Codes & Conventions of Thriller – Shots &
Angles
Establishing shot:
The establishing shot typically sets the scene in a thriller film. An example of this is the establishing shot from the opening of The Silence of the Lambs. Immediately, the audience are aware of the location (the woods), what time of day it is (early morning) as well as being able to get a general feel for the scene. Does it make them feel on edge? Is something scary about to happen? The use of low key lighting can indicate to the audience that the woods are a place of danger in this film and portray the feelings of isolation and eeriness.
The establishing shot typically sets the scene in a thriller film. An example of this is the establishing shot from the opening of The Silence of the Lambs. Immediately, the audience are aware of the location (the woods), what time of day it is (early morning) as well as being able to get a general feel for the scene. Does it make them feel on edge? Is something scary about to happen? The use of low key lighting can indicate to the audience that the woods are a place of danger in this film and portray the feelings of isolation and eeriness.
Tracking/panning shots:
Tracking/panning shots are often very significant in thrillers films as they are used to show movement e.g. the protagonist may be getting watched, chased or followed. As the camera is moving from one end of the screen to another, the feeling up suspense and tension could be built up for the audience as they aren’t sure what might pop up as the camera pans around. Another reason that is tracking/panning shots are a great option is because the audience is able to get a full view of what is going on. In some instances, it may help them to pick up clues and figure out what is going on in the film.
Tracking/panning shots are often very significant in thrillers films as they are used to show movement e.g. the protagonist may be getting watched, chased or followed. As the camera is moving from one end of the screen to another, the feeling up suspense and tension could be built up for the audience as they aren’t sure what might pop up as the camera pans around. Another reason that is tracking/panning shots are a great option is because the audience is able to get a full view of what is going on. In some instances, it may help them to pick up clues and figure out what is going on in the film.
Reaction shot:
Reactions shots are used in thrillers to show conversations, relationships or feelings between two or more characters. A character’s reaction is often a good indicator of the circumstance – are they scared, angry, upset?
Reactions shots are used in thrillers to show conversations, relationships or feelings between two or more characters. A character’s reaction is often a good indicator of the circumstance – are they scared, angry, upset?
Canted/tilted shots can
portray a character in either a superior or inferior manner. They potentially
affect whether the audience feel sympathy towards or a character or not. This
is especially important in a thriller film as the audience are often
emotionally invested in a character that is in a vulnerable position.
Mid-shot:
Mid-shots are often used to show a general overview of the subject. It is not an extremely detailed shot as only a portion of the actor is shown in order for the audience to focus on one particular aspect. The background of a mid-shot may also lack detail as the audience focusing on the actor’s clothing, appearance and maybe even a reaction to something.
Mid-shots are often used to show a general overview of the subject. It is not an extremely detailed shot as only a portion of the actor is shown in order for the audience to focus on one particular aspect. The background of a mid-shot may also lack detail as the audience focusing on the actor’s clothing, appearance and maybe even a reaction to something.
Over the shoulder shot:
An over the shoulder shot is typically used when a character is having a conversation with someone. This shot is filmed from behind a person’s shoulder, giving the other character who is facing the subject about 1/3 of the screen.
Another use of an over the shoulder shot is to show what a character is looking at (almost like a POV shot but not quite). The audience may not be able to see the character’s face; however, they can still see part of them enabling them to be able to tell if a character is reacting to something from what they see before them.
An over the shoulder shot is typically used when a character is having a conversation with someone. This shot is filmed from behind a person’s shoulder, giving the other character who is facing the subject about 1/3 of the screen.
Another use of an over the shoulder shot is to show what a character is looking at (almost like a POV shot but not quite). The audience may not be able to see the character’s face; however, they can still see part of them enabling them to be able to tell if a character is reacting to something from what they see before them.
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