Sophie Cull Film & Photography

The Maze Runner is a dystopian, science fiction, action, thriller movie that follows a group of boys  (and one girl) who together go through a maze to try and find the outside world again. It is based of the first book in the highly successful series from the same name which sold more than 6.5 million copies worldwide. The movie was number 23 on young-adult book adaptations (the fact the harry potter, hunger games and twilight series are all individually shown should be taken into consideration) and number 13 for sci-fi based on a book; However the movie received mixed reviews due to the 'ending and the lack of plot clarity'. Yet it continued to make 10x its budget (budget being $34 million) with $300.3 million profit. Why?

Maybe considering the stars of the movie are already famous in the teen genre of tv and film? Dylan O'Brien made his 'big break' in hit fantasy show 'Teen Wolf' which at the time had just finished it's 4th season. Possibly this timing was made so fans would still be excited about seeing Dylan again in a film/tv format. The role is also new for him with his 'Teen Wolf' character being very sarcastic and funny but his 'Maze Runner' character being very serious. This again could attract audiences and critics alike to see his take on the scenario. Thomas Brodie-Sanger, Kaya Scodelario and Will Poulter are also featured in the film and are famous for portraying quite serious roles; so audiences would know they would see good acting for the genre. Also because the film was only a PG-13, the majority of the teen audience which the film is aimed at could be eligible to see it; it also means those younger would have to take their parents which would bring even more income.

The film was also marketed very thoroughly. They already had some marketing free from the fact the film was based on a book that comes from a larger series; this gives them more potential and a higher percentage of being successful with sequels/prequels because people know there are more and the book series was already a massive success. The Director, Wes Ball, also released one image a week leading up to the film's release that showed either a character or a still from the movie. Considering the characters have never been visually shown besides the movie, this would be the first time they are presented to the book fans; henceforth showing the characters in small clips entices audiences.

Throughout the extract, the camera focus' on the fact that the two characters are on their own and are secluded. The two shot shows this and doesn't change until the conversation becomes more sour and personal to Jack. The camera also only focus' on who is talking at a certain time to stress the conspiracy that they are the same person. It also draws the viewer's attention to them and what they're saying.

The bathroom is also a dark, bold red with red stalls and white accents. The floor is even "splattered" with red tiles which can symbolise blood for a attack. Considering the two characters are also talking about murdering their families it almost seems appropriate for red to be the signature colour. The main antagonist Jack is also wearing a red jacket which again suits his persona. Jack also looks as the mirror constantly, almost like he is trying to trick himself into believing this scenario is real; like he is talking through the plan of killing his family to himself and tricking himself into believing it is a good idea. 

Mr Grady is also wearing white gloves which (as a butler) is important to keep items clean. But it can also suggest he does not want to leave a trace behind of himself or anything he can be blamed for. It could also tie in with his obsession with being perfect and keeping things in a manner that is deemed appropriate to him; he doesn't want to touch something that is incriminating or not pure. Jack also mimics this by taking the napkin and wiping his hands although he doesn't need to, like he is already wiping the blood off his hands. This further exemplifies him and Mr Grady are the same person. Mr Grady's perfectionism is also shown in the room with all the towels, sinks and surrounding extras being unnaturally clean and organised.

The music in the background also contrasts the scenario because it is very upbeat and joyful whereas the conversation is very melancholy. The music could even be considered angelic with harmonies being sung which ties in with the fact that the children are dead, who would have been scene as innocent. It also makes the situation more uneasy to watch because it is the realisation and dark conversation scene for Jack and so doesn't make sense for the music to be so frivolous. The lyrics also talk about being happy which perceives it to be the reason why Jack makes this plan, because ultimately he will be happy.