Evaluating past students work

Evaluating past students work has helped me to gain a greater insight into how the opening of a thriller should and also shouldnt be like. This will give me a better idea of what to include for my final product to be a success.
I analysed in detail, the mise-en-scene, camera, editing and sound against the common conventions which make up a thriller genre. In doing this, I could notice small mistakes groups made on there product which would help to prevent me doing the same, improving my film opening.

Room to Breath
This was the first opening I analysed. The camera used high angles which was positive because it showed weakness towards the character on screen which was the desired affect as she had been locked away. Also, the high amount of CU's give the audience more detail as to what the character looked like, helping the viewer have an opinion on them immediately. However, I felt that in this example, there was not enough variety with the camera shots and angles which made it a little less ingaging to watch. Also, another negative side to "Room to breath" was that the camera was very jumpy which often resulted in shots appearing blurred on screen. This does not make it look as proffessional.
The editng was consistent throughout as each shot was between 4-5 seconds. This shows that obvious thought was put into this. Although consistency is good, in this case it could of been used better. This is because using a cut every 4-5 seconds is not long enough for an opening scene because the audience havent got enough time to think about what the narrative may include. Additionally, the scene with the girl in the cupboard becomes a little too tideous because the viewer is seeing the same thing too much. To improve this aspect, more variety is needed to boost the entertainment.
Furthermore, sound is used well in areas. The diegetic sound of "the way you look tonight" is upbeat which suits the atmosphere at the beginning of the scene, but then becomes eerie and stops when the audience is presented with the locked up girl, which is also a good use of editing as it is done at the right moment. However, no sound bridge was used inbetween cuts which creates a blank space, losing the interest of the audience.
Lastly, mise-en-scene has been touched on in parts. The girl has been locked up, looking defencless which is commonly seen in thriller films which is a good aspect of the opening. Also, the lighting in the cuboard is dark, creating a sinister tone. On the other hand, some areas of the mise-en-scene could of been better. The typography was in fancy writing, making it very difficult to read. This needs to be bolder and more blocky.

Unrequited Love
This was the second example I looked at which I thought looked more proffessional. This is because all the shots appeared steady where it was appropriate. However, while the actual filming was of a high quality, all the shots were CU's and high angles, making it too repetitive.
This groups editing was weak, which should of been worked on a lot more. There was a lag between shots which would make the viewer lose interest, while all the shots were roughly the same in length, increasing the dullness of the opening. Lastly, the text which showed the title of the film and the people involved was not edited properly. This is because the text disappeared too quickly, allowing the onlooker little time to read it.
Non Diegetic sound was used but the same sound was not kept consistent throughout making it seem unprofessional leading to an overall poor production
Mise-en-scene was good in "Unrequited Love." Images of cutting paper was used which is typical of thriller genres such as Se7en where this is shown in the title sequence. Also, the colour red is include heavily. This colour connotes danger and violence which is a typical theme in thriller movies improving the production.

Root Cause
The third title sequence which I anlaysed closely was "Root Cause". I believed out of all the examples. this had the best use of camera. Although it wqasnt quite as steady as "Unrequited Love" it was still a good standard. Also, their were a variety of shots such as CU's, MS's and LS's. The camera also used both high angles when showing the victim, portraying them in a weak position, and low angles for the main characters showing them in a dominant light, common in thriller movies meaning that this group have thought carefully about their target genre.
Sound was also used well. Both diegetic and non diegetic sound which made the opening more exciting for the viewer to watch. Also, using both was better as it added more energy.
In the mise-en-scene violence was included. This is seen lots in thrillers, going along with the target genre. Furthermore, props were used such as a spanner to pick teeth meaning it is a weapon in the film, again something which would not be unexpected in this genre. I believe this was the best example out of the ones i watched.

