2. INTRODUCTION
Throughout the duration of my planning and research towards my
final production, I’ve managed to collect and discover many
techniques that I could place towards my final piece for the Thriller
opening. These things included camera shots , camera takes, sounds,
effects and many more. All the techniques I've mentioned here will
be considered for my initial ideas for when I come to make my final
piece for the thriller sequence opening.
3. CAMERA SHOT-EXTREME CLOSE UP
I found this camera shot whilst watching the TV show Lost Season
2 Episode 17, Lockdown (Aired on March 29, 2006, and Directed
by Stephen Williams). From this I loved the technique of the
lighted map reflected through Locke's eyes, the technique of
using an Extreme Close up of his eye works well together, I
thought this scene had an air of mystery which I enjoyed
observing, showing Locke's curiosity and fear through just an
extreme look of his eye. I do like this technique and may think
about using it for my final piece production as it looks
conventional within the thriller genre, by closing in on the
characters, making them appear small and weak.
4. CAMERA-ESTABLISHING SHOT
This shot was taken from American TV show Person of
Interest, I loved how they established they’re
locations; using the effect of CCTV surveillance as a
way of establishing their locations to their audience,
this can be shown anywhere before the scene is about
to be taken, an establishing shot like this is normally
on the screen for 2-3 seconds, enough for the
audience to work out where they are from the
description and time at the top set out just like CCTV.
I like this effect as it sets reality for the audience as
everyday life is continuing on despite them involved
in watching a plot, it immediately sets the locations
with the use of CCTV and not just a shot of the
building itself, it’s a lot more creative and thinking
more outside the box. I would defiantly have these
establishing shots in mind for when we come to
discuss on camera shots and takes as the use of
setting unusual locations makes it more visually
appealing to audiences.
5. PLOT TWISTS
When watching Saw (2004, Director James Wan) I loved the ending bathroom scene where we were all led
to believe that Zepp Hindle was the perpetrator and was the antagonist Saw running the sick twisted mind
games against innocent people. It was such a shock to find out that the real antagonist was none only
than the body who audiences presumed was dead in the middle of the bathroom floor, whom got up and
walked out revealing himself to be Saw and locking Adam in the bathroom, leaving him for dead. I was
well and truly shocked at the ending and it left me wanting more answers.
This was such a powerful ending and plot twist it really got me engaged especially at the ending when I
presumed Adam killed “Saw” aka Zepp Hindle with the toilet tank lid presumable restoring order within
the equilibrium as they finally get to escape but when the dead corpse that was seen on the bathroom
floor for the duration of the film got up and revealed himself to be Saw, I was incredibly shocked and
annoyed how I did not see this coming or even question to who the dead man could be throughout the
film.
I would love to shoot a plot as thrilling and as shocking as this one, a plot that would never have crossed
audiences minds once they begin to watch the film. A plot this powerful would have to be carefully
thought out and planned, I may think about potential plot twists when we have to start thinking of ideas
for a potential thriller film soon.
6. PLACING THE TECHNIQUES INTO
ACTION
I shall now attempt these techniques and see if they can work well for me
for my own thriller opening sequence, and if successful than will be highly
considered for my thriller opening.
7. EXTREME CLOSE UP
Is normally used in capturing emotion, ie fear through
characters, this shot is conventionally used within thriller
films as it directs audiences to what characters are feeling,
giving them a clearer understanding of the situation.
8. LOW ANGLE LOOKING UP
Is used in making the taller subject appear powerful and
strong, throughout thrillers this is used in capturing the
dominance between the antagonist and protagonist,
this gives the audiences a much more visual
understanding of who has control over the situation.
9. HIGH ANGLE LOOKING DOWN
Is used when making the smaller subject appear
small and helpless, this is usually done in portraying
innocent victims against the antagonist throughout
thriller films, making the smaller subject appear
insignificant and venerable.
10. CLOSE UP
Is used to capture emotion on characters faces, this is highly
significant throughout thriller films as it shows audiences what
characters are feeling, also highlighting significant scenes where a
vital plot lines comes in.
11. POV SHOT
A point of view shot is typically used throughout
thrillers to show a point of view amongst characters,
this is used to highlight significant scenes and provide
close up of objects of what characters are handling.
This is effective as it makes audiences feel as if they’re
in the shot, making it more realistic to them.
