The camera work, sound, and lighting in the trailer for The Strangers are used to build tension and establish it as a psychological thriller. A two-shot introduces the main characters and their relationship. Extreme close-ups draw attention to actions like locking the door that suggest themes of security and the unknown. Shots frame characters from behind to imply they are always being watched. Sudden diegetic sounds like a dropping tool create unease against the peaceful music. Screams and an axe attacking the door drive the tension higher as the story progresses to another level. Low key lighting sets the dark, scary mood for the nighttime scenes.

1. The strangers (2008) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-3DwldnZpY&safe=active
Camera work:
A two shot is used near the beginning of the trailer, this helps the viewer to understand the
relationship between the two characters. In a film like this, this is extremely important as
they are the protagonists in which all the action surrounds.
An extreme close up shot is used when one of the protagonists are locking the front door.
This helps the viewer to may full attention to this action. The action of locking the door
suggests that security is going to be a theme that is explored throughout the film. This
extreme shot also makes the audience/viewer question, what are they trying to protect
themselves from?
A wide two shot is used. This gives the viewer a good idea of what the film is based on. Two
shots are often used to show the relationship between two characters, there is a suggestion
in the distance between the characters that they aren’t close. The mise-en-scene confirms
this as one of the characters is wearing a mask which hides their identity.

2. This could also suggest that the woman in the shot isn’t aware of the presence of this other
character. These aspects hint massively at the genre of a psychological thriller as the
techniques suggest ‘un-known existence’ which is often the main theme that runs through
many thrillers.
The mid-shot used here, shows one of the protagonists turning around to look behind him
BUT the viewer doesn’t get to see what he is looking at, this can be confusing for the
audience and leave them intrigued to find out more. This suggests to the audience that
there is a constant need to watch your back throughout the film. The fact that the viewer
sees the character from behind could also refer to the idea that he is always being watched.

3. Sound:
To start off with the music is extremely tranquil; the viewer will be able to hear a piano
playing. This non-diegetic sound would probably make the viewer feel relaxed and maybe
even give them the impression that this will be a nice, calm film. Instruments such as violins
and pianos are often used in thrillers in order to create tension.
(0:18) the viewer can hear something drop. It sounds like tools (e.g. spanner). This sudden
diegetic sound creates a sound mix with the peaceful non-diegetic sound which suddenly
makes the atmosphere slightly tenser.
The diagetic sound in this section, when the protagonist says “Theres someone out there”
makes the viewer worry. Automatically the viewer can tell that there is a huge fear element
and can sympathise with the protagonist. The dialogue suggests that the character isn’t sure
of what it is which means that the viewer and the characters will be travelling through the
story together.

4. The use of the record player is a convention of a psychological thriller (music/sound used to
create tension). Often, the music used will contrast with the action or mood of the scene in
the same way as the record player in this scene which is playing music that is more upbeat
than the scene which is extremely tense.
At 1:20, the viewer watches as an axe hammers through the door. The diegetic sound of the
impact of the axe along with the falling wood is extremely dramatic and keeps the viewer on
the edge of their seat trying to find out what happens next which is the intention of
psychological thrillers.
This action along with the diegetic response (1:21) by the protagonists when they scream
add to the tension.
When she screams, it seems that the trailer story progresses to another level, the record on
the record player seems to be jammed and continues to play the same section of the song
over and over again. This expresses the chaos and fear of this section. (1:22)

5. The pace of the action and editing also supports the progression of the plot and allows the
audience to sense the growing fear.

6. Lighting:
Low key lighting:
Low key lighting is used throughout the entire trailer and the viewer can see
that the film was filmed during the night. This sets the mood for the entire
piece and due to the darkness, the entire trailer seems much scarier and
therefore is more effective than it would’ve been if it was filmed during the
day.