Thriller Genre Analysis

         Since the horror genre and the thriller genre have so much in common, I will be conducting more research on the thriller genre. Almost all horror films have elements of suspense that create anxiety, which is native to the thriller genre.  I find it essential to learn about the thriller genre's conventions as well as analyze a thriller film to get a better idea of what we could potentially be working with, especially if we choose a horror thriller.

         Content

         Thriller films aim to create excitement and suspense within the audience, inducing adrenaline surges and raising heart rates in the people that watch them. Violence is often used as an outlet to create this suspense. The main goal of the thriller film is to keep the audience on "the edge of their seats". In a thriller film, the protagonist is usually placed in a situation in which escape seems impossible. Both the thriller and the horror film aim to create suspense and mystery. 

         Production Techniques

        Thriller films utilize a wide variety of film techniques to ensure suspense throughout the entire film. Close-ups are often used to emphasize feelings of hopelessness in the protagonist; this is usually paired with a high/low angle show to show how superior the antagonist is to the protagonist. Shots are usually broken up with quick cuts to emphasize suspense and mystery. The use of panning and tilting through rooms, paired with close-ups, makes way for an engaging film that the audience can follow. These techniques were especially prevalent in Alfred Hitchcock's thrillers, where proper camera techniques were necessary for a silent film. Quick cuts paired with POV angles allow the audience to feel what the characters are feeling, allowing them to process the emotions that are being conveyed by the actors. Another technique found in Hitchcock's MacGuffin films is camera placement for emotion. A close-up of a character's eyes will convey greater suspense and worry than a long shot of the same situation.  

        Many specific mise-en-scene elements may also help to emphasize suspense and uncertainty. Low-key lighting is very useful in creating a mysterious and eerie environment.  Sound and music throughout the film will most likely begin with a slow tempo and build up as the plot unfolds. Sometimes, the most important sound is no sound at all. Silence, as used in A Quiet Place directed by John Kraskinski. Much of the mise-en-scene elements overlap with the horror genre, which is why we may decide to incorporate elements from both to create a unique film opening. 

         Case Study - Get Out (2017)

         The huge success directed by Jordan Peele utilizes a variety of film techniques to create noteworthy suspense in the film, Get Out. 

          At the beginning of the film, many of the shots linger on Rose, the protagonist's girlfriend, so that the audience establishes a sense of trust with her. This is done to essentially fool the audience later on in the film and to exaggerate the suspense between the protagonist and her. 

          Camera movement was also essential in creating suspense and unease in the film. The camera movements seem to reflect the movements of the characters, moving slightly in response to the characters' actions. This slight camera movement creates a sense of unease in the audience which is necessary for a thriller film. Along with this, the camera seems to follow the couple as they enter the house early on in the film. This allows the audience to easily follow along and notice subtle changes in the setting which would allow them to discern that something is not right. 

         The use of extreme close-ups also allows for tension build-up early on in the film, indicating that something wrong is about to happen in a seemingly pleasant dinner scenario. While the dinner scene starts out mellow and light-hearted, the extreme close-ups between the protagonist and a family member of the antagonist emphasize discomfort between the two and that the protagonist does not belong. Again, while these techniques do not explicitly illustrate danger and fear they serve to subconsciously engage the audience and instill fear and uncertainty, keeping them on edge. 

         Color also plays a major role in the development of the film. While the entire house that the protagonist and his girlfriend are staying at has a warm, orange glow, the protagonist's guest room is quite neutral and bland. The orange glow of the house creates a false sense of friendliness and hospitality, indicating to the audience that this may be "to good to be true". Furthermore, the fact that the protagonist was staying in a completely different-colored room indicates that he may be in danger.

        Overall, the use of subtle film techniques and mise-en-scene help to gradually hint to individuals that the main character is in danger, creating suspense and excitement. 

        

Sources

Blundell, Abbie. “Codes and Conventions of the Thriller Genre.” Prezi.com, 5 Oct. 2016, prezi.com/_bkrwwzfisyh/codes-and-conventions-of-the-thriller-genre/.

O'Sullivan, Georgina. “Use of Mise-En-Scene in a Thriller.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 21 Nov. 2012, www.slideshare.net/GeorginaOSullivan/use-of-miseenscene-in-a-thriller.

“THRILLER - SUSPENSE FILMS .” Most Influential, Significant and Important Films in American Cinema - The 1960s, www.filmsite.org/thrillerfilms.html.

White, Conner. “The Cinematography of GET OUT | Flick Head.” YouTube, YouTube, 18 June 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1lTgAOnuHQ.