off – but it isn’t the officer, it’s Hannibal
MYSTERY: How did he do this?
INTRIGUE: Hannibal thinks on multiple levels, never gets upset (except for effect), never misses anything, and now he makes his move to escape.
SUSPENSE: So, whose blood is dripping from the roof of the elevator? Hannibal has switched clothes with one officer, strung up the other officer, put the other in his clothes, and on the roof of the elevator, disfigured himself enough so he is not recognized and is carried out on the ambulance gurney.
CHARACTER:
STAKES: Hannibal’s escape
SCENE 21: What Do We Covet?
ACTION: Clarice gets the name of the murdered girl, Frederica Brimwell, races to her home, and meets the father, who lets her examine the girl’s room.
MYSTERY: “We covet what we see.” Clarice figures it out.
INTREGUE: Clues in the girl’s room. Sewing equipment, a dress with tailoring marks on it, a window view. He knew his victim.
SUSPENSE: She knows where Bill is.
CHARACTER: Clarice is smart
STAKES: Catherine’s life
SCENE 22: The Tailor You Know
ACTION: Clarice goes through things,
MYSTERY: What was she like?
INTRIGUE: Books, clothes, butterfly wallpaper, sewing/tailoring, a music box with hidden pictures
SUSPENSE: The pictures are of the girl in her underwear; there is a window nearby; Bill could see her, coveting her skin. Will Catherine be next?
CHARACTER: The girl was a normal girl admiring her body – wishing/wondering? She seemed a nice person.
STAKES: Catherine’s safety
SCENE 23: A Treat for Precious
ACTION: Bill sews and struts his “stuff.”
MYSTERY: He promises a treat for the dog.
INTREGUE: Will the treat be a piece of Catherine?
SUSPENSE: Catherine pleads to get out of the well
CHARACTER: Catherine goes from a cowering infant to a sassy, vulgar, and combative girl.
STAKES: Catherine’s life.
SCENE 24: “Sewing Was Her Life”
ACTION: Clarice knocks on the door and is let in.
MYSTERY: Who was Mrs. Lippman?
INTRIGUE: The man (Bill), asked if he took the house over after she died.
SUSPENSE: Clarice is stalling for time, waiting for the FBI. Scenes get rapid
CHARACTER: She’s worried about Catherine
STAKES: Both she and Catherine are in mortal danger
SCENE 25: A Raid in Illinois
ACTION: Planes fly into Illinois and land. They are in communication with Clarice. The Lippman house is surrounded.
MYSTERY: Did they get there in time?
INTREGUE: Where is Clarice – what do they do?
SUSPENSE: Each step is dangerous. Scenes are intercut to add suspense and action.
CHARACTER: Bill is aware and clever despite what else he is
STAKES: Will Catherine get rescued?
SCENE 26: Mrs. Lippman’s House
ACTION: Clarice is let into the Lippman house by Bill. She lived to sew. Bill gets suspicious.
MYSTERY: Where is Catherine?
INTRIGUE: The house is a maze of rooms, doors, passages
SUSPENSE: Awkward conversation. Clarice gets the drop on Bill, but he escapes.
CHARACTER: He’s cagey
STAKES: The lives of both Clarice and Catherine. Also, Bill’s, now.
SCENE 27: Sniper in the Dark
ACTION: Bill stalks Clarice in the dark using night vision equipment; she hears the gun click; and she shoots at the sound. Bill is killed.
MYSTERY: The house is a filthy maze of doors and passageways – she seems lost
INTREGUE: Why is he doing this? We hear the gun cock
SUSPENSE: Will this be the end of Clarice?
CHARACTER: Bill is a voyeur, so he must be getting a thrill out of the stalking
STAKES: Death or worse for Catherine – she’s saved
The screaming lambs will still be in Clarice’s head—they are apparently gone.
SCENE 28: Dinner Date/Credits
ACTION: Clarice graduates and gets a call from Hannibal – short – congratulating her
MYSTERY: He seems to be on some Caribbean Island.
INTREGUE: “I’m having an old friend over for dinner.”
SUSPENSE: We see Dr. Chilton getting off a plane. We see a disguised Hannibal walking away, down a street.
CHARACTER: Hannibal is still Hannibal, and he hates Chilton
STAKES: The end of Dr. Chilton?
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Things I learned about Thrillers from Basic Instinct.
1: Every scene does not require all three components of MIS, but the more, the better. Even stakes are only recorded in the chart for a few of the scenes.
2: This is a solid foundation for understanding Thrillers. When broken down into its key components, it simplifies Thrillers.
3: Thrillers are not as complex as they lead us to believe.
4: Although I cannot agree completely with Hal’s assessment of Basic Instinct, I can see he is justified in his viewpoint. It appears to me that Catherine is likely the killer of Johnny Boz, both from the final scene, where the icepick is waiting under the bed, and from the way that she makes love in both the first and last scenes — Nick has slept with both women, and if Beth made love to him in the same fashion as Catherine, he would not have called the latter “the fuck of the century”.
It is therefore possible that Beth was responsible for Nilson’s murder, or that Catherine killed him and hid the gun at Beth’s apartment. The strangest part of the final scene isn’t the reveal of the icepick, but why the screen goes black just before the reveal.
5: It is permissible in Thrillers to create an ambiguous ending.
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Assignment 1
Alyssa’s Basic Instinct Stacking Suspense
Things I learned:
- Keep the audience guessing and don’t give too much away early on.
- Make sure there are stakes every couple of scenes to keep the tension high.
- Can make the dialogue unique but also vague enough to be interpreted multiple ways, in order to add mystery and intrigue.
- Make sure people’s alibi’s and arguments/defenses are believable enough to keep the audience second guessing themselves, like the protagonist is.
- I never felt like Nick was an idiot when he missed things or that information was too easily handed to him. I liked how Beth’s counter argument to Catherine’s (about who stalked who) was believable enough to make Nick question things.
- I didn’t really buy everything in the movie, like Roxy trying to kill Nick (felt random and everyone moved on really fast), or Gus going to meet Beth alone (if Nick suspected her, why wouldn’t he insist on going too?) and I think Catherine killed Johnny (why would Johnny ever think Beth was the same woman and sleep with her, blonde wig or not?). But I appreciated the movie for what it was with clear thriller elements.
Assignment 2
Alyssa’s Bourne Identity Stacking Suspense
Things I learned:
- Amnesia is an effective thriller tool as it’s really fun for the audience to discover things alongside the character, even basic things. But while amnesia can be a crutch and can be overused, it’s definitely entertaining in this film.
- As an audience, being able to see the BTS of what the organization (villain) is doing WHILE Jason is figuring things out adds tension. Both parties remain active, either on offense or defense, the whole time. No passive actions.
- It was fun to watch Jason switch from defense to offense- it shakes up the story and the formula we expect (Jason on the back foot) switches to a new dynamic.
- Once Marie leaves, there’s no one for Jason to tell his plan too so we are on the edge of our seats wondering what Jason’s play is. The cat and mouse tables are turned and it reengages the audience.
