Example on Thriller techniques

Over our past few lessons we have watched the openings of different thrillers, then practised analysing them afterwards. Even though the introductions were all slightly different in their own way, I noticed similar techniques used in each to help them fall into the Thriller genre such as: The Davinci Code, Se7en, Silence Of The Lambs and The Usual Suspects. I have learnt that the tension in a thriller can be created by all four: Camera work, Mise En Scene, Editing and Sound.

An example of Camera work, could be using a Point Of View shot; making the camera seem like the victim or criminal and grabbing the audience more in to the film, giving it a lot more emphasis on the danger.

In Mise En Scene, lighting could be used as a way to create the Thriller effect in a film. For example, using a dark setting with a small spot of light enables shadows to be created to reveal a mysterious figure without actually showing who the character is. This makes the audience question what is happening and maintains the tense atmosphere.

The cutting rate is a way of Editing the film, if there is a high cut rate, it means that the jump cuts occur more frequently than usual creating more tension. For example, in a chase scene the cutting rate would be more frequent, so the audience can identify the danger the victim is in and that they are rushing. Also more frequent cuts tend to give the impression of a heart beat, therefore making the audience's heart beat increase too, making them feel more tense as they sense the danger. If the cuts were slow, then the effect would be very different and not give the impression that it is exciting yet scary and the genre is a Thriller.

Lastly, the use of sound within Thrillers is incredibly important as from this the audience can sense the mystery from music and can tell when the danger is coming. This can be done by adding a crescendo to the music, where the volume gradually increases and by using sustained chords played by a string section, also the use of minor keys allow things to sound more gloomy and mysterious.