Thriller Sub Genre

Not all thrillers follow the same type of storylines but can still be classified as a thrilller. This is because there are many sub-genres which is a subdivision  made up of more than one category in one particular genre. Some of theses sub genres within a thriller include:
- Action
- Crime
- Horror
- Conspiracy

Action Thriller - Always has one main protagonist, mostly a male and one main antogonist who is commiting some sort of crime. Often these films feature explosions, guns and a race against time. The setting is usually exotic and a large area where big events can take place.
Examples - James Bond films, Bourne films.

Crime Thriller - Feature numerous crimes such as robberies, murders, abduction. Not all these crimes are successful, but some can be. The crime usually focuses more on the criminals point of view rather than the polices. Psychogical scenes presented in the planning of the crime, but the majority is action when the crime is being carries out.
Example - Oceans films, The Godfather

Horror - Normally more than one main character involved. Often scenes are scary and can be extremely gory. The settings are usually dark and weary places to add to the anxiety. In some horrors, crime takes place but unlik crime thrillers, it is not dealt with by the police.
Examples - Saw films, Sixth Sense

Conspiracy - Includes a main protagonist who recognises something bad. This hero/heroine will confront a large powerful enemy/group to stop something bad happening without any help.
Examples - JFK, Enemy of the State

Thriller 5 - Se7en

Release Date - 22nd September, 1995
Director - David Fincher

Camera
The sequence is dominated by CUs and ECU's of images of harmful objects throughout. There are no LS's and ELS's included to establish the setting, allowing the audience to think carefully about the images been shown, which creates anxiety, often used in mystery/thriller genres.
The camera also stays fixed on the images. including no movement on the camera could indicate an important part in the narrative.

Editing
Cuts are significant within the opening. They are used throughout but speed up as the scene progresses by changes the images quickly. The non diegetic music also quickens. This could indicate in the narrative there is equilibrium at the beginning but then it all piles up to become disequilibrium which is often used in the thriller genre.
Editing is also apparent when dissolves are used to link similar images together. This acts as a jigsaw puzzle because it is forcing the audience to figure out the storyline, assuming to them it is a mystery thriller. This also reinforces that the images presented are important if they tell the story.

Sound
Non-diegetic sound is used in the sequence throughout. It is very high pitched and spooky, connoting the horror sub-genre. This creates tension because it feels as if the music is buliding up to something. This is reinforced at the end of the songs because it is instrumental the whole way through until the end where the lyrics say "You get me closer to God". This has a religious content because God is mentioned which could link to the title "se7en" and the seven deadly sins, denoting the music builds up to this, connoting religion is significant in the narrative.

Mise-en-scene
Sharp objects such as razors are shown in the sequence which denotes danger and violence, connoting that the sub genres of horror/mystery are going to be a factor in the film. The word "God" is cut out of a newspaper which is indexical as it relates to religion.
The typograpghy in the scene is very messy looking, as if it was by a child. This creates ambiguity within the title sequence because children should not be messing razor blades creating a twist, adding to the mystery for the audience.
Lastly, images of dead bodies and the highlighting of sexual words on the newspaper relate to horror and gory sexual scenes indicating that it can only be wathced by someone 18 or over.

Thriller 4 - Jaws

    

Release Date - 17th July, 1987
Director - Joseph Sargent

Camera
The sequence opens with panning of the camera under water which doesnt allow the viewer to see much as it is dark, suggesting a mysterious storyline, a common convetion of this genre of film which is a thriller/horror. The panning in the water indicates that there is something moving creating anticipation for the onlooker. Furthemore, this shot is presented in a high angle, showing the camera looking down towards the bottom of the water, suggesting that whatever it is moving, it's superior.
Also, an ELS is used next when the camera begins tracking across the water at a faster pace. The ELS establishes the setting which shows a large settlement of houses next to the water. The tracking combines with this when the camera rushes towards the houses, implying surrounding people may be in trouble due to the danger in the water, eg a shark.
In the sequence the camera constantly faces forward and does not reveal what is in the water, adding the mystery of a horror genre.