- There were a lot of life and death situations but it never felt redundant- because we know early on that the villains goal is to kill Jason, the stakes are organically high in every scene and as Jason gets closer to the truth, it keeps the stakes interesting and tension going- we want to know the truth just as badly, especially at the end climax.
- Jason is likable even though he’s a killer- because we meet him beforehand, and note his aversion to killing/guns (he doesn’t kill the cops, he leaves the gun behind) it make him feel less ‘cruel’ and cold, even when he does kill later on. His relationship and care for Marie warms him up; a strong side character is very important to showcase the hero’s vulnerability and humanity.
Overall, Bourne was much more enjoyable to me than Basic Instinct. I cared about Jason more than Nick, although both characters are interesting. I got “out of the car” more during Basic Instinct, where I questioned plot points and character motivations- but that might have been because I already knew who did it from Hal’s earlier material so I wasn’t as engaged in the guessing process. I also didn’t really care if anyone lived or died. In Bourne, I cared for both Jason and Marie because the story made me care, which heightened the tension. Basic Instinct was also a slower movie, which is fine but it made it easier to lose focus (for me). Bourne definitely kept the pace fast and barely ever let up, except for a few quick breathers.
Great assignment!
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Tim Barley’s Stacking Suspense
ASSIGNMENT #1:
What I learned from doing this assignment is that you watch thrillers in a different way and understand more when you look at it though this lens.
I learned that not EVERY scene needs the MIS, and would probably be too much if every scene did have this unnaturally.
Every scene DID use part of the MIS stack and added or answered new mysteries and intrigue.
ASSIGNMENT #2:
Scene #1:
Action: Clarice called into director’s office.
Mystery: Who is Buffalo Bill? And who is Hannibal Lecter?
Intrigue: Why was she chosen when she’s a trainee?
Suspense:
Character MIS: She determined. Why? What’s driving her?
Stakes: Possible career advancement by getting answers from a serial killer.
Scene #2:
Action: Clarice interviews Hannibal
Mystery: How smart is Lechter? Will he provide answers to this trainee?
Intrigue: Why is Dr. Chilton hitting on Clarice?
Suspense: Is Chilton going to be an issue with this investigation?
Character MIS: She thinks she’s good enough to go against Lechter.
Stakes: Danger in going toe to toe with a master psychologist.
Scene #3:
Action: A psychological back and forth.
Mystery: Who will this battle of wits?
Intrigue: Lechter is charming and coolness.
Suspense: The mind games
Character MIS: Wants to be see as more than a badge and a skirt.
Stakes: Answers and acceptance from Lechter.
Scene #4:
Action: A tip from Lechter leads to a storage unit.
Mystery: What’s in the storage unit?
Intrigue:
Suspense: Will she stumble across something or someone?
Character MIS:
Stakes: More clues.
Scene #5:
Action: Another prison interview with Lechter
Mystery: What’s Lechter want from Clarice?
Intrigue: Probing questions from Lechter.
Suspense:
Character MIS: Clarice wants to advance, so she plays along.
Stakes: More answers
Scene #6:
Action: Buffalo Bill kidnaps next victim
Mystery: Will he get his next victim?
Intrigue: Using a fake broken arm and a chair into a van to get the woman.
Suspense: Is she going to fall for it and get kidnapped?
Character MIS:
Stakes: Kidnapping
Scene #7:
Action: Investigation and autopsy
Mystery:
Intrigue: Cops vs FBI
Suspense: What isn’t Crawford telling her?
Character MIS: How hard does Clarice have to work to get accepted as a female?
Stakes: being accepted and taken seriously.
Scene #8:
Action: Natural history museum to learn more about the bug in the woman’s throat
Mystery: What is the bug?
Intrigue: Flirtation.
Suspense:
Character MIS: Clarice can handle the filtration by flirting back
Stakes: The moths are the clue
Scene #9:
Action: News conference
Mystery:
Intrigue:
Suspense: will they find the daughter
Character MIS:
Stakes: timeline set – 3 days to find daughter.
Scene #10:
Action: New interview with Lechter
Mystery: Will Lechter accept offer to work with FBI to find SEnator’s daughter
Intrigue: Chilton is listening in. Why?
Suspense: Why is Lechter pushing Clarice about her past
Character MIS: quid pro quo to get what she wants
Stakes: Getting Lechter to help
Scene #11:
Action: The lotion scene
Mystery: Where is she being held? What’s with the lotion?
Intrigue:
Suspense: will she die here?
Character MIS:
Stakes:
Scene #12:
Action: Chilton works with senator for a REAL deal
Mystery: What’s Chilton playing at? Was there really a deal between Clarice and Lechter?
Intrigue: Chilton’s out for himself. Possibly playing Lechter.
Suspense:
Character MIS:
Stakes: Lechter may be getting out. Probably not a good idea.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Scene #13:
Action: Lechter transfer to Tennessee
Mystery: Is Lechter really secure?
Intrigue: Lechter sends everyone off on a goose chase
Suspense: Will Lechter use this as a chance to escape? How did he get the pen?
Character MIS:
Stakes: Finding Buffalo Bill. Lechter getting out.
Scene #14:
Action: Clarice gets one more chance to talk to Lechter
Mystery: Will she get any more info before she if found out?
Intrigue:
Suspense: What did Lechter mean by “Bye, Clarice,” and touching her hand?
Character MIS: She finally confronted her past.
Stakes: Getting real actual info.
Scene #15:
Action: Lichter is served a second dinner
Mystery: How is he going to escape?
Intrigue: He ordered a second dinner. He’s calm and lulling them into a sense of security.
Suspense: How will he kill them?
Character MIS:
Stakes: Escape!
Scene #16:
Action: The police advance on the fourth floor
Mystery: Is he still there.
Intrigue: Elevator goes up, goes down, there’s a shot
Suspense: The guard is alive, the body in the elevator is believed to be Lechter
Character MIS:
Stakes: Getting away before they discover the body is the police
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Scene #17:
Action: Clarice learns of Lechter’s escape
Mystery: Will she uncover the final message from Lechter?
Intrigue: message is pretty cryptic
Suspense:
Character MIS: She’s confident he won’t come after her
Stakes: Find the girl!
Scene #18:
Action: Belvedere, OH
Mystery: What is the connection to the first victim?
Intrigue:
Suspense: Is she over her here with out Lechter to guide her?
Character MIS:
Stakes: Find the connection to the first victim
Scene #19:
Action: Bill’s house
Mystery: Will Kathryn’s plan to get the dog work?
Intrigue:
Suspense: will she get the dog or will she get punished more?
Character MIS:
Stakes: for Kathryn getting out
Scene #20:
Action: Calumet City
Mystery: Will the swat team take the house and find Buffalo Bill?
Intrigue: Where are they? Where is Clarice?
Suspense: Will they and Clarice get Kathryn out safely?
Character MIS:
Stakes: Clarice is in trouble
Scene #21:
Action: Clarice talking to Bill
Mystery: Will she realize it’s him before it’s too late?
