Conventions that we may come across in the openings to thrillers - By Ghislaine

Conventions that we may come across

in the openings to thrillers

Camera shot sizes, movement, angle and depth of field:

• Establishing shot - give the character/s context and location
• Close-ups to see the characters and props in detail
• Slit Framing to give the audience a different perspective
• Framing may conceal the identity of the character - mysterious
• Hand held camera - for realism, may give the point of view of the character
• Camera on Tripod - for observation, also creates suspense

Mise en scene:

• A variety of exterior settings
• Interior settings - threat, not much space - crowded
• Props - used to create more of a character and the space around them
• Low Key Lighting
• Desaturated Colour
• Costume, hair, make-up - To create realism, or to make the character to be liked or not by the audience

Editing:

• Continuity editing - sense, flow, coherence and realism
• Parallel editing - 2 characters - but never meet - simultaneous action
• Cross Cutting - 2 characters - meet in the end - cuts get quicker - used for suspense

Sound:

• Diegetic - used for realism and/or mood
• Non-diegetic - Soundtrack or Sound FX - mood or atmosphere
• Dialogue used sparingly - for example The Disappearance of Alice Creed