3. The first 2 pictures in the 9 shot grid show off our use of the shot-reverse-shot camera
technique. This is effective because it not only switches the view around so that you get
a different perspective and look on the situation, but it is also used to convey where the
sense of interest is coming from. In this case it is from downstairs behind the door and
so the shot-revers-shot helps emphasise this.
It is common of the thriller genre because it is used to build tension. It does this by
conveying where the danger is and bringing the audience close to it. Naturally, this
makes the audience more edgy and provides another perspective into the developing
narrative.
4. The combination of shots 2,3, and 4 show off a match on action sequence. This breaks
down a particularly tense moment in the film and enhances the tension even further by
showing in minute detail the exact action taken and delaying the sense of relief. An
example of this is the door handle opening. The effect of this is that the audience
cannot see what is happening and like typical thriller conventions; the story unfolds for
both the main character and audience.
5. The 180 degree rule is in place in films so that the audience does not get
confused and disorientated in the scene. Another effect is has is that it
increases the intimacy between characters in the scene. For a thriller film
this is important because it increases the tension between character and
adds to the tone of the film. What it also does is focus in on what the
characters are saying, which may be a part of the plot as the audience is
unravelling the story with the character in the film.
6. In this first picture, the protagonist is slightly leaning past the
camera and with a questioning look on his face. The effect
of this is that the camera is almost teasing the audience and
creates a spike of tension when the audience cannot see
what the character is looking at. The lighting here also
shows off his curiosity and background lighting showing off
his isolated surroundings.
This shot is very effective because it only shows a
silhouette of the person. By restricting the view and
characteristics of the person it makes them
unidentifiable and so naturally to human instinct it sets
a scarier tone.
The final shot is a long shot descent down the stairs
and follows in an over-the-shoulder position. Keeping
with typical thriller conventions, this literally follows
the character through the story. In terms of overall
mise-en-scene, the lighting here conceals what is down
the stairs which is a slightly scary prospect.