Intrigue: Bill questioning Clarice about the case, stalling, gun on the stove
Suspense: There’s a gun on the stove, just out of reach. A moth flitters by.
Character MIS: She realizes she has him
Stakes: Life or death
Scene #22:
Action: Basement
Mystery: Who kills who?
Intrigue: Clarice lies about other officers coming, Bill turns out the lights, using his nigh vision
Suspense: Will she get him even though she’s at a disadvantage
Character MIS: A game of cat and mouse
Stakes: Kill or be killed
Scene #23:
Action: Graduation
Mystery: She has a phone call, who is it?
Intrigue:
Suspence:
Character MIS: Acceptance by peers
Stakes:
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Timothy Barley.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by
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What I learned doing this assignment,
sometimes simple is the best way and with the use of suspense, mystey and intrigue – throw in some red herrings, and you have a journey that the audience gets invested in.
The premise of Basic Instinct is a simple one, but it is how all the layers came together that elevated this movie. -
Heidi’s SOTL Stacking Suspense
Going through scene by scene, it is clear how each scene is built out to get the most out of the audience emotions. Even the smaller scenes, has the essence of something – they are building up to the more intense scenes. In addition to following Starlings journey from rookie to agent, opening up about her childhood drama – we are also following Lecters journey, learning more about him – and how he sees Starling as someone worthy of his intellect, and therefore more valuable alive. It is mindgames from both of them.
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ASSIGNMENT 1:
Subject: Monica’s BI Stacking Suspense
BASIC INSTINCT
3. Make a list of everything you learned in the process that can help you write stronger thrillers. The Stacking Suspense Chart covers most of the scenes, so you can just keep track as you watch the movie.
4. Give us a list of the things you learned about Thrillers as you did this assignment.
– Layered tension – violence, sexual violence, drugs, alcohol all add to the tension
– Several twists – ie. Who’s Roxy? Who’s Hazel? Catherine seems to be sleeping with anyone with two legs who are murderers.
– Both Catherine and Beth are expert manipulators making me wonder if they are mirror images of the same character, the same type of personality – one slightly more evil than the other – playing out in two characters.
– The opening scene and the final scene have the same theme or intrigue. Making one wonder if Catherine really didn’t have something to do with the rock stars murder with the final image of the ice pick underneath the bed.
– Strong turning points
– Anticipatory dialogue
– Hinting at Nick’s obsessive, addictive behavior
– The Captain throws up obstacles to Nick every time he’s on camera defending Catherine which makes the audience wonder how much he had to do with selling Nick’s file to her.
– Sub-text; playing games; sub-plot of how Catherine got Nick’s file
– The design of Catherine’s character to be just as psychologically disturbed as Nick.
– Catherine seems to need people to like her – which seems to propel her toward whether or not she could get away with anything.
– Catherine’s “friends” are all murderers!
– Open ended questions
ASSIGNMENT 2:
Subject: Monica’s SOTL Stacking Suspense
THE BOURNE IDENTITY and fill in the Stacking Suspense Chart.
Give us a detailed list of the things you learned from doing this process that can help you write stronger thrillers.
– While Jason struggles to discover who he is the CIA sets out to find out why Wombosi is still alive and what happened to Jason – switch back and forth between Jason’s struggles and the CIA until the ultimate showdown.
– Insert twists – at the end when another assassin takes out the CIA leader because the hit was authorized by the old man
– Intrigue – Jason has the same skills as the assassins sent to kill him
– Stakes – Jason’s life, and that of Marie’s, is at risk unless he discovers who he is and what he is prevails throughout the movie
– The red herring is John Michael Kane which turns out to be Jason Bourne
– Hints throughout about who Jason might be, his martial arts moves, his weapons use, his strategic thinking – which is his character’s mystery.
– He maybe a trained assassin but he has a soft side to him which balances the violence and starts him on the journey when he can’t complete his mission because Wombosi is with his young child.
– Tension because he seems to know when the other assassins are close by; running from the police; taunting the CIA.
– The whole mystery throughout is: Who is Jason Bourne?
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Kelly’s BI Stacking Suspense
What did I learn? I learned that Mystery, Intrigue and Suspense were almost in every scene of Basic Instict and Silence of the Lambs. I had trouble getting the Character M.I.S so that will take some more study but this was a eal eye opener.I learned that Mystery, Intrigue and Suspense are the building blocks of a Thriller. I’ve watched both of these films numerous times and yet this watch was a totally new experience.
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Brenda Clarke Assignment #1 Basic Instincts Stacking Suspense
I learned that there are a lot of open or unanswered questions that the Hero asks or doesn’t know the answers to. These add to the Mystery, Intrigue and Suspense. Also there are red herrings such as Roxy wanting to kill the cop, because she was in love with Catherine. The audience is not sure what the relationship is with Hazel, either does the Cop. Is she also sleeping with this older woman? Beth is also a red herring as I think she was telling the truth about Catherine setting the book up as her alibi. So with the ice pick under her bed as the last shot, it makes me believe Catherine is the real killer. Lucky the cop didn’t want rug rats, which made her not want to kill him. But watch out, she could kill him later on?
ASSIGNMENT #2 Bourne Identity.
There is so much detail in the script that drives the story along, basically he is trying to figure out who he is which is the Big Mystery and what he does, INTRIGUE throughout the entire film. Most of the stakes are that his life or Marie’s is in danger (or the family/people she knows). The SUSPENSE is created when they add the element of Langley trying to chase after him and close down an operation that failed.
Most of the hired assassins sent to kill him are defeated by him, lucky he didn’t forget his combat skills! A good twist at the end when the final Assassin comes into frame, we see him point his gun at what we think is Jason, but it is the head of Langley and he is killed. Which is all done by the CIA top man who shuts down the whole of Treadstones operation!
Jason reveals he doesn’t want to stay in the game, and ends up with Marie.
I did notice that the musical soundtrack also indicates and heightens the TENSION/SUSPENSE just prior to it happening on screen, such as a car chase, fight scene, or a shoot out scene.
In conclusion, I gather that the more MIS/Stacking there is in the screenplay the better the film will be as far as drawing an audience into the situations/actions of the Hero and their journey.
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Judith’s SOTL Stacking Suspense – L4 Homework – Assign. 1
What I is learned Basic Instinct uses mystery, suspense, intrigue, and stakes to keep the story going. In addition, the Characters in this movie were very mysterious and intriguing which enhanced the stakes.
Judith’s SOTL Stacking Suspense
– L4 Homework – Assign. 2 for Jason Bourne.
I found this movie more exciting and suspenseful. The mystery of who Jason Bourne is and the
intrigue of his adventurers into discovery his true identity and skills was
fascinating how they built the stakes as the movie progressed -
Assignment 4 Part 1
Barbe’s BASIC INSTINCT Stacking Suspense
1. I opted to read the script rather than watch the movie. I didn’t want violent images stuck in my brain. Reading descriptions is more benign. The story – on the page – is sparse although written at a time when, it seems, “wrylies” were okay. Without those – the script would have been 20 pages shorter.
