Sound is essential when trying to create effects and suspense within a thriller. When there is a scene that requires a build up to a jump scene. The tension in the film has to be at a peak. This can be manipulated by a number of different techniques. One of these could be sound.
Diegetic sounds
The footsteps of the character immediately add to the slow paced atmosphere that is used to build tension. The sound effects are minimum at the start this is to let the audience take special notice of smaller sounds, such as footsteps being presented in this scene. This is conventional to a thriller as it lets the audience concentrate on just the footsteps. This is often used to create the effect of how quiet the scene is. If the audience are only able to here footsteps it creates the feeling of isolation and loneliness which can create an unsettling feeling throughout the sequence.
The diegetic sound of the thunder which begins to create a suspenseful and chilling atmosphere, can also be heard in this clip. The weather of storms and thunder also can be associated with danger and this creates a sense of foreboding for the audience. The fact the heavy rain can be heard and the surprising sounds of harsh thunder tells the audience that the safety of the antagonist could be opposed. This is conventional to a thriller as it provides the harsh weather and the connotations that come with it. The audiences emotions and reactions wouldn't be the same without the dark colours in the sky and the heavy noises.
As the character begins to look out into the distance he notices a hand print and presses his own hand against it. This is immediately followed by a loud scream that will give the audience a sudden sense of shock, possibly making them jump. The diegetic scream is ultimately used to make the audiences senses be alert.This relates to a convention of a thriller due to the slow paced editing. Thriller films usually will focus on one significant sound such as a heart beat or foot steps and then this sound will usually increase in temp and sound and then finally end with a shocking action (such as the lady screaming through the window).
Non Diegetic
The erie sounds being used throughout the sequence continues to be played on and off and used when needed. The sounds in the background that were put in editing continues to sound like a light choir of a woman that remains singing in a high pitched tone. This actually continues to portray the more scary tones, that are present in this film. As the woman is what makes this film frightening and thrilling. This is conventional to a thriller as it creates a suspenseful atmosphere. When the audience is anticipating something and all they can hear is chilling music it builds tension within the scene and creates a relationship between the character and the audience due to that fact that they may be concerned for his life. After the woman screams there is a quiet non diegetic sound of a high pitched scream-like effect that resembles the emotion of being shocked. This is perfectly placed to soften the loud diagetic scream. This opposes the thriller convention as it is usually erie soundtracks that are played within a thriller film. In thriller films we will never usually hear a soundtrack that seems upbeat and enjoyable they are usually very dark and erie and slow-temped.
Off screen
Off screen noises can be used to increase the tension and suspense within a thriller film, as it causes the audience to question whether or not the sound is near or far and if it can be associated with danger? In the distance of this clip you are able to hear a wolf howling. This is conventional to a thriller genre as it results in the audience wondering where the sound is coming from. In this case the audience may wander if this wolf has any part in the narrative of this film. They may begin to create a relationship with the character based on fear. As Off-screen sounds are usually vital to the thriller conventions as they indicate what location the thriller film is set in.
Parallel sounds
Parallel sounds are often sounds that in fact fit the scene and genre of the film. For example if a girl was getting murdered in a part of a thriller film, the parallel sounds associated with this would be screaming, stabbing and even an erie non-diagetic soundtrack. Here in women in black we hear creaking footsteps that resemble a sneaky sort of behaviour, this is common in thrillers and is a typical convention as they portray secrets and mystery they also emphasis on the silence, letting the audience take notice of the quiet footsteps, this creates a very tense atmosphere as the audience focuses on where the character is heading.
Conclusion
In conclusion to this sound plays a massive part in making a thriller film suspenseful and thrilling. Each erie sound creates tension within a scene. Whether its a scream or the sound effect of a gun being shot, each sound is added for a reason and contributes to making the scene entertaining and enjoyable for the audience. I know that insignificant sounds now play a part in making the scene what it is which is why I aim to add as many sound as possible, within my own thriller opening. I've learnt that simple and engaging sounds that grab the audiences attention are what make a thriller film erie.
