Thriller Research: Camera

There are a number of different shots used in thriller films to create an effect.

- Bird's Eye Shot

This shot is used within stereotypical thrillers to present a character as completely helpless and vulnerable.

This helps to evoke feelings of sympathy as well as suspense as we don't know what will happen to them.

- Close Up Shot

This shot is used to show emotion and the reactions of the characters to what they're seeing or doing. It helps to capture details; for example if a character appears to have a menacing or troublesome look, the audience are instantly under the impression that the character is evil.

- Over The Shoulder Shot

This shot is used to build tension. It adds suspense as it gives a similar view to that of the character, but it also shows their reaction to it. It is used a lot to show something or someone standing behind a character, and is most effective when the camera is looking towards a reflection.

- Hand-held Camera Shot

This shot is used to create a realistic sense. This shot is most effective as it makes the audience feel less as though they are watching a film and more as though they are actually a character within it. It gives the audience a feeling of involvement.

- Long/Establishing Shot

This shot is used to show an object in relation to its surroundings. It can also be used to introduce a setting. This shot is effective within thriller as it can create the sense of isolation and being alone, as well as the sense of scale and power. For example, within The Woman In Black, a long shot is used to show the mansion, where the audience can visualise the size and see the overall damage done to the house.