2. It is important to immerse yourself in the World that you are writing about. In BI The characters had a shorthand way of communicating. I kept thinking “this is what they will say next.” Then they would say something so cryptic it seemed like a leap in logic. Because Nick and Gus are in that World they know what comes next. That leaves the audience on the outside of solving the mystery.
3. I’m still trying to tease out a simple way of differentiating the differences between Mystery, Intrigue and Suspense when analyzing each scene. What I came up with was that Mystery is the big question posed in the scene. Intrigue is the way the mystery is presented – setting, characters, action – the mechanics of the mystery. Suspense is the way it makes the audience feel. What’s the emotion elicited in the scene. Anyway, that’s the way I’m interpreting it.
Assignment 4 Part 2
Barbe’s BOURNE IDENTITY Stacking Suspense
1. Again, I’m reading the script instead of watching the movie. The script – on the page – is amazing. Great action writing.
2. This analysis takes an enormous amount of time. I’m halfway through. It’s an immensely rewarding experience. I will continue until finished. I’m posting now because I didn’t want to fall behind.
3. Intrigue is the most compelling aspect of Thrillers. From the myriad choices a writer can make of how to stage a scene, creating something that not only carries the mystery but also evokes an emotion is a challenge but very rewarding when done well.
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Gisele Frazeur’s B1 Sacking Suspense
Things I learned about thrillers watching “Basic Instinct” and doing this assignment.
While all elements of MIS may not be present in each scene – – some need to be.
Each and every scene must be constructed with this model in mind in order to prove thrilling for the audience.
The screenplay must be replete with these elements and have them thoughtfully woven into the fabric of each and of every scene. You cannot fly by the seat of your pants and hope it is thrilling. It is a matter of “crafting” it to be thrilling.
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Thriller Class Lesson 4– BASIC INSTINCT
Jamie Stegner
What I learned: Keeping the MIS coming with such intensity takes careful planning. It’s one thing to track it in this movie, but writing it on a blank sheet will be something else. I look forward to the lessons.
I can see that designing each MIS as separate threads and then braiding them together for a story will yield an exciting result. Every character adds tension, every scene is full. There is nothing extraneous. There’s no let up. The story drives in a straight line forward from start to finish.
I’m not completely clear on the difference between Mystery, Intrigue, and Suspense. But maybe it doesn’t matter. Mystery to me is the question. Two or three of the WWWWWH are missing from an important event. Who killed Johnny? And why? It must be solved; search for the answer. It could be X. It could be Y. Maybe Z did it. We worry that Nick may be the next victim because he’s vulnerable to sexy women; Catherine is teasing him; Beth is also wanting a relationship and is probably jealous of Nick’s fascination with Catherine. A dynamic triangle as we find out later that Catherine and Beth have been involved in the past.
Intrigue is the curiosity, quirks, fascinating details, how / why? Catherine seems to be laughing at the police procedure. Nick seems willing to be murdered by her; leaves himself open to it. He has guilt for the multiple killings as a cop.
Suspense is who will win? We might know a lot but not the final result. Will A kill B and get away with it? Or will B kill A in self-defense? Suspense is maintained thru the continuous chase and escape ‘til the climax and end. Catherine loves ice picks and Nick is determine to ‘nail’ her.
Most important in a thriller is the Villain’s plan, in place before the story starts. Catherine provokes Beth (Lisa Hoberman). She knows that Beth is stalking her and she maintains the dangerous connection to use Beth in some way. She writes novels: instruction manuals on how to commit murder. Catherine has somehow inspired Beth to kill Johnny; Beth has no motive of her own, except to implicate Catherine.
Catherine has been collecting material about Nick for years – since he shot the tourists at least. She got his file from IA Nilsen as research for her novel. Now Nick steps into it unaware.
The Villain is powerful, devious, determined. Catherine collects killers. Beth has killed her husband by drive-by shooting. Hazel killed her entire family on a whim. Roxy sliced her two little brothers. Now she’s after “shooter” Nick who has killed several people as a cop. She lies well, we can never tell if she is or isn’t. She laughs easily; it’s all a game. She doesn’t take any of it seriously. Even when she cries for Roxy’s death, there’s a tiny bit of doubt of the sincerity – a show.
The Hero, Nick, will learn and grow into a worthy adversary (maybe). In Basic Instinct Nick’s defense against Catherine is that he loves her. She’s capable and prepared to kill him with the ice pick. He doesn’t care – ‘go ahead and kill me if you want to.’ He doesn’t say that, but he’s vulnerable to her – that’s his weapon. She decides that she doesn’t want to lose him. Nick is a worthy adversary of Beth. He figures her out; she commits suicide by cop, but now he has killed another unarmed person.
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Gisele Frazeur’s SOTL Stacking Suspense
What I learned doing this assignment is:
This was a thrilling assignment. I will never look at thrillers, or movies for that matter, the same way again. Methodically dissecting each scene is a total game changer. I can see how crafting these elements from the beginning will immeasurably strengthen the resulting screenplay. It is like laying the foundation for a building. While an enormous amount of work in the beginning – – it will save so much heartache and rewriting on the back-end.
I was struck by how the “atmosphere” of this movie was responsible for both creating and enhancing the MIS. So many basement settings built with heavy, wet, dank, old stone. So many heavy iron gates. So much occurring at night or in the dark. So many heavy storms serving as metaphor. It was as if the atmosphere was another character in the film.
Each and every scene and scenario is also dominated by men – – this omnipresent imbalance also serves to contribute to the MIS of each scene. Almost serves as a character once again.
Scene 1: Action – -Clarice working out on an obstacle course near Quantico.
Character MIS – – Who is she? Why is she so doggedly fixated on the course? Intrigue.
Scene MIS – – Woods are obscured by fog. Dangerous. She is running alone and vulnerable. Who is Crawford and what is so urgent she is pulled from her run to see him/her? Mystery.
Scene 2: Action – -Clarice meets with Crawford in Behavioral Sciences Department to discuss an assignment.
Stakes – -She wants to work with Crawford in BS upon graduation. The trajectory of her career. She is in a building – – then an elevator surrounded by men – – giving her something to prove to herself and them.
Scene MIS – – Wall of grisly material about Buffalo Bill murders. Crime scene photos, etc. Crawford says: “Believe me, you don’t want Hannibal Lecter inside your head!” Why. Who is he? What has he done? Mystery, intrigue.
Scene 3: Action – – Clarice meets with Dr. Chilton.
Stakes – – being taken seriously. Chilton demeans her by sexualizing her. She needs to establish herself as professional. Someone to be taken seriously.
Scene MIS – – Chilton says: “He’s a monster, pure psychopath. So rare to capture one alive.” “Boy, are you ever to his taste.” What does that mean? “I don’t think Lecter’s seen a woman in 8 years.” Suspense. Physical environment – – down and down and down we go into the subterranean. Layer upon layer upon layers of heavy, iron security doors. What is on the photo Crawford shows Clarice of what Hannibal did to nurse in ’81? Mystery.
Scene 4: Action – -Admittance to exterior of Hannibal’s cell for interview.
