TECHNIQUES I LIKEIsobel Bayliss

LOW ANGLE SHOTSThe use of low angle shots in thriller films is very effective. This is because it can be used to show

the more dominant characters in the film. For example in this shot it shows these characters as important and authoritative. In films in a murder

scene the low angle shots will show someone who is dangerous and scary. This will make the

audience feel the same way and furthermore add to the verisimilitude.

EXTREME CLOSE UPThe use of this shot can create suspense for the

audience. It shows emotion from the character as well as leaving the audience to guess what has happened. For example in psycho there is an extreme close up of the ladies eye after she has been murdered. The eye is open and leads the audience to believe that she is still alive. There is fear in her eyes which also makes the

audience sympathise with the character. It is not until the shot has zoomed out that the audience realise the

truth. So I like this technique because you can manipulate the audience into believing something else.

FLASHBACKSThe use of flashbacks are used to bring sense to the narrative. They are usually created by using a lighter or darker tone to the consistent one to represent that it is from the past. For example in shutter island when the audience are wondering how the male character

knows about the woman in the institute, they become confused. Until the flashback reveals the story of

what happened. The use of the brighter lights around them shows it is clearly a flashback.

HIGH ANGLE SHOTSThe use of high angle shots are used to make the characters appear small, scared or inferior. They are usually used in thriller films when someone is in danger and allows the audience to notice this because they feel as if they are looking down on

the character. Making them seem the obvious weaker character. An example is in psycho when

the woman is screaming for help.

TRACKINGI like this technique because I feel this can play a vital role in creating tension/suspense in a thriller film. For example tracking a characters movements if they are on a journey or if they are in a chase. This allows the audience to view the situation and creates suspense as they are waiting to see if the person gets caught or where they are going. An

example is from taken in a car scene. This allows the audience to see how the man is anxiously trying to get to his daughter. They are anticipating whether or not he will

get there in time.

CONCLUSION

• Overall I think if I were to include these techniques in my own production I could successfully pull off some of the most iconic generic conventions of a thriller film.