Editing is essential to a film as it can add a tempo and can process a film into completion. It corrects any issues that can occur and can add certain effects
This clip from saw displays a number of different editing techniques that all build tension and lead up to the character 'Jills' death. The timing of shots are one of the main editing techniques that change how the thriller film is perceived. As the timer counts down towards her death the number of different shots increase this is to display the panic of the timer counting down. The effect of this is to build speed and make the audience feel anxiety for the character in the chair knowing that time is running out until her death.This is a typical convention of a thriller because the audiences anticipation increases as the tempo of the film increases. This is a type of editing techniques that the audience like to see in a thriller film as it would usually initiate a chase. Overall this may result in the audience feeling nervous, they may become agitated and this is consequently what will cause the anxiety to heighten which will result in them becoming more scared for the character. Not only is speed in shots conventional in a thriller when there fast but also when there slow which is another technique that can cause the audience to feel exactly the same emotion. The use of slow editing in thriller results in anticipation to whats about to come next. The same as what the outcomes going to be here when using fast editing.
In addition to this Linking shots are used with a flash back to add emotional impact within the scene. This is present when the shots of the past are added at quick speed. The audience begins to feel sympathy for her as they see a part of her innocent life. They see her walking through the park and in hospital. This is to display an emotional personal side to the character. The fact that the shots of innocence and enjoyment are shown just before her death, almost acts as closure between the audience and the character, by adding such emotional clips within an overall very violent gruesome scene. Linking shots are are typical convention of a thriller as in detail it gives the audience a clue into what the scene is next going to entail. For example if the killer in a thriller is about to be discovered linking shots can be made adding up all the clues that suggest who the killer would be. In this case though it is conventional to a thriller due to the fact it fits with the audience feeling empathy with this character. They know she played a massive role within the film and as a result of this the linking shots may cause the audience to feel devastated. Which is one aspect thriller tend to have. They usually have more of an emotional connection the the character compared to other genres such as horrors.
Another editing technique that is being portrayed in the short clip is a reaction shot. After the continuous speed and flashbacks that have been added to this scene, a close up of Jill displays her reaction to the timer, with a terrified look in her eyes. This shot is to display a clear objective of her reaction towards death, the audience are able to see a true recollection of her emotion, by facial expressions. This make the audience again feel sympathy towards her, in addition to this it also give them an idea to what is about to come next, which is her gruesome death. Reaction shots are a common convention of a thriller as they are normally used after something shocking has happened. For example a convention of a thriller is sometimes usually the fact that the murderers identity is hidden. This suggests that when the killers identity is finally revealed then reaction shots are usually the type of editing style that remains present, as the audience are able to see the characters true emotion to what they are witnessing this is a way to build tension as the audience may actually feel that they have the same shocking reaction.
Conclusion
Overall the effect editing can have on a film, can change the whole dynamics. This has educated me on presenting a good thriller film myself. I have learnt about all the different techniques that can change the pace and dynamics in a film. This is to build tension and continue to add suspense within the sequence. I now know that I can change the speed of the shots and give examples of specific shots such as reaction shots and montages.
Cinematography is all the different ways a camera is positioned and moves. It is the camera in film-making and the creativeness of photography, which involve different shots, angles, movements and positions. Cinematography in a thriller is used to make the scene appear even more thrilling and suspenseful, by using sharp movements and interesting degrees. Examples of these different uses of cinematography are low angles, medium shots and long shots. Even techniques and movements such as panning and handheld are all apart of cinematograhy. The film I am going to analyse is Orphan. I chose it due to the suspenseful atmosphere and different angles and movements it had to demonstrate how cinematography can be manipulated to make a scene appear more thrilling and dangerous.
The first type of movement shows a
panning shot from the young girl to a gun. This portrays the guns importance, it almost hints that she is contemplating using the weapon, this gives the audience a hope that in fact the mother and daughter will survive and ester will be the one to be defeated. This is conventional to a thriller due to the fact that the audience are being given clues into whats happening next just from the type of camera angles and movement used. This is going to make the audience feel comforted in the fact that this could be the escape and help that the mother and daughter are after. This type of shots also represents the frustration the young girl feels. If there focuses on her and then panning straight onto the gun. This can almost suggest the need to help her mother. Overall this successful fits the codes and conventions of a thriller and it can support the theory of good stereotypically overcoming evil this is common in most genres and even thrillers and shown from this shot.
