Case Study: Kill Bill volume 1

Thriller conventions in Kill Bill 1 Opening Sequence:

Before we actually  see any action, a sound bridge is used where all the audience can hear is a gunshot then extreme screaming which already convey's the thriller genre as it is adding tension, suspense and creates fear.  A proverb appears on screen and states ' Revenge is a dish best served cold' This hints that this is an action thriller and the bride wants revenge on Bill, although his identity is hidden.

Lighting and Colour:

The colour saturation is black and white which is a convention of the thriller genre as it relates to film noir. This creates a mysterious and menacing atmosphere, already making the audience feel uneasy. The use of this colour is already foreshadowing that something terrible or disturbing is going to happen. Also chiaroscuro lighting is used which also links to a mood of mystery. Alternatively, it could be implying that the darkness is a negative aspect. Whereas, the light could be signifying escape and the dark appears to be a threat. Therefore, this lighting could be showing converse between good and evil. This could be an inter-textual reference from 'The Good, The Bad And The Ugly' as the title is illustrating a difference in individuals. Tarantino uses black and white in the beginning of the film due to being inspired by how black and white films looked when cinemas first came around. This  links to classic noir films such as 'The Third Man' and 'Gilda', therefore Tarantino is paying tribute to the noir tradition.

Characters:

Bill is wearing cowboy boots which makes him seem flash - he is wearing a ring too, portraying himself as a conceited character. The heel on the boots insinuates that he wants to make himself look bigger and appear as intimidating to other people, therefore the audience learn that he is dominant. The tracking shot of the footsteps we hear from Bill sound threatening.  Furthermore, Bill has his name on his handkerchief which infers that he is vain and think's he is important and more significant than any one else. This could be an inter-textual reference to Jason in 'Essex Boys' who is also conceited. Enigma is used when Bill first appears as the audience can't see his face, but they already learn these things about him.

 

'The Bride'  is first seen with blood on her face and it is obvious to the audience that she is in pain through a close-up of her facial expression. The blood implies that she is a victim of something. Moreover, we are able to tell that she is terrified due to the sound of her breathing heavily to begin with as it indicates that she is currently in an uncomfortable situation.

Soundtrack:

A song being played is Nancy Sinatra - Bang Bang. This is an appropriate song as the word 'Bang' highlights danger.  For instance, these words could be associated with a gun being fired. Also, this could be a reference to Frank Sinatra who was involved with the mob - this  involved violent people which references elements of the thriller genre. This could link with 'Once Upon a Time in America' as the gangsters murdered Eve.

Inter-textual references between 'Kill Bill Volume 1 and Blue Velvet':

  The neighbourhood in Kill Bill appears to look  friendly, the use of colours makes the place look like a wonderful place to live. However, it isn't what it seems and a fight breaks out between The Bride and Vernita and glass gets broken and there is blood involved. Likewise, in 'Blue Velvet' the use of bright colours make the place look lovely but again it isn't what it seems as a man hosing his garden unexpectedly has a heart attack and the camera moves at a slow pace towards the grass and this is where the music changes to represent malevolence. Additionally, in Blue Velvet the television is in black and white showing a gun which implies fear and mystery as the only object the audience are focusing on is the gun. This could link to the soundtrack used in Kill Bill 'Bang Bang.'