Editing
There are very few cuts in the title sequence of Jaws. They only occur when the shot switches from under the water to on top of it. This prolongs the anticipation amongst the audience because it is slower in pace, which is used regularly in the thriller/horror genre.
However speed does increase significantly when the camera is move across the water rapidly which suddenly takes the viewer by surprise.

Sound
Non-diegetic sound is used througout the opening. The music is low pitched, which sounds more negative creating a scary atmosphere amongst the audience.
Also the beat of the diegetic sound suddenly changes to a hear beat like sound when the camera switches to on top of the water. This could connote danger to the audience because when you see the houses of people in the area the intensity increases. In thriller/horror films sudden sound changes are a typical convention which change the atmosphere instantly.

Mise-en-scene
The scene is introduced under water and stays like this for a while. Staying under water for this amount of time can be dangerous for humans suggesting danger because  this could harm someone.
The typography of the title "Jaws The Revenge" is presented in the colour red denoting danger and blood, connoting in the narrative of the film violence is likely to occur. The text is bold and blocky too, making it seem robust, connoting a hard narrative not for the faint hearted.
The setting is shown at night. This makes the lighting dark and connotes a sense of mystery. This conveys to the audience that the narrative is very tense becauseinstead of constant action, anticipation is used to keep the viewer fixed. Additionally, at night it is known to be more dangerous, adding to the likihood of danger.

Thriller 3 - Die Hard

Release Date - 15th July, 1988
Director - John McTiernan

Camera
The title sequence is dominated with ELS of a city which eastablishes the setting which is done commonly in thriller films. Thriller films ivolve lots of crime and a place such as a big city is a place where crime is liekly to happen suggesting the setting used is where much of the action will take place within the narrative.
Also, panning of the camera is used throughout the opening which makes the pace seem slow, connoting a tense atmosphere because the city seems still and mysterious.
High angles of the city are used at the beginning which then start to turn into eye level shots if the city. This could connote the people living in the city are vulnerable which the portagonist of the film fixes, turning is into a safe place to live, hence the eye level shot. This in a way may tell part of the films narrative.

Editing
It is dominated with cuts from one image of the city to another which changes every few seconds. This reinforces the idea that the main action is likely to take place in the city because it is symbolic of danger.
The typography appears red which fades into white text. This could connote that the red implies danger in the city but the protagonist wipes this danger out, which could be why the text turns white.

Sound
The sequence is dominated with non diegetic sound which is wrap music. This genre of music is commonly associated with criminals from city backgrounds who are in gangs. This could connote that in Die Hard, gangland crime is within the narrative because this exists in many thrillers set in large cities.
Furthermore, there is no diegetic sounds included in the title sequence which adds to the anticpation and tense atmosphere because the same pace is maintained.

Mise-en-scene
The large buildings not only denote where the action will take place in the film, but may connote like the size of the buildings, the crime taking place me be of a large importance which needs action.
Danger is further signified by the lighting in the shot. It is shot at night which adds to the tension because most city crime takes place at this time, giving away some of the content to the viewer, adding to there excitment.
Also, the red text text used to make up the title "Die Hard" denotes blood and danger which is typical of the thrilelr genre.

Thriller 2 - Casino Royale

Release Date - 14th November, 2006
Director - Martin Campbell

Camera
The title sequence opens with a LS of Bond shooting down the iconic gun barrel as the camera moves away to create an ELS used in all Bond movies. This gives the idea to the audience that similar conventions are going to be explored in this film. The thriller/action sub genre is established when Bond shoots the gun towards the camera suggesting violence. Throughout the sequence LS and ELS are used to show the setting inidicating their is gambling involved with the cards and symbols as well as action showing Bond firing a gun. CU's are included too, when enemies of Bond are punched in the face suggesting pain and reinforcing the protagonist's (Bond) power.
The camera also uses a variety of angles such as low angles when Bond is fighting. This makes the viewer look up at him, making him seem big on screen and a significant character.
Lastly, in this sequence panning of the camera is also used when Bond is loading his gun or playing with cards. This could connote ke aspects of the film, implying violence and gambling is an important feature within the narrative.