A POV shot is used frequently throughout the scene, for example when the mum is being attacked and begins to try and crawl back we see her through esters point of view, this is to see the side of the killer, almost giving the audience power within the scene making them feel superior against the mother. This is conventional to a thriller because it is often that POV shots can be manipulated into achieving what power looks like from an antagonists perspective. This POV shot is also used in a different way as seen in the screen shot here. We are able to present a POV shot from the mothers perspective, now changing the view on power and leaving the audience feeling helpless, for themselves and the character. This shot in particular shows the character of Ester jabbing a knife into the mothers leg. This aggressive scene is conventional to a thriller as it displays how painful and scary it would be to be in the mother position. It overall makes the audience feel empathy towards the character as they are able to see and almost feel what it would be like to actually see out of the victims eyes.
Throughout the fight the camera shots remain to appear very shaky, this is to create a handheld effect during the fight. For the audience this creates a personal relationship to the film, it makes the film flow with a much higher speed and make the violence seem very realistic. This is conventional to a thriller as it presents how well the action and violence can pull the audience into the scene. We are able to feel apart of the film as an audience due to the shaky footage looking as if it is your perspective through the camera lens. This is because if the audience where the ones in this fight there vision would be blurred and the focus would be to just fight for there life. This handheld effect fits the codes and conventions of a thriller also due to the fact its creates panic. A smooth steady shows indicates how well put together a scene or character is. Here we are able to view the opposite and become very frightened at what is currently happening in and throughout this scene.
There is a close up shot of the mothers head slamming onto the ice this is to show the pain of her hitting her head. This could begin to give the audience doubt for that character as it seems she is being defeated This is a very stereotypical aspect of films which continues to exist throughout many genres. This one shots lead the audience into thinking that she has been defeated by making her seem weak and then she is in fact the one that defeats the antagonist. This type of shot is conventional to a thriller as is exaggerates the feeling and motion of her head being smacked down onto the ice. If this was demonstrated with a long shot it wouldn't be as effective because we wouldnt be able to see the intensity of her injury. In addition to this the audience reaction would be different. Here they would cringe at they thought of her head smashing down hard onto the ice where as from a distance they may not notice they impact this would have or the pain it would cause, like it does through the use of a close up shot.
The final technique used in this sequence is the zooming in effect when the girl is about to shoot the gun. This gives the audience an idea of how much importance the shot of the gun has with the final outcome of the scene. She is able to break the ice and send the two of them flying through into the lake. The zooming in effect fits the codes and conventions of a thriller as it contributes into slowing the scene down for a few seconds. This already has a huge impact on the audience as it gives them a shot time to react and take in what is about to happen. As the zooming in effect reaches closer to the girls face we are able to see the fear and tension in her face. This causes the audience to feel sorry for the girl. Knowing that her mother is in danger and trying to help her the audience are able to guess that she is going to try and shot the gun and kill Ester. This is all done through the use of a zooming in close up. Conclusion After researching and analysing the different techniques and shots that can be manipulated within the film industry, I now know how important it is to use creative and effective shots within my own thriller opening. Already I have started to think of my own characters and narrative and now I am beginning to come up with certain shots that I know I will certainly use within my thriller opening sequence. These shots include the close up as I know its very effective at over exaggerating and showing detailed emotions. Another would be a POV shot as this way they audience are able to see different perspectives from different characters and understand what its like to be in there shoes.
Everything that goes into a film is Mise-en-scene, it is everything that makes up a scene and everything that supports it to fit a certain genre. Aspects of the mise-en-scene could be the scenery and stage properties or it could be the surroundings or settings in a clip.
