Research: Scream Analysis (Mr Smith)

How is the opening sequence of "Scream" conventional to a thriller opening?

From watching the opening sequence of "Scream" it is evident that there are many conventional factors to it such as cinematography, editing, sound and mise en scene.
These four micro-elements help the film become conventional to it's thriller genre.

Cinematography:

From the first moment we see the victims face a close-up is being used. This close-up gives the audience a chance to analyse the main character and create a judgement. Close-ups are conventional to thrillers as in order to keep your audience engaged it is important to express exactly what the character is feeling. Most thriller films use close-ups on victims reactions or the antagonists looking evil. A bit further on into the scene a tilt shot is being used from looking up at the trees to looking at the house. This creates slight tension for the audience as they now know it is dark and lonely outside of the house which means the victim is alone. Also, at the end of that tilt shot the swing is slightly moving which also builds tension as the audience would feel curious. Furthermore, at 1:18 the victim is being followed by the camera using the panning shot in order to be very focused on what exactly the character is doing which gives clear narrative for the audience. Also, at 3:20 there is a very quick zoom from the camera onto the victims face. This gives the audience a close view of the victim's reaction to what is being said on the phone and a chance for the audience to feel what the character is feeling. Moreover, at 2:40 the P.O.V shot is being used creating a more realist portrayal of the film. This shot makes the audience feel as if they were apart of the film and allows them to see exactly what the character is seeing. P.O.V shots are conventional to thriller films as usually the audience sees exactly what the character is seeing. 

Editing:

From watching the opening to "Scream" the first edit used is a straight cut, from the main victims face to the telephone. This straight cut just helps the audience to view the objects around her and let the scene flow better. Further on, at 2:27 there is a reaction shot. The victim reacts to what is being said to her and the audience have a clear view of her face which is showing anxiety. Later on there is also another reaction shot used at 9:55 which is also very important. This shot allows the audience to grip the characters emotion on the significant scene of the build up to the killing. Also, at 9:55 the montage begins as there are quick shots to build up the killing of the victim. These shots are juxtaposed together to create excitement and thrill for the audience. A montage is conventional to a thriller film as every time there is a killing or a significant scene there will be very quick shots put together in order to maintain tensity.

Sound:

From the moment the main victim picks up the phone there is off screen sound as there is someone talking on the phone. Even though we can not see the person and can hear the sound it still makes sense to the film world. By using this off screen sound allows the audience to hear the conversation and not miss anything important. Also, another sound used is diegetic which is the phone ringing numerous times in this scene. This sound is obvious to the audience and character and helps the film look and sound more realistic. Moreover, another sound technique used is non diegetic. This is used when the antagonist is killing the victim and also when she is dying. The non diegetic sounds emphasises the drastic thing happening in this scene and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. This is conventional in a thriller film as the sounds in the background can change the whole mood of the scene, the sounds keep the scene going and more dramatic. Most thriller films keep the scenes very exaggerated. Also, another sound that is conventional to thriller films is contrapuntal sounds. These sounds are unexpected which will keep the audience attracted to the film. The fact that the victim screams once she sees her antagonist makes it more realistic as the character seems genuinely scared. It is not likely to be screaming in your own home as you would expect to be safe which is why contrapuntal sound is very effective on an audience. 

Mise en Scene:

The lighting in this opening scene is mostly back lighting and low-key lighting which creates a dark atmosphere with small areas of light. However, there are sections which use high-key lighting in which to make the audience believe everything is normal and calm. This creates a more natural and realistic atmosphere when she is in the kitchen cooking her popcorn, or picking out a DVD to watch. On the other hand, low-key lighting is mostly used once the tension is being built up and she is about to be attacked. The main iconography in this scene is the telephone, as that is the main source the antagonist communicates with the victim, the knife, as that is the source he uses to kill his victim, and blood, in order to make the killing realistic. Iconography in thriller films are conventional as in most, people die and it has to be clear to the audience on how and what the antagonist used to kill. The costumes worn in this scene by the victim is light, natural, casual clothing as she is an ordinary girl who is innocent. However, the antagonist is wearing a cloak and a mask which suggests the character would like to keep his identity hidden. This is conventional as most antagonists do not want there identity revealed, e.g. joker from batman, as this keeps the audience guessing.

