Exploring conventions of thriller films
There are several conventions which are used in many, if not all thriller opening sequences. These conventions include the font of the titles as the credits appear, as well as colour of the text. Another convention, being the music, is a key ingredient in the opening of thriller films, as it creates an immediate suspense for the viewers and it can act as the build up to the storyline. The lighting is yet another key convention (shadows, mirrors etc). It is usually low key lighting used in thrillers to set the tense atmosphere and to build up to unforeseen events to come. Quick cuts are also used to reveal the rapid pace of the action. The setting is usually set in suburban locations or in closed environments such as a house.
In my opening sequence, my group and I tried our best to follow conventions of real thriller sequences. In our opening sequence we added music at certain parts of the sequence to build a tense atmosphere. One of the main conventions was the actual storyline in which there was a character who has a two sided personality. This is a repetitive feature in nearly all psychological thrillers, such as ‘The Shining’. Most of our opening sequence was filmed in daylight although we did include in-between clips/flashbacks of setting that involved low key and artificial lighting. We decided upon this because we preferred a gradual build up as most thrillers that we had previously analysed did not get straight into its climax in the opening sequence. The reason for the gradual build up was so that the audience would be drawn into the film and so that that they would want to persist in watching the full movie to see the unfolding events. A second reason why we chose to have a gradual build up was because research into opening sequences (In the form of primary research) revealed the majority of people preferred a build up of suspense rather than an immediate climax, so we acted upon their recommendations.
Comparing my opening sequence to two other thriller films
During the research and planning of the opening sequence, my group and I analysed several different thriller films in order to gain further understanding and knowledge of key conventions that were repetitively used. Two of the films that we gathered particular ideas from were ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘The Shining’, both which are psychological thrillers. The opening film credits used in ‘Unbreakable’ started off with textual information displaying facts (sales of comic book), which relates to the further progression of the film. My group and I decided that including a fact in the opening sequence of ‘Paranoia’ (Our opening sequence) would create a realistic atmosphere and hence prolong the tension. We used the simple statement stating ‘Based on a true story’.
The credits are displayed in the centre of the screen and they change constantly by in and out. The background music, featured whilst the credits are being displayed, builds up in both volume and tempo. The music used is repetitive, especially with the constant drum beats, thus adding to the fast paced and sudden storyline. In ‘Paranoia’, we decided to adopt the same style of continuously moving text as this would uphold the uneasy atmosphere. The music that we chose was repetitive like the music used in the introduction of ‘Unbreakable’. Instead of the constant drum beats, we used the thunder sounds, which we hoped would add to the eeriness and downbeat mood.
Whilst analysing the opening credits of ‘The Shining’ we found that the music used in the background had a slow tempo which gradually built up. During the build up of the background music, a sudden change in the rhythm takes place which creates a ‘creepy’ and ‘strange’ atmosphere. This is why in ‘Paranoia’ the music starts of with a build up in tempo and then eventually it softens out to the playing of the piano. This demonstrates signs of unusualness that we have created in relation to the personality of Shanice’s split personality.
Have you challenged conventions in your Opening Sequence?
In our opening sequence, we have included as many conventions as possible. The conventions we have followed include:
Black and white font, with a shadowy background and text – sets the dull mood.
Low key lighting (shanice in classroom)
Psychotic character – (Shanice)
Other conventions used: Different varieties of music used throughout – creating tension,
Fast cuts/ editing.
This image, featured towards the end of the opening sequence has been edited using full shadow in order to emphasize to bright white background and to cover the identity of Shanice whilst she’s in the midst of her changing personality. Ending the scene with this edited shot leaves the audience in shock and it draws them further into the film.
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