Researching Your Chosen Genre

Researching your chosen Genre- Thriller

What is a thriller?

A thriller is a type of film genre. Its main aim is to put the audience on edge. It also has various elements such as tension, excitement and suspense. This then stimulates the audience’s state of mind resulting in them have a high level of anticipation, anxiety and uncertainty.

The main character in a thriller film is usually faced with several challenges in order, these my consist of a rescue, stereotypically saving a loved one. Thrillers always emphasis the amount of danger which therefore leads to an explosive ending.

Use of mise en scene in thrillers

Setting/ Location-

The setting of thrillers for the opening two minutes is usually set in a dark house with a haunted effect on it. Another stereotype setting for the opening two minutes would an alley. The reason that these are the common places that the opening two minutes takes place of a thriller is because the setting is quite scary which gives an edge on the location to make the audience be full of anxiety and uncertainty throughout the opening two minutes.

Costume-

When looking at the type of costume that is used in thrillers is quite normal and up to date. The reason for this is to make it seem more reliable and therefore will make the audience feel that it is more realistic than it actually is. This also brings the audience to believe that what is happening is reality.

Lighting-

The type of lighting that is used in thrillers is low key lighting. This creates sharp contrasts and deeps shadows to create an effect that allows the audience to feel suspense and a mysterious atmosphere. In thrillers another aspect of lighting that is used is back lighting, this is used to create a silhouette effect which also creates an atmosphere of mystery and keeps the audience on edge throughout the film.

Props-

When looking at physiological thrillers we can see that there are not that many types of props that are used. If there are any props that are used then it would be some sort of a weapon that we would see being used between the main character and the villain of the thriller.

Common Editing Decisions

• Transparent editing would be used in thrillers to make the audience feel part of the film. This also helps to engage the audience and keep them in suspense throughout the film. Whereas if non-transparent editing was used then the audience would not be in fear because they would be aware that it is not reality and therefore would take away the suspense and fear.
•  After a scene that has been full of action and suspense they may consider to use fade to black. This allows the audience to know that the scene has ended. It will also give them a moment to relax before the next scene begins.
• Ellipsis would also be used where some scenes may become too frightening to watch and therefore the audience will be able to guess what has happened.

Common Camera Angles and Movements

• In thrillers there are several close ups used to show facial expressions of the characters. This allows the audience to connect with the characters and feel their emotion. It also makes the audience feel fear and therefore keeps the audience on edge.
•  Tracking shots are used to show the movement of characters to show movement and action within a scene.
•  Lots of establishing shots are used so that the audience is aware of where the scenes are taking place. 
• Lots of POV shots are used so that it is in one of the characters prespective. This allows the audience to see what the characters can see.