Genre research:Thriller

Thrillers will use any film aspect that emphasizes the suspense or excitement of the film

Some camera angles used in Thrillers are close-ups: which are typically used to show a character’s expression or reaction to an event, point of view shots: which engages the audience in the scene by putting them in the character’s position, high angles: which could symbolize looking down on a character in thrillers, and the opposite, low angles: which could portray the character as someone more powerful of superior.

High Angle

Low Angle

Camera movements commonly noticed in thrillers include tracking, pans, and tilts.

Tracking is used to build suspense. The camera follows a moving object or character and allows the audience to anticipate what the scene is leading to.

Pans can be used to show a comparison between two or more characters, or just to show the scene’s setting more.

Tilts are also used to showcase a setting, scene, or character. Tilts sometimes focus of one subject, and the camera moves vertically to emphasize the introduction of what the camera is facing.

Thrillers commonly take place in either secluded, dramatic, or gloomy areas. Or they can take place in generally normal areas that may, however, seem to put the character in a dangerous situation. 

Some props used in thrillers can range from weapons to convey a risky situation and suspense, to normal household items used throughout the film which play into the genre.

The most popular lighting technique seen in thrillers is low-key lighting. Darker lighting creates tension in the scenes. When Low key lighting is introduced in a scene, the audience would start to anticipate a shift in the mood.

Costuming is commonly used as a representation in Thrillers. The protagonist would usually be dressed in brighter clothes or clothing that’s not too menacing, while the antagonist would be dressed in darker clothing or something that makes the audience feel threatened. The antagonist would also have scary or uncomfortable makeup. This makes it easy for the audience to understand what characters play what roles in a thriller film.

Some aspects of acting in a thriller include portraying a frightened or menacing character. A thriller is meant to get the audience excited or anxious, so the acting has to portray as much of an uncanny situation as the scene.

Non-diegetic sounds play huge roles in thrillers. Nine times out of 10 there are always sounds playing in the background of a scene. These sounds are used to match the intensity of each scene. When the scene starts to get intense, the director may include fast-paced and dramatic music versus when the scene is leading up to a surprising moment and slow, steady, but maybe unsettling or scary music.

Overall, thrillers bring an exciting feeling to the audience and get their heart beating through each scene. It’s cool that films of this genre are able to make the audience focused and anticipate upcoming events. However, some thrillers aren’t for everyone. They can sometimes have storylines that are too complex for the viewer to put together. Some aspects of the film may not be clear enough for the sake of suspense and anticipation, but sometimes the audience just misses parts of the plot because it wasn’t conveyed clearly enough.