TECHNICAL ELEMENTS

Of a Thriller Trailer

Mise-en-sceneCostumesConventionally the characters within the thrillers are shown to have smart appearances, which suggest their personality and role. However, costumes also highlight the differences between characters. This can be specifically seen in ‘Se7en’. In the still, the characters’ costumes are shown to be relatively similar, compared to the older man who is wearing an old-looking detective jacket. Whereas, the younger man in in casual clothing, which is covered in dust. Therefore showing the contrasts in personality, creating mystery for the audience concerning the characters personality.

Props & settingConventionally, thrillers are set in a normal, everyday environment (e.g. a house) as this adds to their shock when the antagonist is shown disturbing the normality. In addition, when there is a chase scene within the film, small confined spaces are normally used to signify entrapment and isolation. Furthermore, props within the scene aid with the narrative of the film, providing information about the characters personality. Guns are conventionally used within thrillers, as they symbolise danger.LightingThrillers commonly use low-key lighting in order to create a dark, or sombre atmosphere. This creates tension, as the audience is unaware of what could be happening in the character’s surroundings. Additionally, low-key lighting can create a dark and menacing atmosphere to a scene.

SoundThrillers feature the use of elements such as, ambient sound, in order to increase tension and panic within the situation. ’Scream’ incorporate the use of asynchronous background through the girls screaming when the titles appear, which allows the audience to instantly recognise the nature of the genre. Also, voice-overs on a trailer draws the audiences attention as it is directly addressing them.

Camera-work

Thriller films conventionally adapt the use of different types of camera work to demonstrate an immediate change in the situation. This can be specifically seen within the thriller film ‘Inception’, which uses shot types such as a: canted-angle, close-up, two-shot, mid-shot and wide-shot, to demonstrate the different situations.

Canted-angle shot: This shows the situation as unusual, signifying that something has happened to change this. This type of shot is conventional and is used to show distress – a key theme in thrillers.Mid-shot: This allows the audience to view the elements of mise-en-scene, such as, the characters clothing or an important prop. Therefore, allowing the audience to see what type of person the character is.Close-up shot: This shows the key features of the subject within the scene. It is used to emphasise the characters’ key details and expressions. Therefore, showing their emotions towards what is happening.Two-shot: This is used within the scene, in order to establish a relationship/connection between the 2 characters. It is used to demonstrate the similar situation the characters are in, or contrast the differences.Wide-angle shot: This shot places the subject in the middle of the frame, so that the audience is able to identify the situation surrounding them.

EditingThrillers conventionally use editing techniques to increase elements of suspense and tension. This can be seen through elements such as the use of reaction shots, which are designed to highlight the character’s reaction when they are approached by the antagonist. Additionally, cuts always emphasise what is happening around the situation in an alternative scene. Also, the titles and captions included within the trailer are designed to emphasise the narrative of the film. These create suspense and tension through their quick and catch phrases, conventionally these also fade to black to emphasise the scene has ended.