Conclusion: 

From watching and analysing this "Scream" opening it has taught me which micro-elements to use and which are most appropriate. From this thriller I would like to use the non diegetic sounds, zoom shots, close-ups, reaction shots, montage, low-key lighting, iconography and costume as these are the conventional feature of a thriller film. All these factors help create tension which is the most important thing when producing a thriller. 

Research: MES: Costume, Hair & Makeup, Body Language & Facial Expressions (Miss Begum)

Costume, hair, make-up, body language and facial expressions are key elements in order to create a thriller film. The costumes characters wear, make-up they put on or how their hair is can help the audience understand more about the character. It can guide the audiences attention to particular personalities or traits from looking like a protagonist to a antagonist. Body language and facial expressions also help to build a film as these can give away what the character is thinking or what they are going to do. Body language is a characters actions, their movements and the way they present themselves. Moreover, facial expressions are how characters emotions are portrayed to the audience.

Costume, Hair, Make-up:

Costume colours/types and connotations:

Red: Evil, dangerous, blood, jealousy.
Light colours: Pure, innocent, good intentions.
Dark colours: Evil, serious, bad intentions.
Suits on protagonists: Clever, serious, knowledgeable.
Suits on antagonists: Clever, superiority, genius.
Vests: Big, strong, muscular, superior, not afraid.
Cloaks: Evil or hero.
Masks: Evil or hero, hidden identity.
Leather clothes: Strong, confident, superior.
Uniform: Authority, power, order.
Normal clothing: every day people, victims, protagonists.

Hair connotations:

Messy hair: Usually antagonists, scruffy, not well looked after.
Neat hair: Usually protagonists, victims, smart and tidy.

Make up connotations: 

Light/Natural make-up: Usually protagonists, clean, innocent.
Dark make-up: Usually antagonists, hide identity, dirty, scruffy.



Stereotypical victim/protagonist:
The main victim from "Insidious" is wearing very light colours in order to create a more innocent look. It represents her as pure and with good intentions. The victims hair is very neat and tidy and make-up is very natural which also suggests the innocent look.

Stereotypical antagonist:

The main antagonist from "Batman" is wearing very dark clothes in contrast to the victim from "Insidious". This gives an evil impression for the audience. Moreover, his hair is very scruffy and messy and make-up is very dark around his eyes highlighting his hidden identity.

Body Language: 

Body language is very important to the audience as it can give off different interpretations. e.g. if a characters body language is very big, tall and upright it can suggest that he/she is very confident and fearless. However, if a characters body language is quite petite and slouched it can suggest a more vulnerable looking character.

Stereotypical protagonist:

The main protagonist in "Fast and Furious" has a very built and strong body language suggesting the confidence he has. He is holding on tight to the steering wheel and gear stick giving the impression that he is ready to do something/go somewhere. This appearance gives the audience an understanding of his superiority.


Stereotypical antagonist:
The main antagonist in "Silence of the lambs" also has a very big and strong looking body language. Even though the antagonist is behind bars and is seen to have lost, his body language still suggests he has superiority over the other character. The fact that his arms are wide open highlights that he is confident and fearless.





Stereotypical victim: 
The main victim in "Scream" has a very weak, petite and fragile body language. The victim is of average height and not muscular in which she can not defend herself. This gives the audience the impression that she is vulnerable, powerless and unsafe.

Facial Expressions:

Facial expressions are a significant factor in thriller films. They are the main source of how the audience understands every single characters feelings. Different facial expressions can give different interpretations e.g. by having a scared look on your face can portray you as weak, however, by having a serious look on your face it can portray you as superior.


