Genre Research: Thriller

Common Camera Angles

• High-angles are used to show what is being looked down on 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 is 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 to help convey distortion in a scene or with a character.

• Shot reverse shots are used to alternate between the
characters while they’re having a conversation.

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

• The pace changes from fast to slow to create suspense in a scene

Sound

• Diegetic sounds such as screams to get the viewers attention

• musical soundtrack to create a vibe the director wants

• Narration to describe a movie

Example films

• Touch of Evil

• Chinatown

• The power of the dog

• North by Northwest

Some things that I like about thriller is the types of sounds that are commonly used as well as the types of camera angles because there is a large number of shots that give a great film in the end for the viewer. Somethings that I do not like about them is the types of editing because I feel they are very commonly used because they are very common throughout a ton of films across the industry.