Stakes – -Being taken seriously as a woman within the Bureau – – not someone who will sleep her way to the top or be taken advantage of. Again – – all male environment.
Character MIS – -Clarice says: “Maybe we’ll have better luck if I go in by myself.” Suspense. Is this wise – – or safe?
Scene MIS – – environment. Massive number of weapons on wall of office previous to Hannibal’s cubical. Why is this necessary? Creates intrigue. Inmates she must pass to get to Lecter – – who heckle and threaten her. Who are they? What are they in for? Creates mystery and suspense.
Scene 5: Action – -Clarice interviews Hannibal.
Stakes – – A professional feather in her cap if Lecter cooperates. Her life – – he is a psychopath and could kill her.
Character MIS – – Hannibal says: “You’re one of Crawford’s, aren’t you?” How does he know this? Why is this significant? It seems alarming appealing to him. Why? Intrigue.
Scene MIS – – she comes close to glass – – when instructed not to. They are so close with just glass between them. Uber dangerous – – creates intrigue and suspense.
Scene 6: Action – – Clarice has a flashback to childhood – – greeting her dad after his shift. He is a law enforcement officer.
Stakes – – Keep Hannibal out of her head. He has already begun the descent into her psyche.
Character MIS – – when she sees her crummy car he referred to she is shamed about her past. Intrigue. His subliminal manipulations are working to his advantage. Suspense.
Scene 7: Action – -Starling is doing training exercises.
Stakes – – Career.
Scene MIS – – when she fails exercise her instructor says: “Starling, you’re dead!” Suspense…..is this foreshadowing of things to come?
Scene 8: Action – – Clarice is researching Hannibal on Microfiche when a call from Crawford comes in.
Stakes – – He life. Trajectory of her career.
Scene MIS – – Miggs is dead. Intrigue and suspense. Hannibal has avenged for her.
Scene 9: Action – – Clarice examines “Yourself Storage” unit.
Stakes – – proving hunch correct.
Scene MIS – – physical surroundings……dark, night, storm, door won’t open. All create suspense. Owner of units says: “ Privacy is great concern for my customers.” Why? Who are “his customers”? Mystery. Edgar Allen Poe-esque aspect of storage unit creates intrigue.
Scene 10: Action – – Clarice returns to update Lecter on storage unit search.
Stakes – – Lecter offers her a psychological profile of Buffalo Bill. Career. Lecter queries: “Do you think Jack Crawford wants you?” Keep him out of her head.
Character MIS – – Intimacy of how she physically interacts with Lecter – – ignoring rules set forth by those guarding him. The way she sits in the floor outside the glass – – then almost gets hit in the head by the drawer extending – – create suspense. When asked by Lecter how she felt when she saw victim Clarice says: “Scared at first, then exhilarated.” Creates intrigue.
Scene MIS – – Atmosphere again….night, storm, dungeon-like cell.
Scene 11: Action – – Catherine returning home – – subsequently being conned into van and being abducted.
Stakes – -for Bill to capture his prey.
Scene MIS – – atmosphere, night, music playing in Catharine’s car create mystery. Love tattoo on assailant creates intrigue. Size 14 dress creates intrigue. Why is this significant? Cat in window watching van drive away creates suspense.
Scene 12: Action – – Drills at Quantico.
Stakes – – Clarice must establish herself as a physically capable and worthy adversary. She must be able to protect herself in the field.
Character MIS – – her newfound fierceness creates intrigue.
Scene MIS – -a sea of men coming at her – – symbolism creates suspense.
Scene 13: Action – – Clarice is pulled from class – – told to pack up and go to West Virginia for a Buffalo Bill type situation..
Stakes – – advancement of her career.
Scene MIS – – drill happening as back drop serves as metaphor and potential foreshadowing of what is to come. Creates suspense.
Scene 14: Action – – Plane ride with Crawford – – briefing takes place.
Scene MIS – – Crawford informs her the victims were….”alive 3 days, then he shoots them, skins them, then dumps them – – each body in a different rover.” Creates intrigue and suspense.
Scene 15: Action – – Car ride to Elk River Virginia – – Crawford elicits Starling’s potential profile of killer.
Stakes – – career advancement. Chance to secure working with Lecter on the Buffalo Bill profile. Calls Crawford out for set-up.
Scene MIS – – Clarice in Backseat of car – – unable to see Crawford’s reactions as she gives her potential profile of killer. Builds intrigue. Why has he subjugated her? Why does he not want her seeing his face?
Scene 16: Action – – Arrive at Funeral Home – – introduction to local, Sherrif Perkins.
Stakes – – hold her own in this male dominated, hostile environment where men are looking down on her. Keep Hannibal out of her head as flashbacks of her dad return.
Scene MIS – – Crawford ices her out – – takes Sherrif to talk of sex crimes in private – – demeaning to Clarice. Also – – accentuates she is alone in a sea of chauvinism again as officers ogle her. Creates intrigue. Why did Crawford choose to do this? What is his game plan?
Scene 17: Action – – Starling brought into command central with Crawford to commence investigation.
Stakes – -Establish hierarchy. Prove herself capable and in charge to these “men” as she profiles dead body of victim.
Scene MIS – – men looking down on her – – sideways at her when she sends them packing. Creates mystery and suspense. Will there be a backlash?
Scene 18: Action – – Car ride after examination of body.
Stakes – – being respected. Being taken seriously.
Scene 19: Action – – Clarice checks on entomology of moth at insect museum.
Stakes – – Break the case.
Scene MIS – – the name of the moth = Death’s-Head Hawk Moth. Creates intrigue. Entomologist says: “Somebody grew this guy, fed him honey and nightshade, kept him warm. Somebody LOVED him.” Creates mystery. Who? Why? Ultra creepy! Intrigue.
Scene 20: Action – – Potential home and killing ground of Buffalo Bill.
Scene MIS – – Who is in the well. Why are they being kept alive? For how long will they be kept alive? Where is this? Atmosphere again – – subterranean again. Creates mystery and intrigue.
Scene 21: Action – – Lobby of building at Quantico – – TV news playing giving exposition about Catherine Martin having been abducted by Buffalo Bill. Clarice sees this.
Stakes – – Saving Catherine before she is murdered.
Scene 22: Action – – Clarice shows up at hospital where Lecter is housed – – for the 3<sup>rd</sup> time. Presents him with a deal.
Stakes – – nailing Buffalo Bill. Her career trajectory.
Scene MIS – – why is Chilton listening in? Creates mystery and intrigue? Hannibal tells her that Bill’s pathology is 1000 times more savage and terrifying than Clarice knows. How? Why? Creates mystery.
Scene 23: Action – – Basement dungeon of Buffalo Bill where Catherine is being held.
Stakes – – Catherine staying alive.
Scene MIS – – Bill is on the verge of tears. Why? Creates intrigue. What does Catherine see on the wall the makes her hysterical? Mystery.
Scene 24: Action – – Session with Hannibal and Chilton.
Stakes – – Chilton’s career advancement – – fame. Hanibal’s escape.