Shutter Island Analysis
Teddy is portrayed in a white gown, that almost resembles to a hospital/mental institution suited uniform. This causes the audience to associate him with looking 'unwell' or 'mentally unstable'. In addition to this he is wearing white which could portray that he is in fact the innocent protagonist and the other two characters are in fact the darker antagonists. This contrast between good and evil, is often presented through the use of colour in thriller films. Chuck and Dr. Cawl are dressed very smartly, in suits that appear tailored and expensive. This use of costume indicates that their the powerful and educated characters within the scene. This is a typical convention of a thriller as in normal physiological of crime thrillers the detective is normally dress in more expensive clothes to show that the character is far more education and in control, compared to the weaker mentally weakened character in more scruffy clothes, which make him appear not very put-together.
The Iconography in the film is demonstrated by the use of different props in the scene. We see the character Teddy grab the gun and hold it up to the other too. The gun represents danger and adds a sense of foreboding to the scene. The use of guns are not normally stereotypical to the thriller genre but in this care it represents the power Teddy believes he has over the other two. In contrast to this Teddy is able to break the gun, which can portray his mental instability. He is beginning to crack in this scene, almost as if he is coming to the realisation that he is no where near stable and actually needs some sort of help. The blood that Teddy imagines after shooting Dr. Cawl, states that death could be near, as the deep, red blood represents death and danger. In addition to this Teddy is shown pictures of his supposedly dead children. This could portray his loss of innocence as children initially are represented as pure and good. It could also show how disturbing Teddy's mind actually is. The confusion of Teddy's mental capability leads the audience to question all the characters in the scene. All of this is supported by the iconography as the gun although can do alot of damage in fact breaks just like Teddy's mind.
The scene begins with what appears to be a abandoned light house. The use of setting is very erie as it is high out of sight and all that is seen is the blue sea from a distance, showing us that there is no escape for Teddy. Isolated locations are very common within thriller films as it shows the impact the events that are about to unfold will have on the character. If there is about to be a murder seen we know that there is no escape for Teddy is not able to run as he is trapped within the lighthouse. His only escape would be to jump and this would consequence in his death. The gloomy setting with grey undertones are also stereotypical colours of a thriller film. Bright and vibrant colours are usually more conventional to a cartoon genre where as colours in a thriller remain dark and gloomy.
The lighting is set up so that Teddy is the focus of the scene. The key light is set up behind the camera facing Teddy so that his body is highlighted. Behind the character we see small candles and trinkets to block out heavy shadows. A lot of natural light is brought in through the windows to portray to the audience that in realisation he is not who he thinks he is and the light is now focused on him because he is the main focus in the scene. This is conventional to a thriller opening as it resembles the fact that the main characters are in focus and the background is dark to build anticipation and expectation, as you are unable to know what is lurking there.
The characters; Chuck and Dr. Cawl are assembled in a way that makes them stand as equals they are both stood next to each other facing Teddy, this shows the audience how they are almost trying to 'gang up' on Teddy. The way they stand shows that they are making Teddy feel very hostile. By the way Teddy stands and the body language he uses shows how attacked he feels. His posture is very defencive and aggressive. His facial expression appears to be very shocked and confused and the other two may almost be described as manipulative. Overall by the positioning of the characters Teddy is portrayed as the weaker character in the scene. This is conventional to a thriller as the victim in the scene is often cornered or over powered by the antagonist in the scene. This is portrays the dominance that the antagonist has over the victim.
Conclusion
Analysing the Mise-en-scene of a thriller has helped me to evolve my own ideas of a thriller. I know now that the way a character is dressed can portray there personality and mental stability, for example. If a character is dressed in white they are being represented as an innocent character. Also, things like the abandoned setting and dark lighting can lead an audience to feel isolated themselves which would reflect on how the characters feel too and what there future holds. The positioning of characters is one aspect that can determine how powerful or dominant a person is. This is a useful method and will be used to show the protagonist and antagonist in my thriller opening.
The BBFC stands for British board of film classification. Their aim is to protect the public by educating them with a guide to what films each age group should what and what content they believe is suitable for all audiences. The BBFC was set up in 1912 in order to make sure that films that where being released where suitable for certain age types and particular people.
