Initial ideas for what makes a successful thriller

Objective - to be able to identify the features of an effective thriller opening.


Initial ideas for what makes a successful thriller:

• Narrative - needs to be readable, maybe have a cliff hanger, plot twists.
• Needs to be able to 'hook' the audience/engage them - mystery and intrigue.
• Origionality/individuality - needs to be different to other films, maybe challenge the conventions of typical thrillers.
• Effective editing - good shot transitions, effective framing, good non-diagetic sound.
• Filming - a veriety of shot types, steady shots, good 'match on actin' (continuity).
• Lighting - needs to be suited to the theme/style of the film.
• Mse en scene - needs to establish settings, themes and styles to develop suited props, costumes and scenery.
• Characters - need to have background stories that suit the film, need to have traits and flaws.