The Source Code

The Source Code (2011)

The source code is an action thriller based on a soldier who wakes up in the body of someone else, when he then discovers that he's part of a missions to find out who the bomber of the Chicago train was. 

Source code was directed by Duncan Jones and written by Ben Ripley. The film stars, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga. 

The estimated budget of the film was $32,000,000 and in the opening weekend the film made $14,812,094 in USA. 

Review:

"The story line keeps you on the edge of your seat and adds in enough humour to make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience"

I would definitely agree with this review as when I was watching it I didn't want to blink just in case I'd end up missing something. It also contains all of the key conventions which a thriller needs. 

Shown below is the trailer of the film:

What the trailer shows us is many different scenes of the film to show the rough story line of the film. this is done with loads of fast shots to make sure its all crammed in to the trailer. The director chose enough shots to entice the audience to go and see the film but not enough to give away what happens in the film. 

In the first five minutes of the film what you are shown is the main character waking up on the train all confused not knowing where he is, who he is or what he is doing. We then see him look around the train in a panic not knowing what is happening. The shots shown are rather long to match his feeling of disorientation. We then see the main character look in to the mirror in utter confusion as he looks in to the mirror and see's himself as someone else, which he then realises his not who he thought. 

Each of the train scenes are very important as they start of unaware and Captain Coulter Stevens seems very unsure about where he is and what has gone on. However as you continue watching you see how he starts to get used to who he is and the mission which he has to fulfil. You also see how the camera shots become quicker as he gets closer to revealing and finding out who planted the bomb on the train. In the train scenes you also see how Captain Coulter Stevens feelings and emotions change towards people on the train especially towards Christina. Who at first he was rather harsh against not knowing who she was, but later in he began to care about her and stated to worry about her safety knowing what was going to happen. 

In the Source Code there is a scene where a very emotional phone call takes place between Captain Coulter Stevens and his father, which i believe was added to show another side of the thriller and to interpret different  aspects of other films. It shows that thrillers haven't got to be all about fast-pacing action and that it can include a bit of down to earth emotional footage. 

The final scene of Source Code was very anxious and had everyone on the edge of their seats as nobody knew if Captain Coulter Stevens and Christina where going to be able to get out alive and live their lives together. As you then find out they did and they are safe there is then a sense of relief.