Editing
The title sequences which begins in black and white but immediatley changes to red when the protagonists shoots towards the camera. This could denote that the protagonists journey in the narrative is not simple but complex. Also it may show danger because a gun denotes violence and red denotes blood.
A numerous amount of cuts are used to switch from a fighting scene to one with playing cards or even both. This clearly states that these two topics are significant. Additionally the cuts are fast paced, denoting energy meaning the film is quick and exciting.

Sound
Diegetic sound is shown right at the beginning when the protagonist opens with a gun shot which is very sudden and tense, establishing to the onlooker that the film in a thriller/action genre.
Non diegetic music dominates the opening with the song "You know my name" ran throughout the sequence. This is a lary and loud soundtrack which denotes an energetic narrative identifying a particular audience. It also indicates that Bond is a significant character because the title of the song implies the protagonist is well know amongst others maybe due to his double O status.

Mise-en-scene
The beginning is black and white. This suggests mystery in the film keeping the viewer intereseted as to what is going to happen. Then the title sequence changes colour to red denoting blood and danger, a common thriller/action convention.
Bond's attire is the iconic black suit inidicating he will be placed in a mysterious or negative situation in the film, reinforced by the figthing scenes and props such as guns in the opening sequence. The antagonists however are shown in red or yellow which allows Bond to stand out from the rest - showing importance and also his professional attitude to his work as a suit indicates sophistication.Moreover, Bonds enemies dresses in red denotes danger towards Bond.
The setting is iconic of gambling because hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs are shown. Gambling is also connoted in a negative way because Bond is shown to shoot these symbols out of a gun which is a dangerous item, suggesting gambling puts the protagonist in a bad situation.

Thriller 1 - Mission Impossible 2

Release Date - 7th July, 2000
Director - John Woo

Camera
At the beginning of the sequence, a mid shot is used to show the protagonist (Tom Cruise) throwing a pair of exploding glasses towards the camera. This establishes the genre to denote action and thrills will be presented within the narrative.
Close ups are used after this. CU's of red images are merged together to create the title of the film. Using this colour to make up the title "Mission Impossible 2" connotes danger, blood and action, keeping the audience fixed to the film.

Editing
The title sequence is dominated by jump cuts. This represents the genre/sub genre of thriller/action as these jump cuts indicate a fast paced and exciting narrative.
Moreover, the red flame is used in between each jump cut to introduce the next part of the scene. The director does this create danger/action amongst the viewers.

Sound
The audience is introduced with non-digetic music after the protagonist has thrown the sunglasses as the camera. These two action work together well to create a very sudden and tense atmosphere.
Additionally, the non-digetic music used involves more than one instrument throughout the title sequence, connoting multiple thriller/action scenes within the duration of the film.
Also, no involving digetic sounds but only non-digetic sound maintains a fast pace, which establishes a fast pace to the audience for the rest of the film and storyline.

Mise-en-scene
The location of the title sequence is on the top of a extremely high and steep mountain. This is typical of the thriller/action genre because this is a dangerous place to be which puts the protagonist is a difficult situation suggesting danger and excitement is about to take place now and in the rest of the film. However this location comes across as a peaceful and pleasant place which is juxtapostion to an action genre.This could connote that this is an intentional move by the director so the audience expect a twist in the film which is a common thriller convention.

Questionnaire - My Target Audience

1. Are you male or female?

2. What age bracket do you fit into?

3. What part of the thriller genre do you enjoy the most?

4. How much violence and/or gore do you expect to see in a thriller?

5. What characters do you favour in a thriller? (tick all that apply)
Criminals
Assasins
Terrorists
Characters with a criminal past
Stalkers
Abuses
Complicated relationships
Abductors
Cops and cons on the run

6. What themes do you favour in a thriller? (tick all that apply)
Terrorism
Romantic triangles
Persuits
Political conspiracy
Religion

7. What is your favourite type of hybrid for a thriller? (tick all that apply)
Action
Adventure
Sci-fi
Crime
Western
Film-noir

Film classification - 15 and 18

No one younger than 15 can see a film with a '15' rating at the cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a film with a '15' rating

  In a film with this rating, any form of discriminatory language or behaviour is not acceptable.

