Cinematography

      With this being my first time creating content in the psychological thriller genre, I am not used to its standards and customs. I've made content for years for my past TV and film classes, so I am relatively familiar with shot composition and angles. However, I wanted to research the specific cinematography that is often used within the genre. Camera shots and angles are significant factors in psychological thrillers as they help set the film's mood and create tension, making it more believable. The goal is to incorporate these shots into my project to guide the story and fit the genre. 

Close UP/Extreme Close Up

ECU from film Psycho (1960)

Closing in on a subject can show more emotion. The closer the camera, the more emotion is captured. They can also be used to engage the audience in the mysterious plot as if they were figuring out clues as the close-ups can give away key elements. These pieces of information help build the suspense in the film. 

Dutch Angle (Canted)

              

                  Dutch Angle from film Jaws (1975)

A dutch angle is a shot that is slightly slanted. These shots can be used to portray feelings of madness or distress of the character. The composition of these shots are used to cause disorientation for the audience and leaves them with an uneasy feeling.

Long Shot (Wide)

         

                 Long shot from film It Follows (2014)

A long shot can be used to show entire subjects or figures and sometimes even parts of the setting. They are used in thrillers to emphasize space and give the audience a sense that someone or something is isolated.