Genre Research: Thriller

Camera angles

• High angle shots are used to show what is being looked down at as powerless and weak.

• Close up shots are included to focus on the character’s reaction to a scene.

• Tracking shots are used to show a character being watched or followed.

• Tilted angels often are added to add dramatic tension in a scene.

• Extreme long shots are used to show the setting and overall atmosphere of the place.

• Low angle shots are used to show a character having power and strength.

• Point of view shots are included to capture the audience’s attention with what the character is seeing.

Mis-en-scene

• Costumes often represent the stereotype of the character

• Low lighting to build a suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere.

• Weapons are the main props used especially in fight scenes.

• Makeup is used to match the costumes used

• The setting is often in an isolated location such as a haunted house at night time.

Editing

• Titles are used to give a representation of the movie. They often have a dark background to convey all the negative emotions.

• Jump cuts are used in thrillers to help convey distortion within a character or scene.

• Shot reverse shot is used to alternate between characters while they’re having a conversation.

• Parallel editing shows the audience what two characters are doing at the same time in different locations

• Fast or slow pace editing is used to create suspense in a scene

Sound

• Diegetic sounds such as screams

• Musical soundtrack

• Narration 

Example films

• The guilty 

• The father

• The power of the dog

• The beguiled

• I see you

We especially like the titles used to show the representation of the film and we will try to incorporate that into our film. We also like the parallel editing where they show two characters and different locations at the same time. Since our idea is about time travel we could use this to show them at different points in time at the same time.

We do not like how dark thrillers are as they are very gloomy and hard to see. We will film most of the movie in bright lightning to give a more positive message. We will also stay away from any violent scenes that require blood and weapons.