Stereotypical protagonist:

This shot of "Batman" gives a clear view of his facial expression. He is looking extremely serious giving him that superior look. This is important to the audience as they fully understand how this character is feeling confident and relaxed.


Stereotypical antagonist:

In this shot of the antagonist in "Silence of the lambs" you can see his facial expressions. The fact that his eyes are focused on the camera tells us he is looking very serious. However, his mouth is slightly open which gives him a slight smurk on his face. Most antagonists have smurks or slight grins in order to suggest they in charge.

Stereotypical victim:
From looking at this shot of the victim in "Psycho" it is evident that her facial expression is very important. The fact that the victim is looking very scared, shocked, afraid suggests the typical victim facial expression for a thriller film. At this point, her face tells us she is weak, fragile and powerless.

Thriller scene analysis:

In the first 8 seconds of this clip we see the antagonists costume, body language and facial expressions very clearly. The character is wearing a dark blue jump suit in which suggests he is in prison. Even though his costume suggests he has been caught, his body language which is upright, tall and relaxed implies that he is very confident. A bit later on in this scene, from 0:49 to 0:54 there is a close up of his facial expressions. As he is speaking he gives a slight grin as he knows he is right which also suggests his power. Furthermore, the other character in this scene is dressed quite formally as she is wearing a blazer. This implies her authority over his however, her body language and facial expressions would not suggest that. She seems quite shaky and uncertain when talking to him which suggests she feels intimidated. At 0:47 there is a close up on her facial expressions. She is looking very anxious but serious, her make-up is also quite natural and hair is neat. These highlight her innocence.

Conclusion: 

From researching costume, hair & make-up, body language and facial expressions it has given me a better understanding of  what to include in my own thriller. I would prefer to stick to the convention of thrillers such as dressing the antagonists in dark colours and dressing the victims in lighter colours in order help the audience understand the difference. I will also use heavy make-up on my antagonists and lighter make-up on the victims to keep the good vs evil theme going. Lastly, I will have my protagonists and antagonists body language more big, built and strong and facial expressions serious, in contrast to the victims having a more weaker look. These elements will set the scene of my thriller. 

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Research: MES: Lighting & Colour (Miss Begum)

Lighting and Colour

Lighting helps convey mood and atmosphere. It can be used to guide the audiences attention to a particular object, person, emotion or gesture. Colour in scenes have different connotations to them and can give different interpretations of the scene. Both lighting and colour are very important conventions as it can effect the whole outcome of the film. With these, it can change the mood from a happy setting to a more disturbing or uncomfortable setting.

Angles of lighting:

• Under lighting: Lighting comes from below the person. This tends to have a distorting effect on the character. In this shot of the main character in "Psycho" it is clear that there is under lighting being used. This is creating a more disturbing representation of the character for the audience. 

• Top lighting: Light comes from above, highlighting features of characters. In this scene, due to the joker being questioned there is top lighting being used. This is to emphasise the main characters portrayal as the antagonist. The top light suggests the focus on this particular character so the audience is clear of his wrong doings. 

• Back lighting: Behind the character, creates silhouettes. In the film "The Night Walker" back lighting is used. This highlights the silhouette that it creates as they want the audience to focus on this specific character. 

Types of lighting:

• Low key: The lighting is dark with small areas of light, creates shadows. In the film "Insidious" low key lighting is being used in order to create a more chilling and thrilling atmosphere for the audience. This keeps the audience engaged and curious. 

• High key: Lighting appears more natural and realistic in our eyes and the lighting effect is heightened. In the film "Scream" high key lighting is used when they are at school. This makes the scene more realistic and also unexpected. High key lighting is rare in thriller films so its not conventional to see it much. This scene helps to represent how normal the characters are when in fact the antagonist is sitting among them. 

