Genre Research - The sub-genre

The sub genre of our film is supernatural thriller.


Storyline
The typical storyline for a supernatural thriller would include an "innocent" person or family or group of friends being haunted or possessed by a supernatural presence. The most recent supernatural thrillers would be The Conjuring, 2013 and Sinister, 2012. Both of these films have had sequels including similar storylines and similar characters.

Characters
A key appeal for the target audience is characters which they can relate to and build a rapport with as the narrative continues. This can be seen in Scream which is aimed at a young adult audience. Through using a mainly teenage cast, each with their own individual story, the audience was able to relate to the characters and therefore become more interested in the film and what happened to the characters.


Settings/locations

Various locations can be used for a supernatural thriller, however it depends on the storyline of the film if the locations used will be relevant and create the effect the filmmaker is intending. Locations often used are based on our fears; an elevator which presents our fear of being trapped, typical locations used would be dark rooms, dark woods or an abandoned house/building. However, the most basic locations can be used such as a supermarket for example. In Frank Darabont's The Mist (originally one of Stephan King's books) is focused on a gang of small town residents trapped in their local supermarket when an alien infested mist appears. In the more horror and supernatural based thrillers, low key lighting is often used in the locations where the main action of the film is happening.

Cinematography
Thriller films conventionally adapt the use of different types of camera work to demonstrate an immediate change in the situation. This can be specifically seen within the thriller film inception which uses shot types such as canted angle, close ups, wide shot and two shot to demonstrate different situations. The canted angle shot shows the situation as unusual signifying that something has Close up shot shows the key features of the subject within the scene. This is used to emphasise the characters key details and expressions, therefore showing their emotions towards what is happening. The two shot is used within the scene to establish a relationship or connection between two characters. The shot also highlights their differences such as gender, age and clothing. The wide angle shot places the subject in the middle of the frame so that the audience are able to identify the situation surrounding them.
happened to change this. This type of shot is conventional and used to show distress which is a key theme in thrillers.


Editing
Thrillers conventionally use editing techniques to increase elements of suspense and tension. This can be seen through elements such as the use of reaction shots which are designed to highlight the characters reaction when they are approached by the antagonist. Additionally, cuts always emphasise what is happening around the situation in an alternative scene, conventionally, one scene is shown to be chaotic whereas another demonstrates calm, everyday life adding to the twists and suspense within the plot. The titles and captions on the film trailer are designed to emphasise the narrative of the film. These create suspense and tension through their quick and catchy phrases, conventionally these also fade to black to emphasise the scene has ended.


Sound/music
Thrillers feature the use of elements such as ambient sound in order to increase tension and panic within the situation. Scream incorporates the use of asynchronous background through the girls screaming when the titles appear which allows the audience to instantly recognise the nature of the film genre. Voice overs on a trailer draws the audiences attention as the trailer is directly addressing them.


Iconography
Costumes - conventionally the characters within thrillers are shown to have a smart appearance which suggests the characters personality and role. However, costumes also highlight the differences between them. This can be specifically seen in se7en. The costumes can also show the contrasts in the personality of the characters, which creates mystery for the audience. Props & setting - conventionally, thrillers are set in a normal everyday environment such as a house as this adds to the suspense of the action as it shows the antagonist disturbing the normality. In addition when there is a chase scene within the film small confines spaces are normally used to signify entrapment and isolation. Furthermore, props within the scene aid with the narrative of the film and can provide information about the characters personality. Guns are conventionally used in thrillers as this signifies danger. Lighting - thrillers conventionally use low-key lighting in order to create a dark or sombre atmosphere. This creates tension as the audience are unaware of what could be happening in the surrounding of the character. Additionally, low-key lighting can create a dark and menacing atmosphere to a scene.


Titles

Inception - within the opening sequence we as the audience are not shown any titles. The opening establishes the main character and the setting for part of the film. The non-diegetic sound creates an eery atmosphere and leaves the audience wanting to continue watching to find out the plot of the film. There are 2 contrasting settings that we are shown, 1) on a beach in daylight 2) in a dark mysterious room with men talking in a foreign language. The contrasting scenes emphasises the darkness and eery sound playing in the background. Pulp Fiction - The opening titles sequence for ‘Pulp Fiction’ begins dramatically and surprisingly. As we meet some of the characters of the film and they instantly threaten with guns, establishing the genres of the film. The soundtrack used is fast paced and reveals the sub genre of action and crime. The titles are placed in the centre of the screen in a bold white font, contrasting with the black background. As the plot is not revealed the audience want to continue watching as the opening has caught their full attention. 

Seven - The opening sequence for the film ‘Se7en’ does not directly reveal any of the characters within the film. The soundtrack highly impacts the atmosphere created by it. It consists of an eery continuous sound with occasional screeches, as the sequence progresses the music becomes louder and the tension builds. The titles move erratically creating a jumpy feel for the audience. The titles are white on a black background emphasising the titles. The font of the titles are sharp and handwritten-like. The plot is not revealed to us and leaves the audience wanting to find out what will happen as we are given clues through the opening sequence. The Silence of the Lambs - In the opening sequence for this film we are introduced to the main character and other characters within the film. The titles are bold and large in the colour black. This grabs the audiences attention especially as they are placed in the centre of the screen. A classical piece of music is played in the background.