Scene MIS – – the pen creates suspense. Circumstance of Hannibal being potentially moved creates suspense.
Scene 25: Action – – Phone call between Crawford and FBI director Burke exposing false deal offered to Lecter by Clarice.
Stakes – – whereabouts of Catherine. Getting to her before she is killed.
Scene MIS – -Justice Department’s Paul Krendler taking over. Suspense.
Scene 26: Action – – Chilton holds court at Shelby County Courthouse.
Stakes – – fame. Accolades.
Scene 27: Action – – Clarice signs in to see Lecter under false pretenses.
Stakes – – Catherine’s life. Clarice’s career goals. Apprehending Buffalo Bill. Reputation and credibility with Lecter.
Character MIS – – Clarice solves anagram. Intrigue.
Scene MIS – – Hannibal caresses her hand when he hands the file off to her. Foreshadowing creating suspense.
Scene 28: Action – – Hannibal delivered 2<sup>nd</sup> meal at his request. Attacks officers and escapes.
Stakes – – freedom.
Character MIS – -ordering rare Lamb Chops. Metaphor – -potential message for Clarice? Creates intrigue. Potential suspense.
Scene 29: Action – – Officers in lobby of courthouse see movement in elevator.
Stakes – – safety of officers and community.
Scene MIS – – Where did Hannibal go? How did he escape? Mystery and suspense.
Scene 30: Action – – Taking of injured officer to hospital in elevator.
Stakes – – His life. Everyone’s life.
Scene MIS – -Why is blood dripping from the elevator ceiling? Is it Lecter? Suspense. Why does the suspect shot in the leg not move? Mystery.
Scene 31: Action – – Clarice informed of Lecter’s escape in her room at Quantico.
Stakes – – everyone’s safety.
Scene 32: Action – – Buffalo Bill is sewing.
Scene MIS – – what is hew sewing? Skin? Intrigue. Is Catherine still alive? Suspense.
Scene 33: Action – – Clarice poring over documents Lecter gave her trying to solve Bill’s whereabouts.
Stakes – – Catherine’s freedom. Capture of Buffalo Bill. Clarice’s career goals. Saving face (pardon pun! Lol)
Scene MIS – – Covet what we see every day. What does Bill see every day that would tell her where he lives? Intrigue, mystery.
Scene 34: Action – – Clarice goes to a victim’s house.
Stakes – – Bill’s capture.
Scene 35: Action – – Well where Catherine is being held captive. She plants a trap for Bill’s dog. Suspense.
Stakes – – her freedom.
Scene MIS – – for whom is Bill videotaping himself? Intrigue.
Scene 36: Action – – Clarice interviews victim’s friend.
Stakes – – getting to Catherine before she is killed.
Scene 37: Action – – Stand off between Bill and Catherine – – who has his dog hostage. Clarice turns up to interview victim’s boss – – Mrs. Littman.
Stakes – –her own safety. Saving Catherine. Bill’s stakes – – keeping Catherine for himself. His freedom.
Scene MIS – – Bill’s inappropriate questions about victim’s size. Moth landing on spools. The skin suit. He kills lights. Suspense. Intrigue. Mystery.
Scene 38: Action – – Crawford shows up.
Scene 39: Action – – Clarice graduates.
Scene 40: Action – – Graduation celebration ensues. Hannibal phones her.
Stakes – – Safety – – herself and the world.
Scene MIS – – Hannibal states: “I’m having an old friend for dinner.” He is looking at Chilton at the time. Suspense. Creates mystery for Clarice. Where is he? Is she safe? Who is he going to kill?
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Diane Phelps’ Stacking Suspense model,
YES this is a good lesson. I’ve watched the movies but I was dealing with the hurricane and really couldn’t break down every detail. I’ll rewatch and follow every scene. I didn’t want to fall behind in the class So Im posting now without the breakdowns, only the promise to do my part. Thanks, Diane
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<b cid=”n2″ mdtype=”heading”>Assignment 1:
Things I learned:
- This stacking MIS is happening at so many levels, often simultaneously.
- Everything is ripe with deception, including, of course, the performances, directing, an cinematography.
- It never lets up, up to and including the very last controversial shot.
<b cid=”n17″ mdtype=”heading”>Assignment 2:
What I learned:
- First, I haven’t seen Silence of the Lambs since it came out. I forgot, or perhaps never knew, just how great a movie it is.
- Doing this exercise made me hyper-aware of the intricate level of detail in the way MIS is heightened throughout the film.
- Beneath the surface, there is some incredible detail highlighting the vulnerability of Clarice vs. her toughness. Just about every male character, including Crawford and Chilton, lord it over her, either subtly or blatantly demeaning her. But it goes further. In the opening segment, we see Clarice called into the FBI building to meet Crawford. She enters an elevator filled with tall me in orange, all at least a foot taller than her. Throughout the movie, we see these kinds of images and hear dialogue that demeans her. Weirdly, or perhaps not, the only male character who truly appreciates her talent is Lecter. Clarice, of course, ends up owning all of them. And what a performance by Jodie Foster to show both her vulnerability and power.
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Assignment 1
What I learned:
1. We are never truly sure of Tramell’s guilt or innocence. This uncertainty keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
2. The movie employs sexuality as a narrative tool to deepen the mystery and raise the stakes of the story.
3. No character is purely good or bad. This helps keep suspense alive, as we are never entirely sure about characters’ motivations.
4. The film delves into the backgrounds of its central characters, which not only gives them depth but also offers clues and red herrings crucial to the mystery.
5. The use of hints and clues that indicating future events is throughout the film. Effective foreshadowing can build suspense.
6. The script is filled with dialogue that often carry double meanings, adding layers to the mystery and the characters.
7.
The film doesn’t offer a clear resolution, leaving room for interpretation.Assignment 2: Silence of the Lambs Scene MIS
SCENE 1: Clarice’s Training Course
– Essence of Scene: Clarice is in the middle of a physical training exercise at the FBI Academy.
– Stakes: Lives of the hostages.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Why is this young woman so determined? What drives her?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense: The sudden summons she receives adds a layer of mystery. Why is she being pulled from her training?
SCENE 2: Crawford’s Briefing
– Essence of Scene: Clarice is briefed by Jack Crawford about interviewing Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
– Stakes: Obtaining information from Lecter about an ongoing case.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Why did Crawford choose her for this task?
– Suspense: How will she handle this high-pressure assignment?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: Who is Buffalo Bill? What’s Lecter’s connection to the case?
– Suspense: The dangerous reputation of Dr. Lecter heightens the stakes.
SCENE 3: Clarice’s First Visit to the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane
– Essence of Scene: Clarice meets Dr. Chilton and then Dr. Lecter for the first time.
– Stakes: Will Lecter help, or is Clarice in danger?
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Mystery: Why is she willing to risk so much?
– Intrigue: Her bravery in facing Lecter.
– Suspense: How will she navigate Lecter’s manipulations?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: What happened between Lecter and the last person who visited him?
– Intrigue: Lecter’s coded message about a former patient.