In thrillers, conventional lighting is usually low key, under lighting and back lighting. Low key is used to create a dark setting which usually builds tension for the audience. The under lighting is usually used to represent the character in an disturbing way and the back lighting is conventional as silhouettes are associated with chilling scenes. These elements help to develop the film into a thriller.

Colour in scenes: 

Black: In thriller films the colour black is used the most. In "Batman" the joker is surrounded in black. The darkness creates a creepy and alarming setting for the audience as the only thing clear is his face, leaving the rest unexpected. 

White: In thriller films the colour white is used to represent the protagonists most of the time. In the film "Black Swan" the colour white creates a clear understanding of what is going on. It also represents purity for the character and innocence.  

Red: In thriller films the colour red represents danger, anger, anxiety, and unsafety. These factors help create the convention as they set the dangerous atmosphere around the characters. In the film "Insidious" the colour red is reflecting onto the antagonists face highlighting the evilness. 

Blue/Navy: In thriller films the colours blue/navy sets a more spooky or creepy scene. The dark blue clouds in this "Batman" scene suggest that something bad is about to happen.

Green: The colour green in thriller films is usually used in order to create a more disturbing scene. This colour seems off putting and vile. From looking at this image from "Insidious" it is evident that the green surrounding the antagonists face is trying to be emphasised.

Colours in conventional thrillers are usually black, white, red, blue and green. These colours are conventional as in most thriller films we see the representations of them. Black, red, blue and green are used in order to portray the setting in a negative way whilst the white portrays a more positive setting. It is very important for these colours to be focused on as it can change the outlook of the film. By putting the right colour with the right character it can help the audience be clear on who is good or bad.

Thriller scene analysis:



In this scene of "Insidious" the lighting overall is low-key. This is used in order to build tension for the audience and create fear. About 6 seconds into this clip there is top lighting being used in order to focus on the family. This helps the audience understand the target. At 1:41 there is a close up onto one of the antagonists face and there is under lighting being used. This enhances the characters face and creates a more creepy, disturbing and alarming look for the audience. Moreover, at 1:50 back lighting is being used as the character is walking backwards. This is used to build stress for the audience as they do not know what is going to happen. It also creates a silhouette to focus more on the main character. The colours in this scene are mostly black, green and blue. The black gives an evil impression whilst the green and blue focus more on the disturbing parts such as the close ups of the antagonists.

Conclusion:

From looking at the different types of lighting and colour, I am now able to understand what is appropriate for my thriller. I would prefer to use mostly low-key lighting to maintain a spooky atmosphere and also would like to use under lighting to make my antagonists have a distorting effect. The colours I would like to stick to are mainly dark as they can give unpleasant, vile and wicked representations to the audience. 

Research: Editing (Miss Begum)

 Editing

What is editing?

Editing is a part of post-production where you use a range of techniques in order to put together a final motion picture. Editing is important as it enables the film to come together in a creative way that attracts the audience.

Speed of editing:

The speed in which films are joined together at certain points. The length of each shot determines the pace of the film and helps determine the mood. In the thriller film "Psycho" at the shower scene, there are 16 edits building up to the main killing scene. This means the editor wanted the edits to be quite slow as it is trying to build tension for the audience. However, at 1:32 where the killing scene is about to happen, there is around 33 edits. The fast pace of the edits suggests that the editor wanted to emphasise this important part of the scene. 

 

Straight cut:

A straight cut is when one shot moves into another shot in an edit which does not confuse the audience. This helps the audience follow the narrative better. In this clip of "Insidious" the protagonists are having a conversation in which the straight cuts show all the characters faces clearly. This also helps the film flow better. 

Fade to black:

A fade to black is when one shot goes/moves into another and there is a black filter in between. In this clip of  "The Grudge" at 1:11 there is a fade to black as the door closes. This edit has been put there in order to create uncertainty and make the scene more unexpected for the audience. For them couple of seconds the black screen also suggests a sense of curiosity. 

