Essex Boys notes

Essex Boys

(2000)

Director – Terry Winsor

Release Date - 14th July 2000 (UK)

Genre – Crime, Thriller

Production Company - Granada Film Productions

The opening music to the film is very dramatic and scary. This already shows what kind film it is adding suspense to the opening. All we can hear is a scratching noise, we do not know what this is, it increases the tension. This non-diagetic sound of scratching suggets that the film is full of thrills. The use of the black screen is a nior feature and a clue to the genre.
The establishing shot of the driver in the garage is lit my chiaroscuro lighting which suggests not only the genre but communicates someone is in the garage. Diagetic sounds such as the footsteps suggest the garage is a claustrophobic space which is a key feature of the thriller genre. The setting is full of cobwebs this adds a spooky 'halloween' feel to the place and adds to the gothic look. In the garage the boys breath is visible, this adds chill to the scene and gives the audience an idea of how cold it is.
The voice over which can be heard next is of an Essex accent, along with the title this gives a clue to the viewer to where about the film is going to be set. The voice is very soft which suggests the innocence of the Billy Reynolds; it also engages the audience with the film because he is addressing the viewers. The first shot of Jason through the car window gives the audience a clue to what Jason is like, there is a voice over, slightly explaining Jason. He is corrupt, dirty and stands in a position which suggests he isn’t an innocent character.
The deserted roads, walls up either side and the rain gives the audience an idea of what Essex is like, industrialised and unattractive. The place reflects the genre here. The long deserted tunnel in which Jason and Billy drive down is almost like a barrel of a gun; this is an aspect of the thriller genre and maybe gives us a clue to what may be involved in the film.
The light reflecting on the car suggests jail bars, as though Billy is captured and blinded. The bars could also represent a piano, as though Billy is getting played by Jason. Behind the light reflecting bars on the car we can see a close up of Billy's face, this is very important in films, it gives the audience the chance to try and read Billy's character. The white van is also another aspect of the thriller genre, along with the bars it is as though Billy is going into Jason’s world. The ‘Welcome to Essex’ sign is an ironic shot, we are entering Jason’s place and stepping into the thriller.
The point of view shot of Jason beating up another man which can be seen through the car window screen is a point of view shot because it is as though we are Billy, we are stepping into Billy’s shoes. This gives the audience a clue to Billy’s character and gets them involved in the film. The final shot of the van on the marshes is a cultural signifier, it suggests their whereabouts. The mise-en-scene focuses on aspects of the place, social class and gender.