Thriller openings

1. THRILLER OPENINGS
STARTER
To identify conventions of thriller being used in films.
To analyse how suspense is created within a short scene.
• What is the main purpose of a thriller film?
• How are they different to horror films?
• Name three conventions of thriller films.
• How does the director create suspense within a thriller
film?
I will be able to apply my understanding of shot, sound, editing & mise-en-
scene to analyse short clips and develop my own ideas.

2. Analysing opening scenes
• We are going to watch six opening scenes
from a range of thriller films.
As you watch – try to identify:
• how suspense is created
• which conventions of thriller films are used
• any interesting use of shots/sound/editing or
mise-en-scene
• any ideas it gives you which could be applied
to your own film

3. Now it’s your turn…
• Use the video cameras to create an uneasy
feeling among your audience as they watch
one of your group wash and dry their hands.
• What will you do differently with the
camerawork in order to create tension within
the scene?

4. All in the editing
• Using iMovie, edit the footage together to
create the maximum amount of tension for
the viewer.
• Which group has managed to make the viewer
feel the most tense?

5. Reflection
• Why do thriller films make the viewer
uncomfortable whilst watching them?
• How do they do this?
• What ideas for shot/sound/editing or mise-en-
scene would you like to use in your group’s
film opening?

6. Directed Study Task (due Thurs)
• For this week’s DST, I would like you write 500
words on the representation of mental illness
in thriller films onto your blog.