Wipe cut:

A wipe cut is when one shot slides into another. It usually has an effect of one shot pushing another shot off /on the screen. This edit is used to carry on to the next scene in an obvious way. 

Dissolve:

A dissolve shot is when one shot disintegrates into another creating a smooth change between scenes. In this clip of  "Psycho" at 1:30 the antagonist's face disintegrates into a skeleton then into a different scene. This makes the audience think why that edit has been put there and of what significance. 

Reaction shot:

A reaction shot is any shot (often used as a cut away) in which a subject reacts to a previous shot. In this clip of "Scream" the protagonist reacts to the antagonist at 1:03. These shots help the audience capture the characters emotions and keep them engaged. 

180 rule:

Imagine a hypothetical line drawn between two or more actors. Camera must not shoot on the other side of the line and this is because it can confuse the audience and also the shooting will not be consistent. In this clip of "Sin City" the camera stays on one side of the room and does not cross the 180 line. This helps not the confuse the audience whilst watching the film.

Shot reverse shot:

In a shot reverse shot there is a straight cut from person to person. This shot is usually used whilst protagonists/antagonists are having a conversation such as the joker and batman. This scene helps the film flow from cut to cut without confusion. 

Jump cut:

A jump cut is an edit where there is a drastic camera movement that is noticeable to the eye. This creates a difference for the audience as jump cuts are usually used to exaggerate an action. 

Montage:

A montage is the speed of editing, where shots are quickly juxtaposed together to create excitement. This is evident in the film "Psycho". During the shower scene the killing of the protagonist is a montage as the shots are very quick helping to build the thrill of the scene.

Conclusion: 

From researching the different types of editing it has helped me understand which types of edits will be the best to create my thriller. I plan to use the dissolve, reaction shot and montage as I feel they are the most engaging for my audience. All three help the film flow better and maintain excitement throughout. I plan on avoiding the wipe cut as even though it helps one scene move to another, it does not create thrill for the audience. 

 



Research: Sound (Mr Smith)

Sound

Sounds are used in films to create understanding and meaning for the audience about the character and their emotions. In thriller films sounds are used in order to build suspense and set the mood as this engages the audience. Sounds can also determine if there is a protagonist or antagonist which helps represent the characters. By using certain sounds, it can create a conventional thriller film.

Different types of sound:

Diegetic Sound:
A diegetic sound is a part of the film world. This means the characters can also hear the sound as well as the audience. The sound does not necessarily have to show where it is coming from meaning it can be on or off screen as long as it is a realistic sound for example, dialog, music from a radio or juke box, and laughter etc. Diegetic sounds help set the scene and make the film seem more realistic which keeps the audience engaged. In the film "Seven" at 4:01 and 4:06 there is a gun being fired and the audience can see exactly where it is coming from.




Non-Diegetic Sound:
A non-diegetic sound is not part of the film world. This means that the characters can not hear the sound but only the audience, for example, a soundtrack that is being played or voice overs/narratives. This sound is usually used to create suspense or tension for the audience as they know something is about to happen. In the film "Silence of the Lambs" from 0:00 to 0:10 there is a soundtrack being played in which the characters can not hear.



On Screen Sound:
An on screen sound is when the audience and character can see exactly where the sound is coming from. E.g. the character sitting in the car and turning the radio on or a character firing a gun etc. This helps the audience understand the narrative better as they can see where the sound is coming from. Throughout most of this "Fast and Furious" scene there is on screen sounds from the cars engine and can clearly see where the sound is coming from.


Off Screen Sound:
An off screen sound is when the audience can hear the sound but can not see where it is coming from however, it makes sense to the film world. E.g. being in traffic and being able to hear the horns of other cars or a character coughing. This creates suspense for the audience as sound is very unpredictable when you can not see where it is coming from. In "The Dark Knight" there is an off screen sound at 0:17. At this moment the door is closing however, we do not see it close but only hear it. This sound makes sense to the film.