Drugs are allowed to be presented but cannot be incouraged or shown to be misused in any way.

Horror is also allowed and can be strong and show menace. However it can't be sadistic or secualised.
Dangerous behaviou such as sucide or self harming should not be dwelled on in detail.
Strong language can be used frequently, but stronger terms being repeated is unlikely.
Their are no limitations to nudity when it is in a non-sexual nature. However in sexual context nudity and sexual activity can be diplayed but not explicitly.
Violence can be strong but not dwell on the inflicition of pain and suffering. Extremely gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Verbal detail of sexual violence can be presented but not portrayed visibaly unless in a discrete nature.

No one younger than 18 can see a film with a rating of '18' rating at the cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy a film with an '18' rating.

 A film which has a certificate 18 allows anyone over this age to choose their own entertainment.
This rating accepts images of a gory nature, drug abusers and scenes of a sexual nature.
However their are still certain boundaries these films cannot overide. Film material which is a against the law is a criminal offence and cannot be permitted. Also, if material appears harmful to an individual or society. This could include dangerous acts or illegal drug use which is hazardous to a beings health or values.
 Furthermore, sexual violence which dwells on the the subject of sexual assault is against the regulations of an '18' certificate.




While both certificates have a set of rules which must be reviewed for in order to allow explicit scenes, it is clear that cetificate '18' present much more topics of a sexual nature, drugs and gore. Violence in '18' certifcates are exposed more and strong language can be used a lot more freely.
This suggests that their are more boundaries for directors to follow in a film rated '15' whereas an '18' film rating is free to include anything that is not against the law.

The Codes of a Thriller

Camera

• CU - This shot focuses on someones face or a detail in the mise-en-scene which suggests significance in a person/object. Very little background is shown
• ECU - Very specific showing something such as eyes or hair. There is no background in these shots which makes it more dramatic.
• MS - Most commonly featured in a dialogue scene where half of a characters body is visible.
• LS - This shot captures all of a characters body . Quite a lot of background is seen.
• ELS - Shots from a long distance which indentifies the settin in the scene coming. Usually are shots oustide e.g a beach

CU and MS are the most used camera types in thrillers because they offer better detail which creates tension.

Camera Angles

• Low Angle - camera positioned low, which increases the size of the character/object as it takes up the screen, conoting dominance.
• High Angle - camera positioned high up, so it is lookin down on a character/object making it seem smaller/weak.
• Eye Level - camera positioned at the same eye level as its viewers.

Protagonist's are more often than not positioned using a low angle, making them seem strong and powerful.

Camera Movement

• Panning - when the camera follows a moving object. This can be done slowly the create a mysterious atmosphere or quickly for an anxious outlook.
• Surveying Pan - when the camera shows the audience the setting/scene.
• Tracking - moving the camera towards or away from the place of investigation. Moving forwards usaully creates anticipation whilst moving away results in an emotional moment in the film.
• Tilt - vertically moving the camera up or down.
• Crab - moving the camera either left of right.
• Hand held camera - produces an unsteady, messy image which shows a sense of chaos.
• Zoom - magnifying the camera to focus on something originally unlcear which can shock the audience.

Editing

• Cut - sudden change of shot from one viewpoint. These occur frequently normally every 7 to 8 seconds.
• Jump Cut - Sharply switches from one scene to another which normally ends or begins action in a thriller.
• Matched Cut - change in shot where the shot is similar to the last which makes the change smooth.
• Cutting rate - when cuts are made frequently to interupt action or shock the onlooker.
• Cross Cut - switches from one action scene to another.
• Cutaway - intercutting shot between same scene or subject to shorten time.
• Fade and dissolve - a gradual transition between a shot. In a fade, picture appears (comes in) or disapears (goes out).
• Split Screen - the screen splits in two to show the audience two different shots.images at the same time to create pace and excitement.

