Initial Film Noir Ideas

Synopsis for Noir Opening

We begin with a shot of a darkened room. As the camera moves around the room various shadows come in and out of focus and with the assistance of dooming music the main titles are rolled. As they finish, there is a shot behind of a man sitting at a desk with a laptop. On the laptop he types in the name of the film.

There is a close up of his face which is cast half in shadow and he has a look of both guilt and excitement. He begins to type. As he writes, the narrator begins to speak and it is established that it is the writer speaking. He begins talking about the story he is writing and on cue the scene dissolves into another location.

The new scene is a dark secluded wooded area and there is diagetic sound of natural wildlife. Before you can catch your breath a man runs into shot looking highly agitated and seemingly out of breath. He looks around frantically and then moves off again quickly. The camera moves off in another direction.

Another character is established in another part of the same area. At first their face is not seen as they keep to the cover of shadows and low hanging branches. After a few seconds there is an over the shoulder shot which establishes that the ‘Stalker’ now has a clear view of the other man. However, the other man is not yet aware of this.

Gradually the man becomes aware of the second presence and breaks out into a sprint. At the same time the music breaks out with increased volume and intensity as the editing quickens and the actions of the fleeing man become frantic. The ‘Stalker’ pursues him forcefully.

Eventually, the man outpaces his assailant and takes refuge in a slight dip in the terrain. He listens out carefully for any noise and when he hears nothing but the usual chattering and chirping of birds he begins to relax.

As he looks around he notices a small flower drooping in the ground. When he examines it more closely he realises it is stained with blood and the background music becomes dooming. The man looks around slowly, with a resigned look, and comes face to face with the ‘Stalker.’

We cut to close ups of the men’s feet as they struggle urgently. After a few seconds a ripping sound is heard and the man’s feet become still. The drooping flower drops to the ground softly.

The scene dissolves as the flower hits the ground and we are once more confronted with the writer at his desk with his laptop. He sighs. An over the shoulder shot is established and when he flips his laptop down another person’s shadow is revealed. The figure walks into the dim light without the writer looking up. It is the ‘Stalker.’





Treatment

Editing:
At first the editing will be fairly slow and simple to reflect the calm nature of the writer at his desk. Each cut should be in time to the music during the main titles. When there is a close up of the writer the shots will linger on him for slightly longer so that the audience can properly gauge his emotions at the time. When he begins to write, the shots will alternate between his face and the keyboard. As the scene dissolves the camera will focus on the laptop screen.
During the chase sequence in the woods the editing will be both cautious and rapid at different times. At first, when the setting is being established the editing will slow to allow the audience to take in the deserted isolated nature of the location.
However during the actual chase the editing will speed up to keep up with the music and help add to the tension and urgency. There may be quick shots of just feet or faces. It will be designed to make the environment look menacing and chaotic.

Cinematography:
In the writer’s location there will be low key visuals and simple shots of the writer. As the main titles roll the camera will be positioned at different parts of the room and will create more interesting shots using Dutch tilts and reflections from mirrors etc. as he begins to write there will be close ups of both the keyboard and the screen.
In the wooded area there will be establishing wide shots to give the audience perspective. When each character is shot, they will be positioned in correlation to the trees. It will be made to look like the trees are powerful and menacing using low angle shots of the trees and high angle ones of the men.
During the struggle only the feet will be in shot and the flower will begin it’s descent out of shot and then fall straight into the middle of the frame.
In the final part, the laptop will close to reveal the shadow of the ‘Stalker.’

Mise En Scene:
The writer’s room will be cast heavily in shadow to emphasise the dominant presence of the writer. Reflections will be used to increase the dim light on occasions of particular drama such as the reveal of the ‘Stalker.’ The writer himself will be wearing quite shabby clothes and look fairly ragged. The light from the laptop will highlight the writer’s face.
In the woods all of the surroundings will be natural. The two characters there will look very out of place.

Sound:
Throughout the piece there will always be music but it will change in volume and intensity. When there is a lull, such as at the beginning of the woods part diagetic sound will be more prominent and add to the naturalistic atmosphere. The music will be intense during the chase and dooming at the killing.
For most of the time a voiceover of the writer will be heard. He will describe the action in a poetic way. Perhaps the sort of language you would expect to find in a novel. He will mention the ‘Stalker’ with a mixture of distaste and reverence.