Suspense Genre:
In researching for my portfolio project, I have decided to fully research two categories: action and suspense films. For this blog post, I will be focusing on the suspense genre of films and why their main audiences enjoy them as well as common techniques used in the production and marketing of the category.
Suspense films are a genre of movies in which the audience knows what will happen more often than the characters in the movie. This is achieved through a process of introducing instability, then creating emotional attachment to the character, and an outcome from the tension that has been building up. In this repeated process, the suspense films are able to entertain their audiences throughout the entirety of their productions.
We can see the success of this framework in movies such as "The Silence of the Lambs," where the plot revolves around an FBI agent and an intelligent cannibalistic serial killer, with the agent trying to obtain information and help to catch a kidnapper from the murderer. In this film's portrayal of the dynamic between the two sides, they are able to show intense sequences of dialogue that raise tension. They would then end the conversations with an eventual revelation of information, giving purpose to the events in the first place. In doing this, the film is able to create a strong series of intense dialogue that not only grabs the attention of the audience but also add to the story. For my project, I will utilize this information by frequently displaying tense sequences that are uncut. In this way, the tension of the scene is able to naturally build up as it had with "The Silence of the Lambs."
(The Silence of the Lambs: 1991)
The main audiences that enjoy the suspense genre are mainly younger and middle-aged audiences, particularly women from the ages of 15-34. This is because it creates a feeling of intensity and uncertainty for the audience, and in doing this, the film genre creates an immersive atmosphere that the viewers are instantly drawn to. In addition, with the lowered attention spans often associated with Gen-Z, it allows for increased success with films that are consistently stimulating and engaging the audiences. This reflects throughout the entire suspense genre, with spectators always being interested in the intense storyline and tactics used to convey it. I'll use this information to my advantage by condensed sequences of intensity to keep viewers entertained throughout my entire project.
For the editing of the suspense genre, it heavily relies on uncut sequences of dialogue or events, the use of unconventional angles such as Dutch angles, and a series of close-up shots. In the usage of these unique editing techniques, the overall category is able to gain a specific and defined feeling when you are watching it. Additionally, in this genre, lighting is used in low-key lighting in order to support that cautious and tense atmosphere created with the editing of the production. The unnerving feeling generated from these ideas allow the plot to be supported by unusual and intriguing camera shots and lighting. I will use this information by making sure my project includes low lighting and uncut shots backed up by close-up shots of the character. This will help to build the feeling of suspense and initial relatability to the main character.
For the marketing of suspense films, they rely on their carefully edited and framed scenes in order to create an atmosphere of mystery and uncertainty for the audience. In choosing scenes that specifically express uncertainty and fear, the trailer is able to pull in more viewers in the condensed format that it is shown through. Furthermore, by slowly revealing the underlying plot of the film, the trailer is able to build tension alongside its plot progression, increasing viewer engagement. Through the usage of carefully selected scenes coupled with the tension-building sound and lighting elements, the movie is able to distinctly present itself and its qualities without giving away key plot details. I will use this knowledge by not divulging in the backstory of my main character immediately and instead build the initial plot of the story through what they are doing.
An example of the advertising is seen in the film Nuremberg, where in the 1st official trailer of the movie, they include low key lighting, a gradual revealing of the plot, and condensed scenes of intense dialogue and action. In doing this, the film exemplifies the properties of a suspenseful film, slowly revealing the storyline as well as including a tense and important atmosphere.
In the usage of these different techniques editing, marketing, and lighting techniques, I will be able to create an engaging and suspenseful intro that will be able to actively portray the plot through a mysterious lens. In doing this, I will have successfully created a suspenseful opening that clearly exemplifies the qualities of the genre.
Here are some of my favored suspense films that I will hopefully be able to use as inspiration in the creation of my introduction.
(Heat: 1995)
(Take Shelter: 2011)
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-suspense-definition/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102926/
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/elements-of-suspense/
https://indiefilmhustle.com/hitchcock-create-suspense/
https://theasc.com/articles/terror-through-lighting#:~:text=The%20makers%20of%20suspense%20and,t%20reach%20for%20a%20light?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Silence_of_the_Lambs_%28film%29
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29567915/mediaindex/
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1675192/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106977/
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