Conventional Cinematography
Cinematography is often used throughout all films but particularly in crime thriller films the most frequently used tends to be close up shots. A close up shot up is used to create a focus either up a character from the shoulders upwards to often show facial expressions or emotions of how the character is feeling in which the viewer can relate to although, a close up shot could also be used to reveal objects and other props which can identify personalities for each characters. A close up shot is symbolic as it helps to signify a sense of urgency to reveal hidden secrets about personalities. An example of a close up shot from The Dark Knight rises directed by Christopher Nolan in 2008 reveals the antagonists facial expressions to suggest the character is plotting something or showing a sense of grief therefore, it creates suspense.
However, long establishing shots are also used within thriller films to reveal a certain scene in order for the audience to distinguish a sense of setting as opposed to the narrative of the film. An establishing shot used allows the audience specific information about where the scene is taking place although, this could be significant as it could symbolise ideas to reflect the characters identity and personalities. Whereas, an example of a long establishing shot is within Insidious Chapter 3 directed by Leigh Whannel in 2015 to reveal one the characters on a terrifying journey to stop the spirits from capturing the teenage girl. The setting shown within the image is identified as a hallway in which this could be within an abandoned house. The light reflected within the image reveals a sense of mise-en-scene to show hope and a focus of the character juxtaposed to the setting.
Another conventional shot used within thriller films is high and low angle shots. A high angle shot is a camera angle that looks down upon a subject or specific object. It is often used in order to make the character appear to be small or vulnerable. Whilst, a low angle shot is a camera angle that looks up at a character or subject. This angle shot contrasts to a high angle shot as it is often used to make the character appear to have a sense of dominance and higher power.
An example of a high angle shot would be viewed within the film, 'Matilda' directed by Danny DeVito during 1996.
An example of a low angle shot would be revealed within the movie is 'The Dark Knight' directed by Christopher Nolan in 2008.
Conventional Editing
Editing is used within the stage of producing the film in order to make sure everything is fitted together to sound accurate therefore, sound and images are organised into an overall narrative. Editing is used to let the director either draw attention to something in the shot or to allow to jump cut therefore, unnecessary shots are deleted from the film. Although, cross cutting is a key element within the editing process of making a film. This editing technique is essential for a thriller as this edit of alternation, interweaving or interspersing usually suggests parallel action therefore, it dramatically builds up tension and suspense. In thriller films it often uses fast paced editing alongside quick cutting techniques to create pace therefore, the audience feels excitement through the manipulation of the tension portrayed within the film allowing the audience to believe specific information within the film. Although, cutting interrupts the continuous action by briefly inserting another related action scene however, it allows the audience to feel a sense of urgency and worry.
An example of fast paced editing would be when they are creating a pan within 'The Shaun of the Dead' directed by Edgar Wright in 2004.
Another conventional editing technique which is used within the genre of thriller films would be elliptical editing. Elliptical editing is a technique that is used within film to allow a long duration of shots to be reduced or not required in comparison to the narrative so the audience are less likely to become bored and distracted. Therefore, this reflects that this editing technique is used to form a shorter and more reliable shot so it will be more effective as well as creative in order to further draw the attention from the audience. This technique is beneficial as it allows the pace of the narrative to be controlled better in order to make it more realistic and interesting. This effect used is reliable and provides extra tension and suspense within the thriller film.
Another useful editing technique which is used within the construction of film making is graphic match. Graphic match is an edit effect used in thrillers to reflect two different objects of the same shape are dissolved from one into the other therefore, this can be very effective as they emphasise upon the transition in order to create a focus upon the actions made within the relevant scene. The famous shower scene in the film 'Psycho' directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1960 typically represents conventions of a graphic match especially when the characters eyes create a match with the drain.
Jump cuts are vital editing techniques which are used within film making. Jump cuts are an abrupt, disorientating transition between two shots where continuity is broken. This technique can sometimes detect a sense of weakness and less dominance in a character after a violent scene. Jump cuts are useful conventions of thriller genres as it makes the scene more interesting, realistic and intense therefore, creates excitement towards the viewers. An example of a jump cut edit within a film is, 'Shutter Island' directed by M.Scorsese in 2010. Near the beginning of the film jump cuts are relevant to reflect a feeling of disturbance and discomfort.
On the other hand, thriller films usually use shot reverse shots which tend to be used when two characters are conducting a conversation it alternates between one another. In conjunction to this uses over the shoulder shots to view the character facing the subject 1/3 of the frame. Therefore, this reveals shot reverse shots are used to create emotion and to keep the audience interested and attached to the film. Due to the fact that, if the camera is framed in one place for a long duration of time then this will forbid the audience to become bored and easily distracted from the movie. An example of a shot reverse shot using withing the film construction of media would be within 'The Hunger Games' directed by Gary Ross in 2012.
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