Creating tension in a Thriller

Cutting:

Cutting scenes can be very important as it can be used to create suspense and tension in a thriller film. Such as when a cut is done between characters to see what each of the characters can see. This technique is used in films such as the 1920's film Nosferatu:






This editing shows that you don't have to film everything and that cutting can create tension.


Music is a very important part in creating tension and suspense in thrillers. The use of instruments such as screeching violins and/or a low droning sound creates this suspense. In Nosferatu, an organ was used, which in the early days of film, was used a lot in thrillers.

Camera sizes such as Close-up/Medium Close-up are used often and sometimes, Extreme Close-up is used. CU/MCU shots shows facial expressions and emotions which is essential in a thriller as it shows how the audience should feel at a particular moment in the film.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991):

The Silence of the Lambs is a very good example of the different techniques used in a thriller:

• Heavy breathing-makes the audience feel scared and feels as if they are actually there.
• POV shot also makes the audience feel as if they are there.
• 'Peaks and Valleys' are used in the film, which is where the music and scene builds up to a peak(crucial point in the film), such as when she opens the door to find the killer but he isn't there, which is a valley (low point in the film).
• Lots of CUs used to show emotion
• There is a scene where the camera is at the POV of the killer and it is dark, the killer is wearing night-vision goggles. This makes the audience feel on the edge-of-the-seat feeling. The thought of not being able to see in the dark is scary but the thought of someone who can see you and you can't see them is even scarier.
• No long shots were used in the extract as they are used more for setting the scene. But LS can be effective if used right. Such as in Nosferatu and for silhouettes.