Age Certificates
U
The lowest age certificate they produce is a U. The BBFC state that films classed as a U, are usually suitable for all age groups. These films are usually full of very bright, inviting colours. They normally would be based around fairy tales and characters such as knights, princesses and princes. The example I have used is 'Barbie the princess and the pauper'. This film consists of a storyline of two girls that look very similar and find each other. One of them a princess which is a typical convention of the U Certificate. The other a poorer girl from a family who has no money and is now in debt, working as a dress maker. The Atmosphere within the film remains very magical and full of talking animals and handsome princes for the princesses. These sort of films usually come with an inner meaning. They have morals hidden in them for example to always be honest and kind etc. The ending finishes happily and continues to remain good and lively, always upbeat and on occasion presents songs about being magical and brave and following your dreams, most U films contain a message that enables characters to express to the audience that happy endings do happen and that dreams do come true. This is common in films such as Barbie and Disney as the content remains innocent and full of fairy tales.
PG
The next age certificate the BBFC have is a PG. This stands for parental guidance which means that for the younger ages the parents should watch first to decide whether the film is suitable or to actually accompany the child when watching the film. These types of films normally have the same sort of story lines, except there could be more violence or anger in this story line. Meaning that parents may have to watch to decide whether the content is too sensitive for their child. Harry Potter is a perfect example of this. In the first Harry Potter movie. It shows Harry's life and how horrid it is. It then goes on to him joining a magical school and making friends and learning spells. Although Harry Potter does contain the typical magical, make believe story line, there could be content that is too harsh for the very young generation. Characters and creatures that may be humorous to one child, may be very frightening for another which leaves the parent to decide whether there own child should be able to watch the film or whether the content is too sensitive for them. This is why the BBFC came up with PG's as although they are professionally inclined to decide whether content is suitable not all parents may agree.
12A & 12
The 12A certificate states that the film is suitable for anyone above twelve but anyone younger may watch the film as long as they are accompanied with an adult. This is one of the newer age certificates and was brought in due to the popularity of films such a 'Spider Man' as content was too harsh for young viewers but because of popular demand the younger generation still wanted to watch it. These films normally consists of content that could be too emotional or frightening to some children but others it may be fine for. This gives parents a chance to decide whether or not the film is suitable or not. The 12 age certificate is similar to the 12a except the BBFC have decided that the content is far to mature for anyone under the age of 12. Even with adult supervision. Spider man is a film that consists of a super hero going around and saving citizens from robbers, murders and other nasty and criminal people. The characters in spider man consist of the protagonist 'spider man' and the damsel in distress 'Mary-Kate' finally the antagonist 'The Green Goblin' Which is a very violent and evil character that is more for the mature audience, this is why parents may be needed to watch the film also.
15
The 15 certificate is for ages over 15 the content involved in this age limit is usually, violence, sexual behaviour, strong language and drug abuse. Normally these films will contain moderate examples of each, nothing too gruesome or inappropriate that would disturb a 15 year old, but sensitive enough for anyone younger then 15. American Pie is a film that is rated 15. It is a story of a teenage boy going through experiences. This is a comedy that allows the audience to laugh at the boys embarrassing sexual encounters. They are able to laugh at the awkwardness and feel humiliated for him. The film consists of endless amounts of parties and drinking and teenage experiences that often end badly and humorous. It is a film that contains strong sexuality and dialogue. The film involves a alot of drunken encounters that is not suitable for anyone younger the age of 15 due to the fact the younger teens may look up to some of these actors and actresses and want to inspire to be like them they might take things the wrong way into believing that it is acceptable in society to drink at a young age.
18
This rating is one of the most common, highest rating there is in cinemas today. This is because the films content is normally very disturbed or unsuitable for anyone younger then an adult. It usually contains story sexual content and violence and even drug use. The BBFC would rate films of extreme content at an 18 due to the fact if anyone under this age was to witness this it could emotionally damage them in some way. 'Pulp Fiction' was rated an 18. In the link below is the trailer of this film. Although this is only the trailer we are able to witness what type of film this is. It contains heavy crime and violence. Possible heavy sexual content and overall disturbing scenes. All from well-known actors which would've influenced the BBFC even further. Knowing that fans of these actors may well want to see the film regardless of whats its narrative is. Overall 18's often contains story's about gangs and crime. All things that are too disturbing for a child or young teen to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7EdQ4FqbhY
Conclusion
Overall the BBFC are there to provide reassurance for parents and guardians that what there children are watching is suitable. If there where no restrictions on what children and teens could watch, Overall it could influence them in negative ways. Having a professional company's guidance and opening entitles the parents to make more valid decisions when letting there children watch films. When creating my own thriller sequence I have decided to follow the guidelines that accompany a 15. This is due to the fact this is the type of audience we are aiming our thriller at as well as the content is going to be violent but not to harsh for anyone aged 15 and over.
