Thriller Conventions Mind Map

How Film Openings Establish Narrative and Genre

• The Last House On The Left establishes narrative less through speech but more though actions. The films opens with a tracking long shot at night time in some woods, non diegetic eery music is playing in the background this already sets the scene for the genre of thriller due to the low key lighting and suspense. A car accident then takes place and the antagonists brutally murder the victim who is in the drivers seat. This establishes the thriller genre to the audience due to the element of crime and violence.  

• Inception again establishes narrative through actions as appose to dialogue. Although low key lighting is not used the opening scene is a mid shot of the sea. The sea is rough therefore connoting to the audience a darker mood. The next shot is of the main character laying face down on the shore, he has cuts to his lip and cheek connoting he has been a victim of             violence. The element of violence therefore connotes crimes attracting the target audience of a thriller. 

• The Fugitive establishes narrative in the opening not through words but through the actions seen. The opening begins with an establishing birds eye view shot of a big city. It is night time therefore this adds to the dark tone of the thriller genre. A cut is then used to show a black and white slow motion shot of a women being attacked. The black and white not only adds low key lighting but also connotes a flash back. All of these elements are conventions of the thriller genre therefore will attract the target audience. 

Film Title Analysis