Max Hall
Thriller Analysis
Heat (Michael Mann, 1995, US, Warner Brother Pictures)
Camera Shots:
Low angle shots on the stronger characters to make them seem more powerful.
Editing:
Shot reverse shots are a conventional technique used by directors, and helps to show the audience the reactions of the different characters.
Mise-en-Scène:
Low key lighting helps to create a tense mood. It can also be used to obscure certain important characters or objects to create uncertainty.
Sound:
The usage of selective sound on things such as footsteps and gunshots can be very useful.
Witness (Peter Weir, 1985, US, Paramount Pictures)
Camera Shots:
Camera was unsteady when the murder was taking place. Handheld camera work is effective the create an air of instability.
Editing:
Frequent jump cuts when Amish boy is in danger - Changes the atmosphere to make the scene more intense.
Mise-en-Scène:
Wheat obscures vision - Can't quite work out what is exactly going on.
Sound:
Background music created a tense atmosphere when the murderer was looking through the cubicals. Silence was also effective, with selective sound on the child's breathing.
Pi (Darren Aronofsky, 1998, US, Harvest Filmworks)
Camera Shots:
Close up on the character's eyes to show the fear that the character is experiencing.
Editing:
Usage of black and white in 1998 was used for effect. Makes it seem more dramatic, and helps portray the character's emotion.
Mise-en-Scène:
Point of view shot through a hole in the door, puts the audience in the position of the character, feel in danger.
Sound:
Soundscape changes quickly from slow, eerie music to fast paced drums when he goes outside. Shows he feels in danger.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (James Cameron, 1991, US, Carolco Pictures)
Camera Shots:
The human survivors are shown with medium angle shots, as they are powerful, but not as powerful as the robots, shown with low angles
Editing:
Shows an innocent shot of two people on swings juxtaposed against the next shot of the wreckage in Los Angeles. Shocks audience.
Mise-en-Scène:
Uses an unnatural dark blue lighting to reflect the mood.
Sound:
Person doing the voiceover is whispering, as though they are fearful of being heard - Danger
One Hour Photo (Mark Romanek, 2002, US, Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Camera Shots:
All camera shots in the first few minutes show the character facing straight towards or away from the camera - looks uncomfortable and focused, like he is consumed by one thought
Editing:
Plain white room is given a blue tint - reflects the mood of the character
Mise-en-Scène:
First shot is of an electronic piece of equipment, and lasts for a long time - could be helpful to show insanity in psychological thriller
Sound:
Initial shot of camera has no sound whatsoever, also helps to show the audience the character's mental state may be quite poor
Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960, US, Shamley Productions)
Camera Shots:
Shot similar to a point of view shot, peering through the gap in the window, gives the impression that they are not meant to be there
Editing:
Smooth and regular cuts are used to create a false sense of security
Mise-en-Scène:
Poorly lit room with blinds down most of the way in the midst of a busy city - shows secrecy
Sound:
Starts straight away with sudden, fast-paced music that givens the impression of danger. Then changes to a slower, more calm piece of music, which could be used in a psychological thriller to question whether they are really in danger