Short Film Research: The Guilt/Thriller

 Common sound in Thriller genre

A common sound in the thriller genre includes sudden loud noises, a build of music, low hums/tones, silent moments, heartbeat/breathing noise. The following were present in The Guilt: low hums in the beginning sequence which established ominousness. Intense breathing of the protagonist to show distress and nervousness, a build of music to exemplify a build in the stories narrative, foreboding sound, sound motifs.

. Common Mis-En Scene in Thriller genre

 Common Mis-En Scene in the thriller genre include dark or unkept clothing, either very bright or very dark lighting, edgy, nervous, and fearfulness in acting style to indicate uneasiness and danger, makeup can be used to emphasize a characters disheveled state by using dark shadowy tones (eye-bags or injuries), weapons like guns and desolate settings can be used to create danger. The following were present in The Guilt: Dark clothing, makeup to emphasize the protagonists exhaustion, a weapon/gun/knife to inflict harm, very dark lighting.

Common Editing in Thriller genre 

Point of view shots (POV) to deepen the audiences understanding of the characters perspective, quick cuts for moments of high action, flashbacks to the past to add detail and missing information, slow motion to increase suspense and intensity, cross cuttings for high stakes moments. The following were present in The Guilt: Flashbacks to the past to explain why/what the protagonist is doing, quick cuts back and forth from the protagonist and the man he shot to show mutual emotional distress, close ups to show character state of mind, zoom in and outs.

Example of films in Thriller genre

Shutter Island, Gone Girl, Prisoners, The Game, The Others, Zodiac.

What elements do I like in Thriller genre

I love the mystery and plot twists in thriller films because I can try to figure out what is happening throughout the film. I also like the psychological suspense that occurs with this

 What elements do I dislike in thriller genre

I strongly dislike jump scares when they become excessive as I feel many films overly rely on them to create fear instead of using more complex ways such as the narrative. I also dislike Red Herrings which are inaccurate clues that throw the audience off track.