Parallel Sound:
A parallel sound is when the sound you hear in a film is what you would expect to hear. E.g. a scene with children playing on a beach in which the parallel sound would be laughter, waves, boat noises etc. Parallel sounds are conventional to thriller films as the audience would expect to hear certain sounds in order to make the film flow. In the first 30 seconds of "Scream" there is parallel sounds as because they are in a school you would expect to hear announcements and the fountain in the background.



Contrapuntal Sound:
A contrapuntal sound is when the sound does not match the expectations of what you are viewing. For example, in "Jaws" the scenes of the beach are accompanied by the contrapuntal sound of the theme tune "dur dur" at 1:32 which does not fit with the happy images. This creates tension for the audience as they know something negative is about to happen.

Thriller scene analysis:

In "Shutter Island" there are different techniques of sound being used.
Firstly, from the beginning of this clip a non-diegetic sound is being played as the protagonist is running. This sound is being used in order to build tension in this scene as it is evident something is about to happen. Meanwhile the non-diegetic sound is being played, there is also a diegetic sound. The sound of the protagonist running is clear from the leaves crunching beneath is feet. This helps the audience set the scene better. Furthermore, at 0:10 there is a off screen sound of the people having a conversation. We can not see this conversation, however, we are able to hear it clearly. This suggests the significance of the protagonists background as it emphasises him trying to hide. Additionally, at 2:10 there is another sound technique being used which is an on screen sound, the sound of the car being blown up is obvious to the eye. 

Conclusion:

From researching the different sound techniques I am now able to distinguish between them and understand which one will be the most suitable for my thriller. I would prefer to use contrapuntal sounds as it is unexpected and will shock my audience. I would like to avoid the parallel sounds in order to keep my audience engaged. 

Research: Cinematography (Miss Begum)

What is Cinematography?

Cinematography is looking at the way the shot is framed, the angle it is taken in and the movement of the camera. The various angles allow the audience to see a different representation of the characters and the scenario. 

These are some camera shot sizes: 

Extreme long shot (XLS)               

An extreme long shot is used in order to show the full person and the slight surrounding. In the "Black Swan" the XLS is used to show the protagonists bodies whilst they dance, however, also show the stage behind them. 

Long shot (LS) 

A long shot is used in order to show the person from head to toe and this is used in "Twilight". The main protagonists full bodies are displayed so the audience can see the main characters clearly. Even though there is a slight surrounding being shown the characters fill out the shot as they are the main priority. 

Medium shot (MS) 

A medium shot is used in order to show the person from waist up. In "Batman" the joker is shown from waist up. This enables the audience to see the body language of the character and the facial expression. 

Medium close up (MCU)

A medium close up is used to show the character a little bit higher than waist up. Usually, these shots are taken from the belly-button up. In "Se7en" the characters are shown from belly button up to highlight their facial expressions and also the actions of their hands. This shot is to emphasise the character on the right holding the piece of paper as it may be important. 

Close up (CU) 

A close up is used to show the protagonists face. This is to emphasise the facial expression as it is important to know what the character is feeling. In 'Psycho' the character is screaming which helps the audience feel her emotions. This keeps the audience engaged. 

Extreme close up (XCU) 

An extreme close up is used in order to show a feature on the characters face or body. This is used to go into more depth of the characters feelings or actions. In "Pulp Fiction" the character is being shown on a XCU in order to emphasises her eyes. The protagonist here looks worried and this shot is used for the audience to understand this feeling. 

Establishing shot (ES)

An establishing shot is used to show the scene. It is usually used at the start of end of a film. In "Batman" this establishing shot is used to focus on the background and surroundings. 

Camera angles: 

High angle

High angles are used the look down on someone. Because the angle is placed above the head this makes the character look small. In "James Bond" the high angle is used to make him look smaller as he is the one being attacked here. 

