There are many theories and techniques that directors use within their thriller films to create tension and suspense for the viewer to ensure the movie is engaging. Some of the best thriller directors such as Alfred Hitchcock use techniques such as specific and specially selected camera angles to kept he viewer interested in the film as the plot slowly unwinds and unfolds. For example, a classic theory that Hitchcock used and that we have adopted for our thriller movie , is the pull focus technique. In Hitchcock’s film ‘Rope’ , he constantly switch focus between the chest and dinner party proceeding behind it , to continuously remind the viewer that one of the main characters has been murdered in the box. The image below has been taken from the film ‘Rope’ and displays how Hitchcock combines the aspect s of two separate events, a murder and a formal dinner party, in the same shot using the pull focus technique:
Another theory that Hitchcock adopted within his films was the Auteur theory. This suggests that when a director is filming , the content of the movie reflects that of the directors creative vision. If the author (Auteur) of the film is a strong director , he portrays his own visions and creative ideas within the production. However if weak , they use outside inspiration and ideas to influence the content of the movie. Hitchcock is seen as a ‘strong’ director and he uses this style in many ways throughout his productions. His views could be seen clearly by both the way in which his stories were told , and by the mise en scene throughout his pictures. For example, Hitchcock uses the reoccurring theme of building tension within a film slowly , until it is expected by the viewer. However, Hitchcock does not release the tension at this point, yet waits until a further place in the movie where the release of tension is not expected. In ‘Rope’ Hitchcock’s murderous characters Brandon Shaw and Phillip Morgan begin to be questioned by Rupert Cadell. Following Hitchcock’s build of tension then the suspended release of it , Rupert questions the pair intensely and it seems as though he will find out the secret they have been hiding for the duration of the dinner party. Just as the viewer feels Rupert has unearthed the murder, the tension is released and saved until a further place in the film.
Another theory that Hitchcock adopted along with his Auteur theory is a formalist film theory. The formalist theory is the technical elements of a film , for example the lighting , soundscape and set design. The formalist theory is closely linked with mise en scène of a film. This theory further breaks down into ‘Hitchcockian themes’ which Hitchcock used regularly in his films to convey his creative visions ( Auteur theory). For example, Hitchcock uses Hitchcockian themes such as violence when unexpected, and the ‘cool blonde’ character such as in ‘Rear Window’ (Grace Kelly). Hitchcock uses the lighting in his films to convey his creative ideas. In ‘Rope’ the apartment the movie takes place in has dim lighting , whilst the background ( city skyline) is bright and vibrant. This gives the effect that although everything seems well and good on the surface , darkness and suspense lies below. The image shown previously illustrates the dull and soft colours used on the props , whilst the sky scrapers lights span across the background. In our thriller, we will use a weak directors stance on Auteur theory , as we are attempting to incorporate Hitchcock’s views and ideas into our production.
Hitchcock also uses a film theory called the ‘Macguffin’ in his productions. This technique is a plot element that catches the viewers' attention or drives the plot of the movie forward. The Macguffin is an aspect of the film (e.g an object or conclusion) to which the characters will sacrifice anything to obtain. In ‘Rope’ Brandon and Phillip are trying to obtain victory and survival throughout their hosted dinner party. The pair have placed David Kently in the chest and invited others to their apartment in an attempt to challenge the ‘perfection of their crime. Their ‘Macguffin’ is therefore to survive the night and prove to themselves that they have created the perfect crime , therefore feeling victorious . In our media production , the Macguffin of the film is for our leading actor to solve the mystery of the crime and find the kidnapped woman. He will need to overcome the potential threats that stand in his way as the story unfolds and reaches a climatic ending.
Alfred Hitchcock also uses a lot of cinematic experimentation within his films. In ‘Rope’ he experimented with the camera shots to make the film appear as one long take to the audience. This gives the production a more flowing feel and creates tension as it tricks the viewer into believing the chest is in every shot. Similarly in our film , we experimented with camera shots to create an appropriate mood to the opening scene up until tension arises. For example, we tried to create a seamless camera shot whilst the actor picks the letter out of the post and opens it by using an over the shoulder shot. This gives the impression that the audience is right in the room with the character and therefore should feel similar emotional ties to the leading actor as he unveils the hostage picture.
Another theme used is Hitchcock’s ability to blur the distinctions between the innocent and the guilty. Although , Brandon and Phillip are the murderers within the film , the viewer finds themselves developing an emotion attachment to the pair , and a willingness for them to succeed is felt toward them. This therefore creates a haze into who is the hero or villain of the film. The images below first shows the two placing David into the chest and then later in the film , being interrogated by Rupert. The two show the distinct change in emotion felt by the viewer as by the second shot, the viewers hae learnt more about the characters and changed their perspective on the film:
The film that we are producing also aims to merge the good/bad characters in a number of scenes. For example , the main characters boss is first shown attempting to help him , yet as the plot evolves it becomes clear that the letter was in fact placed through the actors letterbox by the boss and the clear distinction between innocent and guilty is therefore challenged.
In conclusion , Alfred Hitchcock uses many film theories and techniques such as the Auteur and Formalist theories to engage with the viewer. The suspense he creates in films allows the viewer to feel part of the production and connect emotionally to the film and its actors alike. This is why our media production is aiming to re-create some of the themes that Hitchcock has adopted and perfected meticulously through his experienced years in filmmaking. We hope to adopt the strategy that Hitchcock did , where the audiences views on the characters are constantly challenged and changed as this keeps the viewer entertained throughout the production.
Mitchell.
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