This list identifies all the camera shots and movements that I’ve learned so far. However, to distinguish which of these are used in thriller movies I had to watch some and combine and signify the shots which typically are associated with the genre.
The most recognised camera shots accustomed with thrillers, I gathered through my research were, extreme close ups and close ups. As I’ve seen from a lot of films these key shots are typically used to portray the key aspects of the film genre, which are usually the suspense and tension that make it thrilling – the closeness constitutes for the build up in the film which usually hides all else except what it is in the close up, until its final unveil – when the camera shot moves out exposing the awaited thrill adding more impact.
Camera movement is a way of enhancing camera shots. A key camera movement common with the thriller genre as I’ve discovered is the tilt shot. The upward/downward movement help connote power and weakness in thriller movies. The upward movement signifying characters in power e.g. the hero/villain and the downward tilt implies victimised characters playing positions of weakness – this being a popular trait in this genre.
Another camera movement key to the genre is a panning shot. Following a character across a scene left or right to show were their going or what they are doing – helps add suspense at certain scenes e.g. walking across a room to find a dead body. They are also usually exhibited when there is a lack of dialogue to music or at the beginning of the film to pan across a location to set the scene.
