Most thrillers are set in inner city areas while some are set in the woods. The films set in the shady inner city areas are usually have more variations of background sound such as: cars, people shouting, normal dialogue and sometimes heavy rainfall and violence. The films set in the woods usually have less background sounds but have sound that may include: crickets, trees swaying and other wildlife. The setting and sound is important because they create the overall atmosphere for the film and draw the attention of the viewer.
SETTING & SOUND
LOW KEY LIGHTING
low key lighting is used in thriller films to create a tense atmosphere for the particular scene. when low key lighting is used, the audience can sense that something bad may happen
Mirrors
Mirrors in thriller films are used to show the reflection of the protagonist. The reflection in the mirror is often the darker side of the character which is hidden from the other characters in the film.
ICONOGRAPHY
SHADOWS and SILHOUETTES
WEAPONS
DRUGS
DARK URBAN SETTINGS
CARS
Shadows and silhouettes create mystery and a dark atmosphere for the audience. They are often used to hide the identity of someone or something and leave the audience guessing. Silhouettes give a clearer look of the outline of the the hidden object or person while the shadow distorts the object or person causing it to look awkward and confuse the audience.
Weapons are used a lot in thriller films, especially in action thrillers. These are usually used to assert authority in the films and create tension at certain points.
Drugs also play a apart in many thriller movies and in some cases they are the main focus of the film. An example could be the protagonist having to take down a drug kingpin.
A dark urban setting is used in thriller movies as well. Dark urban settings are often associated with criminal activity. The dark atmosphere bring a sense of discomfort to the audience.
Cars are in pretty much in every movie and is the focus of some of the films. They are the main source of transport in films and can be characterized in many ways. Often, characters have signature cars that fits their character.
Extreme long shot
Extreme long shot also known as an
establishing shot
is used to capture a large landscape. This is usually used at the beginning of a film or scene to show the general location
This type of shot is similar to an extreme long shot but shows less landscape. This camera shot gives a more specific idea of the location.
Long shot
In conspiracy thriller films, the protagonist usually encounters a person or an organization who is more powerful than them. the protagonist is the person who usually senses the threat first and is the main person to fight the threat. An example of a conspiracy thriller is the film "Arlington Road"
CAMERA ANGLES AND ANGLES
Medium shot
This camera shot shows the character with the lower part of the body cut off leaving the upper part to be seen. this shot can show a bit of the setting in the background while showing the facial expressions of the characters.
Close up
A close up of shot usually emphasizes the emotional state of a character by filming up close to a characters face. The viewer is drawn into the subject's personal space and shares their feelings.
Over the shoulder shot
This camera shot shows a character over the shoulder of another character. This is often used when two characters are having a conversation.
High angle shot
The camera is usually is placed at a higher level above a character looking downward towards the character. This shot can show the character to be smaller or weaker.
Low angle shot
The camera is usually placed below the character looking upward to the character. This camera shot can make the a character look bigger, stronger or have authority.
CHARACTERS
Just like many other genre of films, thrillers have a variation of characters that viewers get to experience with the protagonist or may be the protagonist itself. Here is a list of the type of characters you may see:
A convict is someone who has been found guilty of a criminal offence. Convicts appear in thriller films but most often in crime and mystery thrillers. An example of a convict in a thriller film is "Hartigan" from the crime thriller "Sin City".
CONVICT
PSYCHOTIC CHARACTERS
A psychotic character usually suffers from psychosis which has extreme affects on the mind. This usually means that the characters thoughts and emotions are affected so badly that they begin to lose touch with reality and begin to act in a manner that means that members of the public are not safe around them. These characters often appear in crime and mystery thrillers and an example of a psychotic character is The Joker from the Batman series. This type of character is usually the antagonist
STALKER
A stalker is a person who develops an obsession with someone and dedicates time into repeatedly watching or following a person without their permission. Stalkers tend to appear in mostly crime and mystery thrillers. They are similar to psychotic characters as they tend to be mentally unstable in most cases while some stalkers are mentally stable. An example of a stalker is "Seymour Parrish" from the film "One Hour Photo".
INNOCENT PEOPLE BROUGHT INTO DANGER
A lot of the time in thriller films, innocent characters are brought into danger or crime. These characters often appear in crime thrillers and an example of this is "Jason" from the film "Snitch". His friend was a drug dealer but his friend framed him and during a police raid Jason was arrested and given 10 years in prison.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Since most thriller movies contain crime, it is natural that law enforcement should be involved and they usually play a big role in the storyline. Law enforcement is usually portrayed as being helpful or as being corrupt. An example of helpful police is "Jack Travern" from the film "Speed". Jack Travern was a young cop that had to prevent a bomb exploding on a city bus by keeping its
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