Looking at Genre Conventions of a Psychological Thriller

We are planning on creating a Psychological Thriller, and in order to create a video that fits with this genre successfully, we need to look at the conventions of the genre...

We found an example of a psychological thriller opening sequence, which was created by AS Media students (below).

Camera Shots and Angles:

One element that makes this opening sequence so aesthetically pleasing is the variety of camera shots, as it keeps the audience interested in what is happening on screen. For example, they use many extreme close ups to increase drama and tension, as well as holding back some information from the viewer; this encourages them to want to know what will happen next. Gradually, mid and long shots are introduced to establish the surroundings. These are separated by close ups and POV (point of view) shots from the position of the main protagonist.

Camera Movement:

The filming is mainly done using the hand-held method to create an edgy and tense feeling. However, this can become overly rough at times and was a bit uncomfortable to watch. For example, at point 2:07 until the end. Also, the group's panning would have been more effective if it were steadier as it would create more suspense towards what we are about to see. I believe that the higher quality filming appears in the section where the protagonist is at home due to well thought out shots and obvious use of a tripod.

Editing/Sound:

There is good use of continuity editing throughout the opening sequence. For example, the group's match on action seems to be correct at all points other than point 1:07 until 1:12 where the jumps are intentional. The use of a dimming filter, blurring and a fade to white transition inform the reader that some sections are flash-forwards creating an alternative narrative to the main. The sound is synchronous with the fade to white transition to create added drama. The non-diegetic music begins with calm piano to build tension, very quickly becoming darker and more sinister when there is a low resonating sound, accompanied by frightening visuals of a wounded girl. This is followed by an overlaid heartbeat when the protagonist wakes up from her nightmare, which gradually fades as she calms down. The use of a heartbeat connects the audience with the emotions of the protagonist encouraging them to be concerned for her safety as the piece progresses. Finally the use of slow motion at the very end is extremely effective in creating a final sense of intense drama.

Mise-en-scene:

Although the shots of the clouds in the sky are good quality and very aesthetically pleasing, they seem irrelevant to the narrative. The use of white within the bedroom shots and the snowy outdoor shots is effective in suggesting that the protagonist is innocent due to the positive connotations of white. This is highlighted when the sinister looking girl behind her, at point 2:09, is seen wearing all black.