Thriller Research

A thriller is a genre of literature, film and television that uses tension, suspense and excitement as the key elements. For my media project I will be looking at and analysing existing thrillers to help my group to be able to make our own.
Some of the subgenres of thrillers are crime, mystery and psychological thrillers, also political and paranoid thrillers have become more popular since the assassination of President Kennedy. Other subgenres of thrillers include conspiracy, erotica, legal, rape and revenge and supernatural. Most thrillers are formed using one of those groupings however some link with other genres like horror, spy, science fiction, action and adventure.
I am now going to analyse some thriller films so that I can identify the conventions that are used to create a realistic thriller film.

Paranormal Activity 2
Directed by- Tod Williams
Genre- Horror, Mystery and Thriller

IMDB short description of Paranormal Activity 2- “After experiencing what they think are a series of "break-ins", a family sets up security cameras around their home, only to realize that the events unfolding before them are more sinister than they seem.”



After some unusual experiences going on in their house a terrified family decided to have CCTV cameras installed so they can see what it is that is happening and to get things back to normal. When the CCTV cameras are installed the happenings get more intense and more often. The clip starts with a black screen flickering, this is a good edit as it starts to set the mood of the clip. The sound then begins with loud thuds (like footsteps), this is used as it makes you feel on edge. Suddenly, the picture comes onto the screen of a man who appears to have been thrown at the camera, this is accompanied by a loud bang, it is very effective as it makes you jump and very scared for what is coming next. It then happens again but with a ladies face. This trailer is very successful as it thrills you and makes you scared, whilst still making you want to watch the film.
　　
Inception
Directed by- Christopher Nolan
Genre - Action, Crime, Mystery and Thriller

IMDB short description of Inception- “In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a highly skilled thief is given a final chance at redemption which involves executing his toughest job to date: Inception.”



At the start of the clip the screen is black, the picture and music start at the same time with a very harsh sound, they do this to get you interested and create suspense. The background music throughout the clip almost makes your heart skip beats and the dialogue used makes you want to watch more to discover what the plot is about. The very harsh sound from the beginning of the clip is then repeated again three times as the picture fades into the name of the film.

Jaws (1975)
Directed by- Steven Spielberg
Genre- Thriller

IMDB short description of Jaws- “When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.”



The clip starts what appears to be underwater, a voice over man is speaking but in the background you can clearly hear the famous Jaws theme tune. This theme tune is very effective as it builds up the tension as the tempo gets quicker, as if something is getting closer to you. The remainder of the clip shows you the main events of the film without giving a lot away, it is not that good because of the technology that would have been used at the time it was made. Overall, it is the music that makes the film of Jaws a success within the Thriller genre.