Application of Thriller Case Study

In my previous post , I explored the conventions of three genres; Horror, Action and Thriller. Later in the year we are being tasked with producing an opening to a Thriller film so this will be my main focus in the following weeks.

What i can learn about Thrillers from this scene/ film?

The film I researched last time was "Jackie Brown". It is one of the most iconic and successful Thriller films from the highly decorated director Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino has won 2 Oscars and has another 108 award wins plus 130 award nominations. As a very successful Thriller director, I plan to use many of Tarantino's signature shots. From my external research I have found a website called:
 "Quentin Tarantino's Trademarks" 

http://wiki.tarantino.info/index.php/Quentin_Tarantino's_Trademarks 

This website details all his stereotypical shots/ scenes and examples of where he has used them in his films. Examples from this website that interest me include: The Gods eye PoV shot, the use of black and white, television shot and possibly the "violent awakening". 

Gods eye PoV shot

This shot for me puts the audience almost in an eavesdropping position, like we  are watching the character from a far or almost spying on them. I'd like to somehow incorporate this shot into my Thriller as i think audiences can get a broad sense of the action on the screen. In addition it conveys, to an extent, the innocence of a character as they don't know they are being watched. Moreover, I think it would be an interesting shot to use and a reward technique if it I implemented it correctly.

The Use of Black and White

Black and White can be very useful in showing danger and mystery. Its commonly used in scenes to intensify them. From my preliminary task I am confident enough to successfully put a sequence into black and white. Something else to consider is using black and white whenever a certain character is on screen or using it fully up to a certain event/ conversation and the introducing colour onto the screen. The use of black and white in these examples could show feelings/ emotions/ personality.

Television Shot

This shot involves a character watching TV. Its normally a Close up shot of the television set. Close ups here suggest the character is completely focused on the TV and oblivious to the action around them. I could use this to connote innocence  and  suggest vulnerability in my Thriller. On top of that, the TV shot implies normality with the character and situation. 

The violent awakening

The violent awakening is a Thrilling scene and one that makes the audience question whats happened to the character. Its an immediate sense of panic and concern and can be used to grip the audience. If this shot was used right at the start I believe the result could confuse the audience and make them intrigued to understand more about the character and investigate the cause of the concerning awakening.