Thriller Research - Signs

I watched this clip of 'Signs' to help me with my research and understanding of thrillers and their opening sequences. I chose this film as it is different to 'Scream' as this is in the sci-fi genre, where as scream was in the horror genre

Sound

• High tempo music is used over the credits, this is to add suspense before showing any footage as the audience do not know what it is leading up to.
• When screams can be heard in the distance, this builds up tension as the audience does not know where the scream are coming from and why people are screaming
• When the non-diegetic sound of dogs barking can be heard, it builds tension as the viewer does not know what they are barking at

Camera

• An Establishing shot is used on a garden, which then pans to a photo of a family, building tension as the audience do not know what this family has to do with the thriller.
• A long shot of a man sat up in bed adds tension as the audience begin to wonder why he suddenly sat upright
• A close up of Morgan's face adds tension as the audience don't know what he is staring at with such a lifeless expression

Editing

• The opening credit fade onto the screen on top of a blue light, this adds mystery to the shot and also fits the theme of sci-fi.
• A cut between a close up of a mans face and a shot of his feet walking on corn adds tension as the audience cannot see what he is walking towards.

Mise-en-Scene

• The setting of a cornfield is used as they are vast and easy to get lost in. This builds tension as the audience do not know what is hidden amongst it.