Study of Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998) - Guy Richie

The opening shot of this film is of two men selling stolen goods in a back-alley. As soon as the film starts, it already involves crime and corruption; there are illegal activities happening from the start of the film, which indicates there will be crime and corruption throughout the film. Crime and corruption are thriller signifiers and can help create a thriller atmosphere for a film.

The film appears to be about the two men selling the illegal goods; this shows that the main characters are male, and that there are male protagonists in the film. Male protagonists are significant thriller signifier and are common in many thriller genre films. This also indicates that there will be a predominantly male cast throughout the film, which is also a thriller signifier.

The lighting in the opening scene of the film is typical outside lighting, rather than the classic-thriller-signifying chiaroscuro lighting. This shows how Guy Richie has tried to challenge the classic thriller genre conventions. Also, the men are saying humorous comments rather than being serious, which also shows how the film challenges the classic thriller conventions; thrillers tend to have serious plots and characters.

The narrative of the film is shown through both character dialogue and internal monologue. Internal monologues are common thriller signifiers and are commonly used in thriller films. The internal monologue is used in the opening scene to tell the audience about the characters. This helps get the audience 'hooked' and intrigued with the story and make them want to watch more; the internal monologue makes you question the characters and helps create mystery. Mystery is also a very significant thriller signifier.

The location of the opening scene is a run-down, urban city. This is a common thriller signifier and helps emphasise the fact there is crime and corruption present in the film. Also, the film being filmed in the UK and with a British cast, makes the film easier for the British public to relate to (which is what I am my film to be able to do).

The editing in the opening scene consists of the use of slow motion for parts of the film. This helps emphasise the shots that are put in slow motion. Also, the credits are separate to the footage rather than being over-layed onto the shots. This helps build up suspense and intrigue as the audience cannot see what is happening when the credits are on screen.

The music in the opening scene is rock music. This challenges the classic thriller conventions by not using jazz type music which is used in older thriller, especially film-noirs. The music starts half way through the opening scene and indicates something is about to happen; the music builds up tension. Then suddenly the police start chasing to two salesmen, the music speeds up and becomes louder. This helps add a dramatic effect and helps build up excitement for the audience; the music helps keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

This film is one of the influences for my thriller 'Abduction'. One way this film links to mine is that they both try to challenge the classic thriller conventions; both films' music is modern rather than jazz, and the purpose of the music (tension building) is the same. Also, the mise en scene of both films are similar as both films are set in urban, run-down areas. The sub-genres of both films also involve crime and corruption in the UK. Finally, both films enable the British public to relate to them more than Hollywood films do. This is due to the fact they may know the places the films are shot, and also the characters are British. However, my thriller 'Abduction' is not as humorous and relaxed as this film and has a more sinister atmosphere.