Thriller Comparison - Miss Georgiou

Thriller Comparison

Do you think you have created a successful thriller sequence and why?

In my opinion i believe that my group and i have created a successful thriller sequence as we have included all of the aspects a conventional thriller should include through the use of different micro elements. Whilst including the conventional aspects that our audience will expect to see, we also included aspects that differ from a conventional thriller as the location was on a train, this will intrigue the audience as most thrillers have more discreet settings such as forests and houses. This will therefore add to the enigma of the film as the audience won't know what's going to happen consequently making our thriller successful as the film is very different compared to other successful thrillers.

 

Which micro element, best shows your creativity and understanding of thriller conventions the most?

My thriller's most powerful micro element which demonstrates my understanding of the thriller conventions the most is mise en scene. This is because my thriller comfortably portrays conventional aspects of this micro element such as the fact the sequence is based on a train, this goes against conventional ideas of where a thriller should be set but still manages to be conventional. This is because the audience will be able to relate well to what is happening in the film as they will be able to picture themselves in the same situation, this therefore makes the audience more involved in what's happening and therefore makes the film more successful as the audience will enjoy it more. This aspect also demonstrates my creativity towards thriller conventions as we took a normal thriller convention and adapted it to make it better as a train setting isn't used much in thriller films therefore making our thriller stand out from others.

Another aspect that demonstrates my understanding of the thriller genre shown within mise en scene is the use of having a blonde female victim against a masked killer. This portrays a large amount of enigma as the audience want to find out what happens to the victim and eventually find out who the killer is. Therefore it will help to make my thriller a success as people will want to find out who the killer is, if he finds another victim and what eventually happens to him. This demonstrates my understanding of the thriller genre as having a blonde female victim is very conventional as blonde females are portrayed to be weak, naive and vulnerable therefore showing that she hasn't got much chance of escaping, adding to the enigma. Also having a masked killer is very conventional as it adds to the fear of the unknown, this is especially well portrayed when in the last scene, the masked is shown on the seat of the train portraying the idea that the killer could be anyone and that they will strike again.

Compare your opening sequence to a successful thriller and explain how your thriller is conventional.

Our thriller opening sequence can be compared to Scream's opening sequence. They are both very conventional as the victim is a blonde female, this shows that the victim is highly vulnerable as blonde female's are usually the ones who are oblivious and get into trouble, therefore the audience will expect to see this making it more conventional. The setting's are both also conventional as they are both places that the audience can relate to such as being at home or being on a train. This therefore makes the audience feel more involved in what's happening in the film and as a results builds the suspense and enigma. Both opening sequences involve a masked killer, this is very conventional to the thriller genre as it adds enigma and mystery to the film as the audience is constantly asking themselves who the killer might be and therefore intriguing them to watch more. The sound included in both opening sequences are similar also as they both include non diagetic thriller sounds, this evokes fear for the audience as it builds the suspense that something is going to happen. The editing and cinematography of both sequences are also similar as they portray reaction shots and shows the victim running helplessly. These show to the audience the characters emotions at the time which helps build a relationship with the character and therefore engage the audience more as they want to find out her fate, and as it shows her running it shows that she may have a chance of getting away making the audience feel sorry for her.