- Used widely in thriller films through the use of reflection of one's soul and inner self
- Represent the darkness within a character
- Example - 'Mirrors' directed by Alexandre Aja (2008)
Shadows
- Closely related to low key lighting
- Represent inner darkness
- Creates tension and eeriness
Obtrusive Editing
- Also known as quick shots/editing
- Emphasis the feeling of suspense and tension
- Often used during an important or particularly thrilling scene
- Sometimes used to create a disorientation of time and space - using montage editing
Flashbacks
- Contribute to a sense of time and space disorientation
- Confuses the audience
- Displays what did happen, giving the audience an insight of the characters past
- Example - 'Momento' directed by Christopher Nolan (2000)
Black and White
- Accentuates the use of shadows
- Can often appear to be eerie and dark
- Example - 'Psycho' by Alfred Hitchcock (1960)
Claustrophobic Spaces
- Planes
- Coffins
- Under water
- Lifts
- Trains/Tubes
- Prison cells
- Alleyways
- White vans
Low Key Lighting
- Very dark
- Natural
- "Chiaroscuro" - light against dark - creates a sense of illusion
Music
- Tense
- Piercing
- Often orchestral - violins are used often
- Tense
- Piercing
- Often orchestral - violins are used often
