Unknown Film Analysis

This post is about the film Unknown, which is a change from the usual Alfred Hitchcock I have described about in my previous posts. 

We'll start the post by analyzing the Unknown trailer. The trailer has typical elements that you would find in a thriller. The trailer has a lot of jumpucts to give the viewers an idea of the type of film it is. In addition the trailer uses fast action paced music, where it has climax until the end, where it shows the explosion of the hotel It room. It appeals to the audience because it keeps the audience on edge and leave them wondering WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?

The plot behind Unknown. 

Dr. Martin Harris awakens from his 4 day coma in Berlin to discover that his wife, Liz, suddenly doesn't recognize him and another man has taken his identity.Ignored by Berlins authorities and being hunted down by mysterious people who want him dead, he finds himself alone and confused.

With the aid of a young woman, who rescued him, he tries to find out the real reason of why he seems to be non existence. 

This film is based on the book Out of My Head by Didier Van Cauwelaert

Director:  Jaume Collet-Seura

Writer: Oliver Butcher, Stephen Cornwell. 

Starring: Liam Neeson(Dr Martin Harris), Diane Kruger (Gina) and January Jones (Liz)

It grossed up to $130, 786, 397 worldwide. 

The film had good characteristics that showed elements of a thriller. It had a lot of tension. One scene that stood out for me. 

We see Dr Harris tied up and trying to reach for the scissors that has been left on the dead nurse. The sound in the scene is very disorientating as it links in with Dr Harris mind: confusing. Moreover the lighting in the scene, is not bright a lot of blue undertone is used to give an illusion of mystery. 

The use of fast editing leading up to the escape is used to add tension to the scene, to make the audience more aware of the scene and feel as if they have taken the position of Dr Harris. 

Furthermore, the club scene has elements of a thriller. The loud booming music is heard in the background its threatening and disorientating- it doesn't makes sense. There's a sense of mystery as only dark shadows can be made out in the midst of all the people. The viewers share the Doctor Harris' and Gina's confusion. 

There also is use the McGuffin. The use Prince Shallah and his connection with world food, gives us the basis of the story. But we as the audience are primarily interested in Dr Harris. 

The car chase scene has included a lot of elements that have contributed to make it a memorable scene with a lot of tension. There is a lot of jumpcuts that make the scene have a bit more action. The sound played behind it is a fast paced string sound, to create tension. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1401152/