– Suspense: The palpable tension as she walks past the other inmates.
SCENE 4: Clarice and Hannibal’s Initial Interaction
– Essence of Scene: Clarice tries to question Lecter, and he probes into her personal history.
– Stakes: Gaining Lecter’s trust and assistance.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Mystery: There are hints of her traumatic past.
– Intrigue: Her strategy and determination in dealing with Lecter.
– Suspense: Will she buckle under Lecter’s pressure?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: Why is Lecter showing interest in Clarice?
– Intrigue: Lecter’s insight into the Buffalo Bill case.
– Suspense: The dynamic and unpredictable nature of their conversation. Will he help her or get in her head to use her?
SCENE 5: Clarice’s Reflection After Leaving the Hospital
– Essence of Scene: Clarice processes her interaction with Lecter and gets a clue related to the case.
– Stakes: Understanding Lecter’s hints and progressing in the Buffalo Bill case.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Mystery: How will she use the clues provided by Lecter?
– Suspense: Can she decode the information in time to make a difference in the case?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: What does Lecter know about the case that others don’t?
– Intrigue: The significance of the “two can play” hint.
– Suspense: The ongoing threat of Buffalo Bill and what he might do next.
SCENE 6: Clarice’s Flashback to her Father’s Funeral
– Essence of Scene: We see a young Clarice at her father’s funeral.
– Stakes: Insight into Clarice’s past and her emotional vulnerabilities.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Mystery: What exactly happened to her father?
– Intrigue: How has this event shaped her motivations and career choices?
SCENE 7: Examination of the Body
– Essence of Scene: Clarice and Crawford examine the body of one of Buffalo Bill’s victims.
– Stakes: Finding any clues to help in the investigation.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Her meticulous observation skills.
– Suspense: What will she discover?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: The significance of the moth chrysalis in the victim’s throat.
– Suspense: The graphic nature of Buffalo Bill’s murders and the urgency to find him.
SCENE 8: Return to the Academy
– Essence of Scene: Clarice and her friend, Ardelia, investigate the chrysalis and relate it to the case.
– Stakes: Linking the discovered clue to Buffalo Bill.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Her dedication to the case, even off-duty.
– Suspense: Will this clue be significant in finding the killer?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: Why does Buffalo Bill leave the chrysalis in his victims?
SCENE 9: Second Meeting with Dr. Lecter
– Essence of Scene: Clarice returns to Lecter with the intent to gain more insights.
– Stakes: Obtaining more information from Lecter, while risking psychological exposure.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Mystery: Why is she so driven to engage with Lecter?
– Intrigue: The dynamic between her and Lecter; a mutual curiosity.
– Suspense: Will Lecter reveal more, or just play games?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: What more does Lecter know about Buffalo Bill?
– Suspense: The unpredictability of their interaction.
SCENE 10: Clarice’s Recollection of the Lamb Slaughter
– Essence of Scene: Clarice tells Lecter about a traumatic childhood memory involving the slaughtering of lambs.
– Stakes: Her personal trauma and its connection to her drive to save the abducted girl.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Mystery: What other traumas does she hide?
– Intrigue: The vulnerability she displays in front of Lecter.
– Suspense: How will Lecter use this personal information?
SCENE 11: Dr. Chilton’s Ambush
– Essence of Scene: Dr. Chilton reveals to Clarice that her deal with Lecter was a sham, and he has his own plan to use Lecter for fame.
– Stakes: The trust between Clarice and Lecter is jeopardized.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Suspense: How will she react to this betrayal?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Intrigue: Dr. Chilton’s ulterior motives and manipulation.
– Suspense: How will Lecter respond to this new deal?
SCENE 12: Lecter’s New Deal
– Essence of Scene: Dr. Chilton and the Senator negotiate a deal with Lecter, promising a transfer in exchange for information on Buffalo Bill.
– Stakes: Extracting genuine information from Lecter amidst these manipulations.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Lecter:
– Intrigue: His demand for a transfer, hinting at ulterior plans.
– Suspense: Will he genuinely help or is this another of his games?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: Does Lecter really know who Buffalo Bill is?
– Suspense: The desperation of the Senator and the ticking clock to save the senator’s daughter.
SCENE 13: Clarice Visits Lecter Again
– Essence of Scene: Clarice confronts Lecter about the false deal and seeks more information about Buffalo Bill.
– Stakes: Gaining genuine insights from Lecter amidst the deceptions.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Her determination and courage in facing Lecter again.
– Suspense: How far will she go to get the truth from him?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Intrigue: Lecter’s cryptic clues and insights about Buffalo Bill.
– Suspense: The tension between Clarice, Lecter, and the encroaching Dr. Chilton.
SCENE 14: Lecter’s Escape Plan
– Essence of Scene: While being prepared for transfer, Lecter assaults and kills his guards in a gruesome fashion.
– Stakes: The immediate danger posed by Lecter and the ramifications of his escape.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Lecter:
– Mystery: How exactly did he orchestrate this escape?
– Suspense: His violent actions and the unfolding escape plan.
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Suspense: The chaos of the escape scene and the uncertainty of capturing Lecter.
SCENE 15: The Aftermath of Lecter’s Escape
– Essence of Scene: Police and SWAT teams discover the extent of Lecter’s escape, finding bodies and realizing he’s disguised himself.
– Stakes: Capturing Lecter before he disappears.
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: Where is Lecter and what is his next move?
– Intrigue: His brilliant and grotesque means of diversion.
– Suspense: The manhunt and the realization that Lecter is disguised as one of the injured.
SCENE 16: Clarice Interviews Frederica Bimmel’s Friends
– Essence of Scene: Clarice digs deeper into the life of one of Buffalo Bill’s victims, Frederica Bimmel.
– Stakes: Unearthing clues about Buffalo Bill’s patterns or identity.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Her dedicated investigative approach, speaking to friends and retracing victims’ steps.
– Suspense: Will she find a lead connecting to Buffalo Bill?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: Why was Frederica Bimmel targeted?
SCENE 17: Investigation at the Victim’s House
– Essence of Scene: Clarice examines Bimmel’s room, looking for clues.
– Stakes: Understanding the connection or pattern among the victims.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Suspense: Will her investigation yield any actionable clues?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: The discovery of the dress patterns with diamond shapes cut out.
SCENE 18: Dr. Lecter’s New Location
– Essence of Scene: The authorities find that Lecter is in a different city, having killed a tourist for his possessions.
– Stakes: Capturing Lecter before he blends into obscurity.
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Suspense: Where will Lecter strike next? How will the authorities close in on him?
– Intrigue: Lecter’s resourcefulness in changing his identity and evading capture.
SCENE 19: Clarice’s Realization and Call to Crawford
– Essence of Scene: Clarice connects the dots about Buffalo Bill’s intentions with the women’s skins.
– Stakes: Understanding Buffalo Bill’s motivations to predict his next move.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Her ability to piece together disparate clues.
– Suspense: The urgency to share her findings with Crawford.
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: Why is Buffalo Bill collecting women’s skins? What’s his endgame?
