Analysing shot types in thriller openings.

By Ellie Addison

• I think this opening credit looks very professional and the shading of certain letters give originality.

• The black and grey colour scheme links to the theme of thriller / horror.

• The writing it totally central to the shot and looks imposing and dominant.

• This is an extreme close up shot and really focuses on the writing which could connote its significance.

• The black and white effect could connote sadness which in some cases links to the thriller genre or could be used to show something happening in the past.

• This a close up shot which shows the building from a low angle which makes it look dominant and makes the audience feel inferior.

• The fact there is a crime report sets the mood of the film and again relates back to typical conventions of the thriller genre.

• The white writing is effective as it blends into the shot and the black and white effect.

• This is a medium shot and the fact there are two paperclips gives the shot a feel that maybe all of this paperwork is in an office and creates enigmas for the audience.

• I feel that the credits blends into the theme of the sequence yet still stands out especially as being in white.

• This shot is purposely blurred to create a certain mood and again gives the audience enigmas of just what is being blurred and why.

• This creates mystery which again links to the conventions of a thriller of there being a mystery / crime which is solved.

• This is an extreme long shot and actually makes the figure seem quite insignificant.

• The figure’s stance seems quite suspicious (the way he is holding his arms) and creates enigmas for the audience of who this man is.

• The bright lights from the lamp posts and windows contrast with the dark, eerie feel being presented through the shot.

• This is an aerial shot looking over the O2. It is a long shot and really captures the surroundings and establishes the settings which is vital in the opening sequence of any film as it gives the audience orientation.

• This is an extreme close up and the fact the whole of the person’s face is not revealed gives a sinister atmosphere which again links to the theme of horror / thriller genre films.

• The rope also has connotations of the thriller genre and could be represented as being dangerous as in many cases ropes are used to tie objects or people up.

• This is an close up onto the films title and the grey writing against the black background makes the writing stand out and again the colours work together to create a kind of sinister and eerie atmosphere which is usually very typical within the thriller genre.

• In conclusion, from looking at the shot types used in some examples of thriller opening sequences, I can gather that all the shots and style of credits work together to create a certain dark and sinister atmosphere which is a popular convention of the thriller genre.

• Many of the shots are edited in a way e.g. blurring to create a sense of mystery which gives the audience enigmas which again is a popular and effective feature of thriller / horror films.

• I found this research incredibly beneficial and will consider these aspects when creating my own opening sequence.