First, we looked at some thriller openings that we enjoyed.
Examining thriller Conventions
Examining thriller Conventions
Black Swan -
Genre: Psychological thriller
The clip has no dialogue and uses music to create atmosphere.
The monotone colouring to the film creates an obvious divide between the good and bad characters, this also reinforces aspects of conventional thrillers.
Use of over the shoulder shots to create the feeling that the audience is in the action, creating an uncomfortable effect.
The swirling of the camera brakes the 180 degree rule which also puts the audience on edge, yet this clever camera work doesn't make the audience feel disorientated, but creates tension.
This opening ties in with the lying story of 'Black swan' of Swan lake and predicts what will happen to the characters in the scene, by showing them through dance.
Genre: Psychological thriller
The clip has no dialogue and uses music to create atmosphere.
The monotone colouring to the film creates an obvious divide between the good and bad characters, this also reinforces aspects of conventional thrillers.
Use of over the shoulder shots to create the feeling that the audience is in the action, creating an uncomfortable effect.
The swirling of the camera brakes the 180 degree rule which also puts the audience on edge, yet this clever camera work doesn't make the audience feel disorientated, but creates tension.
This opening ties in with the lying story of 'Black swan' of Swan lake and predicts what will happen to the characters in the scene, by showing them through dance.
Silence of the Lambs -
Genre: Crime/investigation thriller
A conventional dark and mysterious setting
There's no explanation to why she is running which creates tension and causes the audience to ask questions.
The main character is a stereotypical vulnerable character - woman, small, alone in a wood
The tracking shot used creates tension as it seems as though she is being followed
Genre: Crime/investigation thriller
A conventional dark and mysterious setting
There's no explanation to why she is running which creates tension and causes the audience to ask questions.
The main character is a stereotypical vulnerable character - woman, small, alone in a wood
The tracking shot used creates tension as it seems as though she is being followed
War of the Worlds -
Genre: Sci-fi thriller
The high angle shot of the monster gives him an element of superiority and makes it seem more powerful and intimidating.
The monster is revealed from being blurred, this creates a mysterious effect as it gives the impression that it is new.
A continuous shot gives the impression of time passing as they curiosity is the main feeling. Yet, as soon as the monster starts attacking, there is a change in shot and this creates a tense fast-cut effect.
Genre: Sci-fi thriller
The high angle shot of the monster gives him an element of superiority and makes it seem more powerful and intimidating.
The monster is revealed from being blurred, this creates a mysterious effect as it gives the impression that it is new.
A continuous shot gives the impression of time passing as they curiosity is the main feeling. Yet, as soon as the monster starts attacking, there is a change in shot and this creates a tense fast-cut effect.
Initial planning
This is a mind map on conventional thriller subjects and initial ideas for our thriller opening. It includes conventional settings, feelings, camera shots and storylines of common thrillers as well as some key words for our thriller.