Cuts and jump cuts are the most common form of editing in thrillers as they increase the tension within the narrative keeping the audience fixed.

Sound

• Diegetic sound - dialogue between characters (on screen) which insreases the the films realism.
• Non diegetic sound - music in the background (off screen) which can be used to either speed up or slow down the pace.
• Direct sound - live sound, fresh, creates an aunthentic atmosphere.
• Studio sound - recorded sound the improve its quality, eliminating unwanted background noise.
• Selective sound - the removal of unwanteds sound and addition of others to make sounds more recognisable.
• Sound Bridge - Ading to continuity through sound, by running sound from one shot through a cut to another to minimise interference.
• Music - helps the establish the films rythm and pace.  This rythms often dictates the editing such as cuts. It also helps set the films mood for the audience e.g upbeat, mysterious, slow

Non diegetic sounds is the most common sound type which creates dramatic effect and educates the reader on the films mood. Sound bridges are also widely used, so action seems present when its not visible so excitement is not lost for the viewers.

Mise-en-scene

• This is all the props/objects visible on screen.
• Props in thriller include: guns, knives, cars, boats etc
• Also includes how the characters are presented e.g red attire presents dangerous, negative character.
• Thrillers are normally set in large cities or places of wealth and beauty.
• Clothing includes colours dependent on film. E.g black suggest a myterious character or red conotes blood and danger.

Mise-en-scene is the most important aspect of a thriller. It shows the meaning of what is on screen, the characters and the films narrative.

Editing

• Mostly dark, dull lighting used before action scenes portraying mystery and anticipation.
• Soft/harsh lighting - manipulate the watchers attitude to the setting of a scene or the characters features.

Brain Storm

Thriller

• Action
• Crime
• Mystery
• Horror
• Psycho

Camera

• Mainly CU/MS
• Few LS/ELS
• Low/high angle
• Panning

Mise-en-scene

• Weapons - guns
• Gadgets
• Car Chases
• Explosions
• Abduction

Sound

• Diegetic - analogue
• Non-diegetic - music

Editing

• Fast pace
• Slow pace
• Cuts
• Jump cuts

The conventions of a Thriller

Sound

Non-diegetic music in thrillers is fairly similar in most films. It is used to create tension and anticipation amongst its viewers. To raise anxiety, non diegetic sound is used which is symbolic of the genre, as it helps the onlooker interpret what is about to happen. Non diegetic sound uses sound bridges in thrillers which sharply cuts to another shot. This is a pivital tool in a thriller because the music leaves tension within the film, eventhough there is nothing viewavle on screen. Also, non-diegetic music is important because it helps conote the characters emotions, so the audience can get more of a feel for this making them feel more involved.

Dialogue of the characters in the film is diegetic. Diegetic sound also creates tension, as the voice of the characters shows a sense of realism indicating to the audience the action been witnessed is real, causing them to be on the edge of their seats. 

Music and dialogue pace is reliant on the action scenes in thrillers. This means that if the dialogue is fast and energetic the non-diegetic music will also be quick to match the rythm set.

Characters

In the thriller genre, binary opposites are used  for characters to show bad vs good which is always a theme in a thriller. The good is the protagonist who is the main character, often good looking, strong and has to escape danger and do something positive. The antagonist is a bad character who is commonly a psychopath, stalker, criminal, assasin or terrorist who seeks to kill the protagonist who has done nothing wrong.

Mise-en-scene

This is everyting which apears in the shot/camera,

Thrillers are often set in an exotic or sophisticated location such as a well known city or a place of wealth. These settings tend to be the same most of the way throught the film such as the same hotel or house apart from the very beginning of the film where the location may be in an entirely different country. Having a the setting in an expensive location will increase the significance of what is happening making it more exciting for the audience.

