2. Thrillers
A wide range of codes and conventions are used to create
the foundation of a thriller. These codes and conventions
are: mirrors, shadows and tension music. But how exactly
are they used to build the main theme of thrillers as well
as creating a tense atmosphere? – suspense.
3. Alfred Hitchcock – psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock is known as the master of suspense, what techniques/codes did he use in the film
psycho to create suspense?
Lighting
in the film psycho a specific use of lighting is used to create this suspense. Shadows and dark contrasts
are effectively used to create a sense of eeriness and uncertainty, leaving the audience asking
questions of “who's shadow is that”, as a result of this, suspense is created.
Locations
the locations of the film include a deserted/isolated house, where there isn’t anything else around the
house. The fact this house is isolated and by itself, almost provokes the audience to ask questions
about why the house is isolated, witch creates suspense.
Camera work
distorted focus is used to almost blur vision of what audience can see or what the characters are
seeing. Suspense is built between the time the distorted focus is set and then removed. Being able to
eventually see past the distorted focus creates suspense.
Sound
Tension/ suspense music witch builds up, sound effects such as the door creek when it opens and
footsteps is used to create suspense also. These things keep the audience at the edge of their seat and
make them ask even more questions.
Mirrors
Mirrors within this film are specifically placed so that something behind the main protagonist can be
shown. Furthermore, this shows the audience something that the protagonist cant see. This instantly
builds suspense as anything could possibly happen as a result.
