I looked at three popular suspense/thriller movies to make an intriguing and captivating movie opening. These films exhibit effective tension-building techniques that will affect some elements of my own work.
1. A Quiet Place (2018, dir. John Krasinski)
In this post-apocalyptic thriller, a family struggles to survive in a world where sound can instantly cause death. The animals that roam the planet hunt by making noise, so the family must live in complete silence and communicate using sign language. In the film's first tense scene, the family quietly forages through an abandoned store, rapidly establishing the dangerous norms of their world. The atmosphere is filled with dread as viewers are introduced to a spooky, suspenseful setting that culminates in a shocking incident that sets the tone for the entire film.
Takeaways for My Project:
- Visuals: Use quiet, empty settings to create suspense.
- Storytelling: Minimal dialogue to emphasize fear and isolation.
- Audio: Strategic silence with bursts of sudden sound to shock the audience.
2. Stranger Things (Season 1, 2016)
The popular series begins with a disturbing scene at a government laboratory that is kept under wraps. As a creature that cannot be seen is closing in on him, a scientist dashes through dark hallways. A sense of danger and mystery is immediately established by the eerie visual created by the lights' menacing flicker. Outside the lab, a seemingly tranquil suburban neighborhood stands in stark contrast to the chaotic events taking place inside. This contrast between everyday life and horror captures the audience's attention and establishes the tense plot.
Takeaways for My Project:
- Visuals: Play with lighting to create uncertainty.
- Storytelling: Begin with an intense scene to hook the audience.
- Audio: Include eerie electronic sounds for atmosphere.
3. Get Out (2017, dir. Jordan Peele)
Chris,who is a young Black man, visits his white girlfriend's family in the idyllic suburban setting in this psychological thriller. At first glance, the family appears to be friendly, but as the weekend wears on, Chris begins to have the uneasy suspicion that something is wrong. The first scene is set at night in a quiet suburban neighborhood, where an unidentified attacker stalks and kidnaps a Black man. The scene's use of eerie music and sudden shift from calm to chaos sets up the film's examination of societal fears and hidden dangers, creating a captivating atmosphere of mystery and unease.
Takeaways for My Project:
- Visuals: Use contrast between calm settings and disturbing events.
- Storytelling: Start with a mysterious event that raises questions.
- Audio: Incorporate unsettling music that builds tension.
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