Editing Research: What Makes a Good Thriller?

It is clear, from researching, that Thriller films depend a lot on the timing of clips and the speed at which they are shown.

- A lot of quick clips in a row work to disorientate an audience and leave them feeling slightly breathless. This works most efficiently when there is a lot of action and there is more than one perspective to see.

- However, it is just as effective to use very simple, uncut, long clips to contrast that of the fast ones. This works effectively when the music is quiet, when there is something lurking, or you expect a fast pace. This may seem as though it would lose the interest of the audience, but it helps to re-orientate the audience and satisfy their needs if there's a big reveal or something may be resolved.

- The music used in the background of clips is also very important. It can be used to create suspense even more than the visuals usually can. Stings create the sense that something is about to happen, as well as giving the audience chills and making them feel uncomfortable, when used at the right time, they are extremely effective in giving the audience that "thrilling" feeling.

The music chosen can effectively make the visuals more intense and support them well. Fast paced, loud music works well with action scenes and fast cuts, and slow, gradual music is most effective when there is little to no diagetic sound in the scene.

- Effects can also work well, however they are less seen within movies. Motion Blur gives the idea of feeling dizzy or disorientated, as well as creating a sense of mystery. Echo can further do the same; by repeating something important in an echo-like way, the audience store that in their mind and it makes it very memorable.