Research Blog Post #1 (Genre Research) Week 2

 Research Blog Post:

After researching thriller films and how to make a good structurally built film I have decided to make more of a psychological thriller. 

What makes a thriller psychological is that the biggest questions revolve around the minds and behavior. Psychological thrillers often incorporate elements of mystery and include themes of crime, morality, mental illness, substance abuse, multiple realities or a dissolving sense of reality, and unreliable narrators. One of the many ways I can set a tone in this film is through set design, lighting, color use, and costume. Also, the use of long shots with a handheld camera can deliver tension to the viewer as if the main character is being watched at all times.

This film will only include one character, thus having to make this film complex plot condensed into a short format. The main idea should revolve or focus on the main character's inner world or personal journey.

Character: Name (Alex) | Age (21 Years Old) | Occupation (Journalist) 

Films similar to this style of genre include:

"Shutter Island" (2010) - The psychological thriller aspects and exploration of confusing and disturbing scenarios echo the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of "Marked Shadows" and the protagonist's search for the truth.

"Mystic River" (2003) - The story of a past crime that resurfaces in a close-knit community, this film's exploration of dark secrets and their impact on society echoes the thematic elements of "Marked Shadows."

"Prisoners" (2013) - A dark and twisted plot centered around intense emotional impulses, character desperation and a kidnapping in the suburbs, it has similarities in tone and setting to "Marked Shadows."

Psychological Thrillers tend to cross and mix with many other genres, typically horrors. Plots in a thriller are suspenseful, scary and you typically don’t have all the answers until the very end. My plan is to start the opening with an intense scene to hook the audience to the story and make it immersive, which would be best for the film. Overall, the reason I chose this genre is because it would be easy to accomplish it and hook the viewer to the story.