This document analyzes and summarizes several shots from the thriller film The Boys Next Door. It discusses how the shots use camera angles, lighting, color schemes, and other cinematic techniques to build suspense, tension, and create an ominous atmosphere that prepares the audience for violence. Specific shots are examined that introduce the main character Samuel, show him witnessing a brutal police murder, establish a corrupt police officer as a threat, and end on a cliffhanger that leaves the audience worried for the boy's safety and motivated to continue watching.

1. This high angle establishing shot represents the ‘alien’ community that the Amish boy
(Samuel Lapp) and his mother have entered. The high positioning of the camera
connotes the lack of status/knowledge the boy and mother have about the new place
they are in. This foreshadows the action that is about to follow. High angle shots are
common within the thriller genre as they create a sense of fear within the audience as
they can act as a sort of warning in preparation for violence.
Time/clocks are important conventions in thrillers. The colour scheme used is very murky. It
They inject the audience with an uneasy feeling. almost makes the picture blend together
Time adds an enigmatic feel and builds up the to seem a bit blurred. This could
suspense and tension which are main elements represent how the boy and his mother
thriller films are based around. view their surroundings.

2. This shot allows the audience to empathise This is an outstanding shot of the young
with the character, which allows a Amish boy staring up at a statue of an
relationship to be built motivating the angel with curiosity. This is something
audience to keep watching. the boy would have never seen before
(coming form an Amish community) so is
amazed by what he sees.
The boy is
wearing a hat
This low angle shot makes the angel look
which could be
mighty and sacred. The audience can see
representative of
that the angel is holding a dying man – a
a halo –
protector from evil.
connoting the
boys innocence.
– It is common in
thrillers for an
innocent victim to
have to deal with
psychos and
corruption.
Weir uses a over the shoulder/high angle
shot to show the power of the angel. It
looks as though the angel is watching
down over the boy protecting him from the
dangers of this strange place.
(Foreshadowing of future action) The colour scheme and lighting are dull and lighting
kept to a minimum. However, light is being reflected
off the angel, adding to it’s ‘God-like’ status.

3. This is a brilliant shot of the boy and his mother The lighting in this shot is ambient (lights
with a vanishing point. Vanishing points create an on the ceiling) This allows the audience to
enigmatic feel, creating open questions; what’s view the mise-en-scene the same as the
behind the door? characters. (Empathy)
The colour scheme is again, gritty and dirty As the boy walks towards the door the audience are
connoting criminality - a rough, dodgy place. left feeling uneasy about the situation. Because they
This adds to the ominous feeling of the film, have come from an Amish community they are not
setting the tone and preparing the audience familiar with the dangers of cities and towns. The
for the type of film. mother is unaware that there could be dangers
lurking behind the door.

4. Thrillers show the darker side of society and
humanity. Realism, suspense, tension and
Violence and corruption are
excitement are key to captivating the audience.
important aspects of thrillers as
they add to the realism. In this case
we have police corruption as an
undercover cop is brutally
murdered by two of his colleagues.
Once again, the dull colour and
light scheme add to the
atmosphere. Lighting is ambient.
Public restrooms are
claustrophobic and add to the
tension. The audience feel
sympathetic towards any victims
because there is no means of
escape.
Mirrors are commonly used in
thrillers because they create a The diegetic sound of the victim shouting add to
sense of nightmare and confusion the realism making the audience feel
within the audience, adding to the sympathetic.
fear.

5. The cold metal of the blade adds to the Close ups are common because they
harshness of the situation, adding shock into show intricate detail which allows the
the audience. audience to empathise with the victim.
They also intensify the action as they
show the important bits.
A quick second cut of the knife
represents the murder.
Stabbings are quick and easy This high angle shot of a
but messy so it needs to be corrupt cop with a gun
done carefully. The fast pace and a serious look on
adds to the tone and his face establishes the
atmosphere of the murder. genre extremely well.
The audience fear this
man because he looks
dangerous.
The diegetic sound of the knife clicking
keeps the audience focused and alert on
the action.

6. The audience then sees the boy watching the murder through a gap in
the door. This almost looks like we are seeing him through a key hole.
This could suggest that he is protected and will not be found. (Linking
back to the angel being his protector) The audience can empathise
with the boy through the close-up focusing on the eye.
This is a slightly high angle shot Weir uses shot-reverse-shot
of the boy in a small between the boys eye in the
claustrophobic space. The high gap and the murder action to
angle connoting lack of power. build up a relationship so the
audience feel sympathetic
towards the young boy.
Diegetic sound is made
when the boy makes a
small noise which is just
loud enough for the cop Slightly high angle tracking shot of the murderer’s feet as he looks
to hear. Diegetic sound through the cubicles for the noise. When the camera focuses on a
adds to the realism as it persons feet an enigma is created which builds up suspense and fear
is sound who’s source of the unknown as the audience are unable to identify who the person
can be seen within the is or what they are doing.
mise-en-scene.

7. This is a shot just as the murderer is leaving. The boy’s
hat has fallen off which was earlier referred to as a
halo. The facet that it has fallen off could represent the
boy’s innocence being lost due to what he has just
endured.
Cliffhangers are
features of thrillers
because they leave
the audience with
excitement and
suspense. The
audience are left
wandering what
happens to the boy.
This motivates them
to keep watching.
This is a great shot of the boy standing in the crucifix position. This
could be foreshadowing of his future.