A thriller is a very fulfilling type of genre. it often involves a mystery or crime. It is a genre that would excite an audience due to the psychological aspects and secrets, that leave you guessing and wanting more.
Gaslight (1940)
Time line of Thrillers
In the 1940's the film Gaslight was brought to our screens. It is a black and white thriller movie about a family who move into a new house 20 years after a death. As the film ends it obtains one of the best extreme close-ups, this is presented as the main character is made aware of his own terrible fate. This use of cinematography is very conventional to the thriller genre as it continues to focus on the characters facial expression only, often giving the film a very chilling atmosphere. The film fits the thriller genre, by the way it can use prolonged and slow editing to create tension. This is one of the first films that was able to get into the audiences minds without having to make something jump out on them which is more conventional to the horror genre.
Psycho (1960)
20 years later we see Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, Psycho. A young secretary manages to steal a large amount of money from her employer's client. She then begins to try and go on the run, she eventually finds an old motel to hide in which is owned by a young man under the influence of his mother. This immediately is recognised as one of the first encounters of having a mentally unstable antagonists, which is conventional in a thriller. Having this sort of character present would go on to be very popular in thrillers as it does intend to make the audience feel more uncomfortable. This is now a main convention in physiological thrillers because they do tend to use characters that are influenced by mental illness to actually create mystery. Most films nowadays remain very stereotypical but the use of this type of character plays apart in leaving the audience feeling very isolated and shocked at what they see because the antagonists behaviour is no longer able to be predicted. In addition to this the use of enigma (a typical convention of a thriller) is also what contributes to making a good thriller and a disturbing character is what supports this.
The Chaneling (1980)
In the 1980's we continue to see a range of different thrillers most of them full of mystery and lead to a fulfilling ending filled with cliffhangers and unexpected moments. The narrative seems to go
along the lines of a man entering an abandoned house and
beginning to feel haunted by a strange presence. This already displays a typical convention of a thriller as the identity is hidden. The fact that the antagonist remains unknown shows us that it is a successful aspect of creating suspense within a Thriller.
The director Peter Medak has also produced many thriller projects such as directing TV programmes such as Law and Order, which involves crime and investigation. Which nowadays is more popular in thriller/mystery films and sometimes a common convention of a thriller that focuses on crime. The enigma in this sort of genre would remain to stereotypically focus on a murder and the thrilling part of the film is to try and leave the audience guessing who committed the crime. The use of hidden and mistaken identity is a conventional aspect of thrillers that add the to enigma of the film. If the audience are unable to see or know what character is the dangerous one then it creates suspense, which is what makes thrillers so successful.
Hand that rocks the cradle (1992)
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is another perfect example of how thriller films have learnt to show misconceptions of characters which leaves the audience believing one thing when really in reality it is not as it seems. The main convention of this film is crucial for a good thriller. The antagonist is now female which is actually a new concept to the thriller films as usually it would be the female that played as the damsel in distress. She is portrayed as a normal, well-mannered and innocent woman. This woman could almost be described as angelic which overall gives the audience a false impression of her. This fits the convention that is created during the thriller genre, where audience members are tricked into expecting one then when actually they get something they would never imagine to be present within a film. The fact that the weapons now used in thrillers in this time era are knives begin to show how thrillers where starting to evolve. The iconography use of the knife is very popular within the thriller genre. This is because the use of a knife is a lot more personal compared to a gun which is usually a weapon used more in action films.
Memento (2000)
In the 21st century we begin to see how thriller films have really adapted to the physiological aspect. In Memento (2000) We see a young man, suffering from severe memory loss, he begins to try and unravel his past by clues
that his left himself from tattoos on his body
to track down the one he thinks murdered his wife.
