Thriller Genre

For my next short film, I hope to explore the "thriller" genre. For my film to be considered a thriller, it must contain the following elements: Suspense, Tension, Surprise

     Thrillers are also generally faced-paced, a note I will be sure to make to my editor when editing begins. The shot selection must consist largely of emotional or "active" shots, as visuals will pose more significant impact on the film than dialogue or subjective perspectives. The proper use of these three filmic elements should help convey a plot that is heavily reliant on a inciting incident, ie. a murder or crime. Any subsequent action should be staged in a way that will not only further continue the plot, but give the audience "thrills" as well.

     To better determine the sub-genre for the short film, as well as the expectations of the thriller genre, I plan on viewing Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, and Inception. These films offer varying perspectives on the Thriller genre, both in plot-type and date of release. I hope that with these films, I can improve my understanding of the genre in general as well as gain inspiration for my own film.
Some additional information to consider concerning the thriller genre:

Narrative Devices
     In many films of the Thriller genre, the narration includes the ever-present progressive "build up" of emotion to a climactic point, more so in this genre of film than in others. In general, the plot line must include large amounts of anticipation, uncertainty, and anxiety. Thrillers should rarely result in a "lull," unless this lull is used to create the anxiety of an upcoming action-packed scene. In many ways, films in the thriller genre must follow an overarching pattern: first, a significant event happens, which initiates the plot. This should be followed by a momentary lapse in action, in which the characters respond to the initial significant action. Then, a second significant action should be experienced. This pattern will continue, the events and plot twists increasing in intensity as the story builds to a climax.
     Additionally, several themes are key and in nearly all movies of the thriller genre. Notably, films usually carry with them a commentary on the fragility of human life. In several films, the main character is threatened by an antagonist. The origin of this threat is also often abstract.


Lighting
     Thrillers often employ lighting techniques that emphasize an upcoming climactic point. Under-cast lighting techniques, very much like holding a flashlight underneath a chin, can create long shadows that naturally "spook" the audience. Of course, this technique is not used throughout the movies, rather simply a few key shots that emphasize a change or significant point in the plot. During the rest of the movie, there should not have a large amount of modified light.

Camera Angles/Movement
     In the scenes of "excitement" and "action," there should be very rapid camera movement, and the range of this motion is significant. In fighting scenes, for example, there should be many tightly-composed shots that are cut every 1 or 2 seconds. This bolsters the audience's ability to react positively to the film, as they become engrossed in the action. In a majority of these shots, the camera should be placed near or from the perspective of the protagonist. This positioning generates a connection between the audience and the character.

Historical Significance
     Thrillers have long been used to captivate filmic audiences. According to many sources, the first thriller would most likely be Safety Last by Harold Lloyd in 1923. This film incorporates many of the elements that dictate a thriller: a climax, several inciting incidents, and gripping action. A notable feature of the cinematography was that Lloyd filmed several perilous shots with only one hand; the other hand had lost fingers due to a prop bomb explosion.
     Another key use of the thriller genre historically was by Alfred Hitchcock. Movies including The Birds, and Psycho employ the same characteristics as Safety Last and are considered some of the most significant and noteworthy movies in the genre. Hitchcock's characters were subjected to abuse and murder. Hitchcock also gave away several hints throughout the movie that a terrible thing was going to happen, which drove audience anxiety.