Thriller analysis

Genre: Thriller

The aim of a thriller is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seat. The main character (protagonist) is set against a problem- to escape, a mission or a mystery. The sub-genre does not affect the emphasized danger that the protagonist faces.  Tension the main problem causes is built up throughout the film and leads to a stressful climax.

The primary elements of the thriller genre:

      The protagonist(s) faces death, either their own or somebody else's.

      The force(s) of antagonism must initially be cleverer and/or stronger than the protagonist's.

      The main storyline for the protagonist is either a quest or a character who cannot be put down.

      The main plotline focuses on a mystery that must be solved.

      The film's narrative construction is dominated by the protagonist's point of view.

      All action and characters must be credibly realistic/natural in their representation on screen.

      The two major themes that underpin the thriller genre are the desire for justice and the morality of individuals.

      One small, but significant, aspect of a thriller is the presence of innocence in what is seen as an essentially corrupt world.

      The protagonist(s) and antagonist(s) may battle, themselves and each other, not just on a physical level, but on a mental one as well.

      Either by accident or their own curiousness, characters are dragged into a dangerous conflict or situation that they are not prepared to resolve.

Thriller filming techniques

·         Frame for Emotion:

Emotion (in the form of fear, laughter, surprise, sadness, anger, boredom) is the ultimate goal of each scene.  The first consideration of where to place the camera should involve knowing what emotion you want the audience to experience at that particular time.  Emotion comes directly from the actor's eyes.  You can control the intensity of that emotion by placing the camera close or far away from those eyes.  A close-up will fill the screen with emotion, and pulling away to a wide angle shot will dissipate that emotion.  A sudden cut from wide to close-up will give the audience a sudden surprise.  Sometimes a strange angle above an actor will heighten the dramatic meaning.  (Truffaut)

 

·         Camera is Not a Camera

The camera should take on human qualities and roam around playfully looking for something suspicious in a room.  This allows the audience to feel like they are involved in uncovering the story.  Scenes can often begin by panning a room showing close-ups of objects that explain plot elements.

 

·         Keep the Story Simple

If your story is confusing or requires a lot of memorization, you're never going to get suspense out of it.  The key to creating that raw Hitchcock energy is by using simplistic, linear stories that the audience can easily follow.  Everything in your screenplay must be streamlined to offer maximum dramatic impact.  Remove all extraneous material and keep it crisp.  Each scene should include only those essential ingredients that make things gripping for the audience