Evaluation of thriller techniques

I think we have used many of these concepts within the opening of the film using Gary Braver's pointers:

1. You need to have a good story.
We drafted the storyboard and also have improvised during filming to make it as effective as possible to capture the audience
2. Write about the underdog.
We have emphasised on the "unlucky" characters, these are both the characters in the basement scene. The Gangster character is in a undesirable state, and Aslihan is the mournful character.
3. Multiple points of view give great range in a thriller.
We have the point of view of Aslihan, she is seen as making the right decision in taking revenge. We have the point of view of the audience, her actions seem wrong but it is justifiable according to Aslihan. We also have the point of view of the "stalker" character who is Vedat, it is not emphasised on in the opening but it is obvious he has his reasons for his actions too.
4. Have an action scene in the introduction.
We used the uncomftable situation in the opening, the disruption scene.
5. Reveal what the protagonist fears and aspirations are.
Aspirations of Aslihan is obvious at the end of the opening, revenge. Her weakness is obviously her love for her fianceé, but as he is not alive, we are not aware of any other weaknesses.
6. Make your characters miserable.
They are all miserable in their own way. We make the audience miserabe too. Ha.
7. Your main characters have to change.
Aslihan's personality contrasts in the opening, her past state and her present state.
8. Pacing must be high: Strong Narrative Thrust.
The opening sequence is tense and it straight away jumps to "8 months before"
9. Show—don't tell.
We used alot of cinematography through symbols, i.e. shadows, colours of clothing, change in style, time of day, lighting, make-up, sound of the heels, sound of the music, the uncomforting light...
10. Teach the audience something.
Teaching through representations of social groups and age as well as gender. Teaching something about the human philosophy and mind. Teaching of human morality.


We have also made use of Todorov's theory of Equilibrium, Disruption and Resolution. Combined with Gary Braver's theory and ideas from films such as Memento, we have used the disruption at the start to create tension and enigmas, this also sets the motive of the film and the characters involved.
The film Memento have used this technique. The first scene is going backwards and the main character shoots someone in the face. This works well because it allows enigmas to arise, it sets the purpose of the film: the rest of the film justifies his actions in the opening.