Effective Thriller Openings

What elements make an effective thriller opening?

 

Atmosphere- tension, suspense

 

·         Black and White?
·         Complication
·         Cast- crew, director etc.
·         Enigma- questions in audience’s mind
·         Establishing shot
·         Fast pace editing
·         Key props- weapon
·         Low-key lighting
·         Montage of shots, no lingering on a shot for too long
·         Movie title
·         Narrative- flashbacks, story
·         Opening credits
·         Product idents
·         Recognisable characters/ antagonist, protagonist and victim
·         SFX
·         Sound- diegetic, non-diegetic, synchronous, asynchronous
·         Soundtrack, ambient music, orchestral
·         Text- backstory

 

Mise-en-scene

 

·         Deserted, dead, desolate, dry
·         Handcuffs, sheriff badge
·         Natural
·         Pressurised tank- enigma, intrigue
·         Car
·         Police Station
·         Crazy- serial killer
·         Skyfall- actor, villain
·         Dark costume
·         Police uniform

Camera

·         ELS montage of the US Midwest
·         Creates enigmas- face is shielded
·         Close up-  tank, significant- reaction shots

Editing

·         Slow pace
·         Action- faster paced
·         Flashback

Enigma

 

·         Narrator
·         Pressurised tank

Characterisation

 

·         Ruthless/emotionless killer- enjoyment
·         Black humour
·         Calm and reserved

Atmosphere

 

·         Loneliness
·         Isolation
·         Silent violence

Titles

·         Production companies