Short Film Research: Scruples/Thriller

Conventions in a genre are what bring it to life and truly help you understand what kind of movie is being made and what a director wants you to feel. Here are some common conventions from our short film's genre, thriller, that I found in the short film Scruples.

Common Sound:

- ambient sound

- high-pitch noises for tension

- dark and tense music

- footsteps

- punching noises

- crickets to understand that it is late at night

- gunshots

Common Mis-En-Scene:

- darker lighting to bring a weary vibe

- kind of baggy clothing, mostly leather jackets and hoodies, very casual

- tracking shots

- shot reverse shot during conversations

- guns and blood

- panning shots for transitions

- low lighting so that entering high beams can make a statement

- submissive and dominant relationship between characters

- acting uncomfortable and nervous for one character shows that he is new to crime

- Russian accent allows for stereotyping

- flickering lighting

- dramatic irony 

- character in disguise 

- dark lighting with soft lights on the face

- Australian accent

- anger leads to death

Common Editing:

- sound foiling in order to make scenes seem more intense

- fade in

- fade out

- text to describe changes in time

- font seems like that of used in action movies

- parallel editing

- close-up shots

- wife and kids an emotional connection to character and audience

- shooting a bit above target with blood to make it seem realistic

- sweating on matte makeup to show nerves

- constant reverse shots to main character's reactions

- defying one's morals

- black and white flashback colorgrading

Here are some add on examples from the genre in general: 

Example Films:

- Zodiac

- Se7en

- Intrusion

- The Talented Mr. Ripley

Genre Elements that I like: 

- parallel editing

- accents

-  dramatic irony

- character in disguise

- dark lighting with soft lights in the face, high-pitch sounds

- shot techniques

- character in disguise

 - anger leads to death

- plot twists

- comedic relief

- fast pace

- foreshadowing

- foolish antagonist

- powerful antagonist

Genre Elements I did not like: 

- Opening sequence too boring

- action movie fonts

- dominant and submissive relationship

- anger leads to death

- defying one's morals

- flashback colorgrading

- high stakes

- protagonist in danger

- smart antagonist