The document analyzes shot types used in thriller film openings. It discusses how various shots like extreme close-ups, close-ups, and long shots are used to set mood, focus on important details, and create mystery. Color schemes, camera angles, blurred images, and ambiguous figures are employed to establish an eerie or sinister atmosphere typical of the thriller genre. In conclusion, the document states that carefully selected shots work together in thriller openings to generate a dark, mysterious sense that leaves the audience with unanswered questions.

1. Analysing shot types in
thriller openings.
By Ellie Addison

2. • I think this opening credit looks very professional
and the shading of certain letters give originality.
• The black and grey colour scheme links to the
theme of thriller / horror.
• The writing it totally central to the shot and looks
imposing and dominant.

3. • This is an extreme close up shot and really
focuses on the writing which could connote its
significance.
• The black and white effect could connote sadness
which in some cases links to the thriller genre or
could be used to show something happening in the
past.

4. • This a close up shot which shows the building from
a low angle which makes it look dominant and
makes the audience feel inferior.
• The fact there is a crime report sets the mood of
the film and again relates back to typical
conventions of the thriller genre.
• The white writing is effective as it blends into the
shot and the black and white effect.

5. • This is a medium shot and the fact there are two
paperclips gives the shot a feel that maybe all of
this paperwork is in an office and creates enigmas
for the audience.
• I feel that the credits blends into the theme of the
sequence yet still stands out especially as being in
white.

6. • This shot is purposely blurred to create a certain
mood and again gives the audience enigmas of
just what is being blurred and why.
• This creates mystery which again links to the
conventions of a thriller of there being a mystery /
crime which is solved.

7. • This is an extreme long shot and actually makes
the figure seem quite insignificant.
• The figure’s stance seems quite suspicious (the
way he is holding his arms) and creates enigmas
for the audience of who this man is.
• The bright lights from the lamp posts and windows
contrast with the dark, eerie feel being presented
through the shot.

8. • This is an aerial shot looking over the O2. It is a
long shot and really captures the surroundings and
establishes the settings which is vital in the
opening sequence of any film as it gives the
audience orientation.

9. • This is an extreme close up and the fact the whole
of the person’s face is not revealed gives a sinister
atmosphere which again links to the theme of
horror / thriller genre films.
• The rope also has connotations of the thriller genre
and could be represented as being dangerous as
in many cases ropes are used to tie objects or
people up.

10. • This is an close up onto the films title and the grey
writing against the black background makes the
writing stand out and again the colours work
together to create a kind of sinister and eerie
atmosphere which is usually very typical within the
thriller genre.

11. • In conclusion, from looking at the shot types used
in some examples of thriller opening sequences, I
can gather that all the shots and style of credits
work together to create a certain dark and sinister
atmosphere which is a popular convention of the
thriller genre.
• Many of the shots are edited in a way e.g. blurring
to create a sense of mystery which gives the
audience enigmas which again is a popular and
effective feature of thriller / horror films.
• I found this research incredibly beneficial and will
consider these aspects when creating my own
opening sequence.