SCENE 20: The FBI’s Raid Preparations
– Essence of Scene: Crawford and the FBI prepare to raid a house they believe to be Buffalo Bill’s.
– Stakes: Capturing Buffalo Bill and rescuing the senator’s daughter.
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Suspense: The anticipation of the raid and the uncertainty of its outcome.
– Intrigue: The collected evidence pointing towards this location.
SCENE 21: Clarice Visits Another Victim’s Home
– Essence of Scene: Clarice decides to visit the home of another victim in Ohio, hoping to find more clues.
– Stakes: Piecing together more information about Buffalo Bill’s selection process and possible identity.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Her persistent, hands-on approach to the investigation.
– Suspense: What might she discover that others have missed?
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Mystery: Are there any connections between this victim and the others?
SCENE 22: FBI’s False Lead
– Essence of Scene: The FBI raids a home they believe to be Buffalo Bill’s, only to realize it’s a false lead.
– Stakes: The immediate danger to the senator’s daughter and the wasted time.
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Suspense: The build-up to the raid and the subsequent realization.
– Intrigue: If this isn’t Buffalo Bill’s location, where is he?
SCENE 23: Clarice’s Discovery
– Essence of Scene: While interviewing friends of the victim, Clarice stumbles upon Buffalo Bill’s house.
– Stakes: The life of the senator’s daughter and Clarice’s own safety.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Suspense: The realization and danger as she stands at Buffalo Bill’s door.
– Intrigue: Her decision to proceed despite being alone and potentially outgunned.
SCENE 24: The Showdown
– Essence of Scene: Clarice is in Buffalo Bill’s house. She discovers his gruesome workshop and eventually confronts him.
– Stakes: Capturing Buffalo Bill, rescuing the senator’s daughter, and Clarice’s own survival.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Suspense: Navigating the dark, eerie environment of the house, knowing Buffalo Bill could be anywhere.
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Suspense: The game of cat and mouse between Clarice and Buffalo Bill, especially during the power outage.
SCENE 25: Aftermath of the Showdown
– Essence of Scene: The aftermath of the confrontation, with the FBI arriving and the senator’s daughter being rescued.
– Stakes: Processing the trauma of the confrontation and understanding the entire scope of Buffalo Bill’s actions.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: How will she cope with the trauma and the enormity of her actions?
SCENE 26: Clarice’s Graduation
– Essence of Scene: Clarice Starling graduates from the FBI Academy.
– Stakes: Clarice’s achievement and transition from a trainee to an FBI agent.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Intrigue: Her feelings and reflections on her journey, especially after confronting Buffalo Bill.
SCENE 27: Phone Call from Dr. Lecter
– Essence of Scene: At the graduation party, Clarice receives a call from Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
– Stakes: Lecter’s intentions and the fact that he remains free.
– Character MIS (Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense):
– Clarice:
– Suspense: The sudden realization that Lecter is reaching out to her.
– Intrigue: Her emotional and psychological response to his call.
– Lecter:
– Mystery: Where is he now? What is his plan?
– Intrigue: His statement that he won’t pursue Clarice.
– Suspense: His intentions regarding Dr. Chilton.
– Other Mystery, Intrigue, Suspense:
– Suspense: Lecter’s ominous hint at “having an old friend for dinner,” implying a threat to Dr. Chilton.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Kaden San.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by
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Miller’s BI Stacking Suspense
I learned that this is an intense exercise that requires a good amount of attention. My biggest take away is that watching the film a second time really brought the chart home for me. My brain hates following directions, so watching a film twice and learning this new skill was extremely helpful and encouraging – I always think I am doing it wrong and will never understand – even though I prove myself wrong about that all the time . I also learned that watching a film I am very familiar with, especially the second film we had to model, Bourne Identity, that my knowledge of who he was and what he was doing got in my way. I am looking forward to doing the same for a fresh thriller that is new to me. And, a final take way was that I can see how simple the plan is, and how it is built into the whole. Bird By Bird.
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Miller’s SOTL Stacking Suspense
I learned that Bourne Identity is fairly simple in design, which blows my mind. I have always loved Tony Gilroy and the BI. It begins with mystery, a question, danger, and it ends the same way – with the introduction of a new more profitable program, Blackbriar. I wrote the chart by hand and then I went back and watched the film a second time, which was really helpful to not only learn the chart, but it gives a deeper understanding, at least for me.
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Michael L Harris’s BI Stacking Suspense Lesson
What I learned from following the stacking suspense model on BASIC INSTINCT
1. There is a lot of set up that one misses without really analyzing the film.
2. A well-constructed script can have one assuming a villain in one scene doubting yourself and fluctuating back and forth throughout the whole movie. In this movie the two red herring characters, possibly three if you think about it as Hazel comes across as a red herring in some ways, on the other hand I found myself wondering as time went on if Roxy and Hazel were not more accomplices than just red herrings.
3. That MIS can be accomplished in scenes that have virtually no dialogue.
4. Breaking down the film in this way helps us better understand the structure and gives us a format for constructing our own.
5. That MIS is spread out across the film but at least one of the elements is in every scene.
6. The innate irrationality of humans at times can increase MIS and also provides ready reason for suspecting even the innocent.
Michael L Harris’s SOTL Stacking Suspense – Bourne Identity
Things I learned that will help me write stronger thrillers.
1. One line of dialogue can speak volumes…. “I want Bourne in a body bag…”, “You have to decide now, Marie…” “Who the hell are you?” “Look what they require of us.” (This one assassin was a family name and yet he was required to give his life on an order to kill Bourne.
2. I need to develop a better understanding of MIS so that I can easily incorporate it into every thriller script.
3. Backstory is better revealed in the present that through flash backs. In Bourne we only saw a brief flashback to Bourne’s past and the central mystery of how he got into the predicament he was in but even, so this flashback was incorporated into a moment of lucidity in the present when the past came back to him. It was what he was seeing in his present mind.
4. Every scene built toward the suspenseful conclusion.
5. The two lead-characters were defined and even revealed through the MIS bult into the script.
6. The stakes in Bourne we high in every scene, yet often very subtle. In one of the first scenes it seemed to me that the high stake was Jason Bourne’s memory itself, would he remember who he was and how would he process that information.
7. Even the final scene of the movie, as relatively low key as it was, had suspense and high stakes built into it. Would Marie accept Jason back into her life?
8. Action creates MIS. Though it can be subtle, like Bourne checking out the people in the restaurant, on the bridge and in the embassy.
9. Montage can be used effectively to create suspense and reveal character and pieces of the story if done well. I think specifically of the montage of assassins that would be sent after Bourne. I barely noticed the spy who Bourne killed at the chateau interacting with a child in the assassin montage, but his last words and the montage created an impactful moment for me when my mind put the two together.
10. Perhaps not learned directly from this lesson but enhanced by it is the thought that in order for any of these elements to work you really have to have a clear idea of the story you are telling. You can insert as much action, mystery, intrigue and suspense into a script as you want but unless you know the story you want to tell and tell it in every scene, the whole comes off flat…
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Michael HARRIS.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by
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