Genre Research: Thriller

Common CAMS:  Commonly used camera angles, movement features, and shots in the thriller genre are tracking, low angle, over-the-shoulder shots, and point-of-view shots. Tracking shots are mainly used when a character is being followed or watched to build suspense. The low angle is often used to emphasize how powerful and intimidating a character may be. This is frequently seen with the antagonist of the film. The over-the-shoulder shot is usually seen around mirrors and reflections to build tension. Lastly, the point of view shot is for the audience to feel as if they are the actual character by seeing what the character sees, furthering the tension or suspense.

Common CLAMPS: Some Mis-En-Scene features that are commonly used in the thriller genre are low lighting, costumes, and props, usually a weapon. Low lighting is often used in thriller films to create a suspenseful and mysterious mood and introduce fear into the audience. The costumes for this genre are mostly dark clothing to conceal a character's identity and casual clothing for them to blend in. Lastly, the prop that is widely seen in this genre is a weapon along with fake blood.

Common editing: Some editing techniques that are commonly used in the thriller genre are jump cuts and shot reverse shots. Jump cuts are often used in this genre to convey distortion within a character or scene. Shot reverse shot is used to alternate between characters. This is usually seen when the antagonist is about to get caught by the protagonist.

Common sound: Some sound techniques that are commonly used in the thriller genre are diegetic sounds and voiceovers. Diegetic sounds are mostly seen in a thriller when a character is running away from something or someone. Sounds like heavy breathing and the crunching of the leaves under their feet can also be heard during this time. Voiceovers create suspense for the audience by hearing the character's actual thoughts. Usually, the thoughts the audience hears are the antagonist's backstories.

Examples of films of the thriller genre: The Maze Runner, Mission: Impossible, and Five Nights at Freddy's.

Elements of the genre I like: I would make use of tracking shots, low lighting, and voiceovers. These all intrigue the audience and allow them to fully immerse in the film world.

Elements I do not like: I would typically not use jump cuts for the thriller genre as they usually leave the audience on a cliffhanger and cause the viewer to assume the rest of the story.