Planning for a Thriller: Conventions of a thriller opening

Thriller Conventions:

Camera Work:

Typical shots:
Establishing Shots – to show where the events are taking place
Mid shot- for characterisation
Close up- disorientation and reflect claustrophobia

Composition/framing:

Show lots of props and lots of the setting
Create suspense; use framing to cut out certain objects

Camera angles:

High angle shots are used a lot to show power and status of a person or object

Use of perspective:

First person is used to show what the character sees, makes the audience empathise with the character.
Third person is used to show a person’s body language and face.

Editing

Typical transitions:
Fast editing; straight cuts can create pace which creates tension and disorientation in the scene.

Used to structure:

Dual narrative is used to create a complex narrative; it also causes tension when they come together
Flashbacks create a visual connection, they show key moments in the past and can be matched to the present.

 

Thriller opening conventions
How thrillers start:
·         Drama which causes tension
·         Use of music

 Titles:

Name of the film (but usually comes last)
Names of the actors, directors, company name

 First two minutes:

·         Music
·         Something gripping and a little confusing
·         Not too much dialogue, better if there is none at all
·         A significant event
·         Create atmosphere

 Sound:
How is it used (diegetic/non diegetic):
Not a song as such just a lot of ambient sounds that complement the atmosphere.

The use of dialogue:

The uses of a voice over to create a back story, but avoid using dialogue in an opening.

Mise en scene

Setting is realistic and isolated
Costume is normal day to day, very realistic clothing so that they blend in
Actors, the male seems to be the protagonist and the female seems to be the victim. There are also usually police officers.
Props are very realistic, like knives or guns.
There is always a direct light source, and there are shadows etc.

Narrative:

It is very disorientating; the film starts half way through the event. It makes the audience ask questions and instantly gets them hooked on it.
The audience are only introduced properly to the main characters.
In the opening you don’t want to tell the whole story, just introduce the audience to the plot.

 Subgenres:

·         Action thriller
·         Crime thriller
·         Psychological thriller
·         Conspiracy thriller
·         Medical thriller
·         Disaster thriller
·         Religious thriller
·         Eco thriller
·         Dystopia