Coursework - Common Traits of Thrillers

Common Traits of Thriller Films

-Low Key Lighting
-Shadows
-Obtrusive Editing(Quick Cuts, Changes in camera angles)
-Tension Music
-Stairs
-Flashbacks
-Black and White
-Freeze Frames
-Slow Motion

Typography used in Thriller

Silence of the Lamb Opening

The font used in this opening is a San-serif font. It's been capitalised, which makes it stand out more and seem more dramatic. The black font indicates that something dark is to follow, for example death, bad events etc. The white outline around the font allows the black to be readable, rather than blending with the dark background.

Se7en Opening

The typography used in this opening Title is a San-serif font. The font used is rather rough, it looks as if someone has tried shredding it, this makes it seem more viscous and violent, creating the idea that something is about to happen. The title is shown at seemingly random times at different sizes throughout the opening sequence, this adds a sense of mystery to the film.

Shutter Island Opening

The font used in Shutter Island is again a San-Serif font. The font used is a rather basic, no extra details or various effects added to make it look mysterious. The colour of the font is red, which often indicates that there will be some form of bloodshed within the movie. It also represents a form of danger is sure to follow. Like other opening sequences this one seems to also fade to black to present the opening title.

From the research on the typography I have learnt that there is common traits found among the thriller genre. The idea of using fades on the text to create a rather mysterious effect. The use of San-Seriff fonts creates a surreal effect, making it seem that isn't real, perhaps adding to a psychological factor. Another common trait between the used typhography is the use of black or red, these colours are often associated with darkness or evilness, so adding them to the thriller genre creates an idea of violence or tragedy.