The story line remains very dark and unclear, it often is confusing to the audience in knowing what and who is the murderer. This is a common convention in a thriller, the hidden meanings. We see in the trailer the violence that takes place in this film. This is also a common convention of a thriller and is often used to keep the atmosphere thrilling and exciting. The fact that the audience are unaware of what is happening means that they have to try and figure out the narrative them self. I think this is an interesting way of keeping the audience intrigued and on the edge of there seat.
Before I Go To Sleep (2014)
Before I go to sleep is one thriller that follows a very similar storyline as Memento in the fact that she has also lost her memory and needs help to piece her life back together. This film is very deceiving and leaves the audience wanting to know who it is they should trust. This is a common convention that is constantly thrown into thrillers. The unknown storyline and how unpredictable and dark the film is, is something that continues to be popular in thrillers and is obviously what keeps people coming back. All these conventions mentioned are something I will take into context when thinking about my own thriller opening. As it seems the most disturbing and unsettling story lines that fit the conventions of a thriller come out as the most successful thrillers.
Are thrillers successful?
Below are a range of figures from some of the best thriller films of all time. The table was from taken from the website www.boxofficemojo.com
Silence of the lambs, was one of the most successful thriller films making $130,742,922, It was one of the most original physiological thrillers and carried on to be a well remembered thriller film for many years afterwards. In the scene demonstrated above we see a girl, training to be an FBI agent talking to a man locked away for being mentally ill. This film displays how unstable characters work within thrillers. The fact that the audience can not study his behaviour results in them being unaware of what is going to happen, this leaves them more scared and panicked, while watching this type of thriller. Over all this film can be said to be so successful just from using this type of mentally induced character, which is one thing that can obviously be noted when demonstrating this as a successful thriller.
The film Seven remains to be number 4 on the list of the most successful thriller of all time making $100,125,643. The story is crime related and displays a range of deadly sins. The murderer the two antagonists are after remain to try and kill each victim related somehow to one of the seven deadly sins. The two main characters remain to be very popular and talented which is one aspect that could pull people into watching this film. Although the main aspect that I find interesting and will take in content when planning my own thriller opening is the use of enigma within the thriller film. The fact the pair of them are unable to decided whether the murderer is going to be found or not remains a mystery and is what the audience are mainly interested about.
The cells storyline follows a similar physiological story line, it is a very confusing film and each person will get a different understanding of it. It made around
$61,334,059 as shown by the table. It seems very mysterious in the way it isn't realistic and doesn't make sense. This causes the audience to have to really think and try and get a better understanding of what is to come. The fact that the story appears to be confusing in itself remains to be what kept the film successful. This supports the typical use of the convention enigma within a thriller. The fact that the audience is unable to figure out or predict what the storyline entails shows that the use of mystery in a genre is what sometimes makes it so successful.
Conclusion
Overall this has given me a new insight into how thriller films have evolved over the years and what makes them successful. I have been able to learn a lot of information about how things work and what it is that makes the audience come back for more. I have been able to see what type of thriller has been most successful this being the physiological genre which is something I will consider when decided my own sub-genre of thriller.
The footsteps of the character immediately add to the slow paced atmosphere that is used to build tension. The sound effects are minimum at the start this is to let the audience take special notice of smaller sounds, such as footsteps being presented in this scene. This is conventional to a thriller as it lets the audience concentrate on just the footsteps. This is often used to create the effect of how quiet the scene is. If the audience are only able to here footsteps it creates the feeling of isolation and loneliness which can create an unsettling feeling throughout the sequence.
Parallel sounds are often sounds that in fact fit the scene and genre of the film. For example if a girl was getting murdered in a part of a thriller film, the parallel sounds associated with this would be screaming, stabbing and even an erie non-diagetic soundtrack. Here in women in black we hear creaking footsteps that resemble a sneaky sort of behaviour, this is common in thrillers and is a typical convention as they portray secrets and mystery they also emphasis on the silence, letting the audience take notice of the quiet footsteps, this creates a very tense atmosphere as the audience focuses on where the character is heading.