Low angle

Low angles are used to look up at someone. Because the angle is placed below the character it makes them look bigger. This is used to also make the protagonist look superior or admirable. In "Spiderman" the character is being shown from a low angle which is emphasising the superiority.

Camera movement:

Panning shot 

A panning shot is when the camera moves across following the character or object. In "Fast&Furious" from 0:15 to 0:20 the panning shot is present.

 

Crane shot 

A crane shot is when the camera is on a crane. There is flexible camera movement during this shot. In "Fast&Furious" from 0:00 till 0:06 the crane shot is present. 

Tilt shot

A tilt shot is when the camera moves up and down on the character or object. In "Se7en" from 0:12 till 0:16 the tilt shot is used. 

 

Zoom

Zooming captures emotion and also gets away from it. 

P.O.V

A P.O.V shot is when it looks like it is from the characters view.

In "Spiderman" from 0:00 till 0:03 and 0:08 till 0:10 is both a P.O.V shot and a hand held shot as the camera is moving with his head.

 

Hand held

A hand held shot is when the camera is moving with the person.

Over the shoulder 

An over the shoulder shot is involving two people. Only one person can be clearly seen and the other is only seen from their back/shoulder. 

Two shot

A two shot is when both the characters have equal space in the scene. 

Manual focus

Manual focus is when the camera is going in/out of focus. 

Depth of field

Depth of field is when parts are focused and other parts are not. This is to emphasise one character more than the other.

Conclusion:

From researching cinematography it has allowed me to understand the different camera shots, angles and movements. I will be using most of these in my thriller to emphasise my focus. 

Research: What is a thriller? (Miss Begum)

Research: What is a Thriller? 

What are genres?

When films are being categorised, they are put into different genres according to the narrative of the story. Genres are important because it enables the audience to choose what type of film they prefer to watch and makes it easier for them to access. E.g. some genres are comedy, horror, thriller, romance and sci-fi.

The Thriller genre:

The thriller genre is created to effect the audiences psychological state of mind. It builds tension, suspense and anxiety which keeps the audience engaged and at the edge of their seats. In all thriller films there is a protagonist and a antagonist and a mystery or problem that occurs. There is mostly dark scenes in thriller-like settings such as school playgrounds, hospitals, cemeteries, asylums, and abandoned places.

Examples of Thriller films:

Black Swan - In this film the main protagonist, Nina, is training to be in a ballet production. When she begins to feel under pressure to do well she slowly slips from reality into living hell. This film includes low-key lighting, dark shadows and a recurrence of unexpected events suggesting its thriller genre.

Orphan - In this film the main protagonist, Esther, is seen to be a nine year old girl however, is actually a 33 year old women who has a hormonal disorder. Esther in disguise of Leena is mentally unstable and has previously killed 7 people. This film also includes low-key lighting depicting its thriller genre.

Taken - In this film, a retired CIA agent's daughter is kidnapped whilst in Paris which leads him to a mission to find his daughter. Most settings in this film are located in dark areas or places such as the brothels and warehouses highlighting the thriller genre.

Sub-genres of Thrillers:

Sub-genres are the stems of classical genres. E.g. In "Black Swan" and "Orphan" the sub-genre is psychological, in "Taken" the sub-genre is Action and in "Se7en" the sub-genre is Crime. 

Common themes: 

Themes in films are story lines or subjects that are present. E.g. The themes in "Taken" are mainly revenge as he wants the antagonist to be punished for the kidnapping of his daughter. The themes in "Orphan" are mostly envy as the young girl is jealous of her adopted mother and just wants to attention from her adopted father. 

Audience response: 

The audiences response to thrillers are usually confusion and anxiety. Thrillers are created to disturb and unsettle the audience in order to keep them engaged and hooked to the film. They tend to make the audience feel personally involved in order to catch the emotion and tension that is building up. 

Conclusion:

This piece of research has helped my understanding of thrillers as I am now able to identify what a thriller is and how each thriller is conventional.