Semiotics is a key part of thrillers too. Lighting is used to indicate atmosphere. If a house is dark this creates a negative tone, adding to the tension suggesting a mysterious or haunted setting. Similarly, clothing can suggest danger towards the viewer. The colour red is often worn as well as black. Red conotes danger, which is iconic of blood. This indicates to the audience that something negative is going to happen, creating a sinister tone. 

Props are not largely used in thrillers apart from weapons like guns iconic to death. This emphaises danger and action in the narrative which is a recurring theme throughout all thrillers. 

Narrative

This is the story which is created in a constructive form. A narrative has a theme to it.

Narratives which are commonly use in thrillers are: terrorism, murder, money, drugs, abduction. Within a thrillers narrative twists and plots are used, making the storyline extremely complex so that audience is kept fixed and interested in the film as it gradually progresses. When a twist in the narrative occurs, this is often when the protagonist is involved in a hig intensity action scene, so again the viewer is concentrating and follows the plot.

Camera

Thrillers are dominated by CU's and MS's of the protagonist. This is done to allows the audience to get a good visual of the main character. It also conotes the importance of this character because they dominate the shot portraying to the onlooker this person is signifcant. CU's and MS's are also used in scenes of action. This allows the watcher to see in detail the violence which adds to the tension and excitement. LS's and ELS's are used very little in thrillers but still exist. They are included as the beginning of some scenes where the setting has changed. This is so the viewer can understand the location has changed, helping them to followe the narrative and know where action will take place. Different camera angles are used in thrillers also to establish the power of a character or place. E.g a low camera angle looking up at the protagonist lets the audience comprehend the robust nature of the character because they appear bigger on screen. Another type of camera use is panning and tracking. Panning is used mostly in scenes of slower pace where the camera follows the main character(s) to reinforce their dominance. Tracking is used in a fast pace scene when travelling to a place of action.

Editing

This involves selecting and combining a variety of shots into one sequence, creating a finished motion. It is referred to as "invisible art" because when it is done well, the viewer becomes so engaged, they are not aware of the editing that has taken place.

Editing is usually fast paced in thrillers, increasing the films intensity. Cuts are used to switch between scenes. This is done quickly so the action is not interrupted so the onlookers interest is not ruined.

Thriller Genre

A genre is type of film which is dictated by thematic codes and conventions.


Thriller films is a type of genre. Thrillers are not only films, but come in the form of books, television and radio. This genre is known to promote intense excitment for its viewer, a high level of suspense and aniticipation, uncertainty, anxiety and nerve wrecking tension. A wide range of people find thrillers enjoyable due to their very complex plots that are used in the entire film making it addicting for the onlooker.

A typical convention of a thriller is its sudden plot twists creating suspense amongst the audience which can become unbearable in a long scene or a television series. Another characteristic of this genre is the heavy load of action which is dominated by a protagonist and antagonist. The thriller genre is a film that pursuses a specific goal which provides thrills which keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. This is usually achieved when the protagonist is placed in difficult situation, often which is highly dangerous and escape would be seen to be impossible. Most of these situations involve the protagonist battling against a skilled, clever or horrific antagonist. However other missions could include environmental threats, technology or natural disasters. The heroes in most of the films are predominately men who are frequently "hard" and accustomed to danger. However, this may not always be the case as ordinary citizens are sometimes drawn into danger. While such heroes have traditionally been men, it is not unrecognisable for a women to be a lead character in a thriller which is becoming increasingly popular, such as the Lara Croft films, by Angelina Jolie.



Some thrillers are of a very high quality. These can be extremely interlectual and sophisticated, encouraging well educated people to watch and enjoy them. Such thrillers have a psychological aspect which forces the viewer to look closely at the characters incentive to gather a better understanding of the plot. Others are much more simplistic and do not need as much examination from the audience to figure out the plot of the film.