Source Code

Source Code (2011)

Director:

Duncan Jones

Writer:

Ben Ripley

Stars:

Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga 

Genre:

Action-thriller

Plot summary: 

A soldier wakes up to find himself in the body of an unknown man and discovers that he will be involved in finding the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. 

Success:

Source Code's estimated budget was $32 million and collected a successful $147,332,697 at the box office. A review by Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian stated that "with twists and turns, and at breathtaking speed, this film runs on rails" which agrees with an other review that similarly described the storyline as one that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Alongside this, the film "aspires slightly to the status of comedy" which is a typical feature of a Hitchcockian thriller.

Trailer:

An effective trailer includes the best action shots of the film to engage the audience's interest without giving too much away and I believe that this trailer succeeds in doing so. The editing rapidly alternates the action shots in order to include every possible scene "with twists and turns" to emphasise Colter's confusion, ensuring that the audience identify him as the protagonist. Other longer shots reveal possible chemistry between Colter and Christina to assure the viewer that there will be some light breaks from the fast-paced action. More use of longer shots include the establishing shot of the urban, cosmopolitan Chicago city skyline. This is used to attract a wider audience by creating a connection with viewers of varying age and background. Despite this, I think that the main target audience will typically be males between the ages of 13-25 because of the action and thrill displayed through explosions and conflict in the trailer.

Opening:



The opening of Source Code begins immediately with Colter waking up disorientated, reacting to every little sound around him which emphasises his confusion. The editing is short and snappy which reflects his state of mind as he attempts to come to terms with his new identity as Sean Fentress. Furthermore, the attention to detail with strangers and left luggage foreshadows his future actions when he finds out that his job will be to find the bomber of the train. Christina who speaks in calming, unintentionally oblivious way, forms the contrast between the two characters which again, further emphasises his confused state of mind.

Behind the Train Scenes:



This clip reveals how Source Code has been influenced by Hitchcock films like Strangers on a Train (1951) in terms of the opening (Colter and Christina meeting for the first time) and North by North West (1959, mistaken identity of an oblivious, victimised man).

Phone Call scene:



A successful thriller allows the audience to take a break from the intense action and thrill. Source Code has provided the viewer with an emotional scene of Colter ringing his dad as Ben Fentress to announce his son's death. Although it remains intense, it allows the audience to detach themselves from the explosions and drama of the action-thriller. The shots are longer than usual, with little dialogue at some points to truly grasp the emotion.