2. Thriller is abroad genre of literature, film and television having
numerous subgenres. Thrillers are characterized and defined by the
moods they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense,
excitement, surprise, anticipation and anxiety.
3. Low key lighting is a style used in thriller films to create atmosphere. Low key
lighting has connotations of danger and mystery. It produces a sharper, more
obvious contrast of light in darker areas on the screen in order to develop shadows
and silhouettes. When light goes from high key to low key it suggests something
bad is about to happen.
This is an screenshot taken from the action
thriller film “The Dark Knight Rises”(2012).
This is an example of low key lighting and is
affective as it creates a sombre and
mysterious atmosphere. This creates tension
as the audience are unaware of what might
happen next, as the character is unaware of
what lies around them. This helps to build
suspense
4. Shadows are used to create an element of anonymity. They show the characters
physique but never reveal facial features. Shadows create mystery and a dark
atmosphere. Shadows clearly indicate that it is a thriller film as it has
connotations of a criminal who does not wish to be caught or have its identity
revealed.
This is a screenshot taken from the
fantasy thriller film “Nosferatu” (1922).
Shadows can represent the inner
darkness within beings. The use of
shadows in this film is effective as it adds
tension and a sense of eeriness is created.
5. Mirrors are often used to reveal a characters hidden identity. This is a way for the
audience to see what the character see or effectively what they don’t. Often with a
mirror scene, there is also a shadow or light that flashes past. Broken mirrors can
also be effective as they symbolise bad luck. The idea of a broken mirror could link
to the character having a damaged, broken past and how this may impact their
future.
This is a screenshot from the
psychological thriller “Black Swan”
(2010). In this shot, the mirror is
revealing the true identity of the
character. This is a strong example as
it clearly shows facial expressions and
creates a sinister atmosphere.
6. This a two shot from the crime thriller
film “Pulp Fiction” (1994). The two
shot is used within the scene in order
to establish a relationship between the
characters. It is clear that these two
characters here are in charge and
know each other by the position in
which they are standing (close to each
other) and the similar mirroring image
of each other (holding up the gun).
7. This is a close up shot from the
fantasy thriller film
“Harry Potter: Deathly hallows
part II” (2011). The close up shot
shows the key features of the
subject within the scene. It
expresses the characters key
details and expressions therefore
showing their emotions.
8. This canted angle shot is taken from
the crime thriller “The Dark Knight”
(2008). This shot shows the situation as
unusual. Signifying that something has
happened to change this. It creates a
sense of chaos and disorientation. This
type of shot is conventionally used to
show distress.
9. This is a wide shot taken from the
crime thriller “Reservoir dogs”(1992).
The wide shot places the subject in
the middle of the frame so that the
audience are able to identify the
situation surrounding them. In this
example, it shows that when the man
gets shot he will be left in that room
with no one around to help.
10. This is a mid shot taken from the
drama thriller “Seven” (1995).
The mid shot allows the audience
to view the elements of mise-en-
scene such as the characters
clothing and props. Thus
allowing the audience to see
what type of person the character
is.
11. Sound is crucial in thriller films. Whether it being non diegetic or diegetic sound.
It helps to create tension. It is important for there to be moments of silence as well
as there to be sudden outbursts of sound or sound that gradually gets lounder and
louder in order to build suspense.
Still to this day, we view Alfred Hitchcock as the master of sound, as he effectively
used sound to create tension and suspense.
Diegetic sound is sound that both the audience and the characters can hear.
Whereas non diegetic sound is sound that only the audience can hear. This creates
an element of dramatic irony, as the audience can hear what the characters cant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WtDmbr9xyY
This is a screenshot from the Alfred Hitchcock
psychological thriller film “Psycho” (1960).
12. Black and white imagery is used to create suspense. Black and white imagery
creates the illusion of it being older.
This is a screenshot from the crime
thriller “Black limelight” (1939).
13. Flashbacks are used to tell a story without it having to be in chronological order.
They tell the audience of the past with the character. These are common in thriller
films as they often show a characters motive or reasoning for why they are the
way they are now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THqi-pLvyB8
This a flashback taken from the
crime thriller “Memento” (2000)
14. This is a screenshot from
the action thriller film
“Ouija” (2014).
Supernatural events are
common as they play on
ones mind.
This is a screenshot from
the crime thriller film
“Zodiac” (2007). Crime
scenes are common as they
are evidence of something
bad happening.
This is a screenshot from
the action thriller films
“Jason Bourne” (2016). This
photo shows a spy. Which is
common as it can show
heroes vs villains.
15. This a screenshot from
the crime thriller
“stalked by my
neighbour” (2015).
Stalkers are common as
they create suspense
and tension.
This is a screenshot from the
fantasy thriller film
“Batman vs Superman”
(2016). Superheroes and
villains are common in
fantasy films as it helps to
define morals.
16. After completing this task, I have learnt what I should include when creating my
own thriller opening sequence. I would like to include shadows because it creates
a sense of hidden identity. It works effectively for our group idea as it is about a
kidnapper and we want him to remain anonymous to the audience.
Low key lighting will be effective to create a dark atmosphere and give
connotations of there not being much hope for the protagonists.
I would like to incorporate flashbacks. In order to show that they’re flashbacks,
they would be in black and white as it’s the past and its distinctive.
From studying Alfred Hitchcock, I have a greater appreciation for sound in thriller
films. I would use a combination of non diegetic and diegetic sound and use them
interchangeably.
The characters I would like to incorporate are stalkers and kidnappers.
The theme would be kidnapping.
