3. Match on Action
In our film, we used match-on-action to show that the doppelganger was dropping the
pages. The reason we did this was because we wanted the doppelganger to be shocked
by the Janitor’s appearance. By doing this, we are also adding to the doppelganger's
character, as we later see him to be calm and even smiling, showing he is always in
control.
In Thrillers, a match-on-action is used to create clarity and continuity. For example, in
Psycho, we see Marian’s eye and then the camera cuts to blood spilling into the bath
water.
4. Shot/Reverse/Shot
In our film, we wanted to create clarity, and to make sure our audience knew what was
going on. The above shots are an example, as we first showed the Janitor entering an
enclosed space. The camera then cuts to behind him to show that he is in a storage
cupboard and is looking for a broom.
An example of this would again be Psycho, or mostly any film. This is mostly used in
conversations, where one character is talking to another. The first shot would show the
first character’s face. Then the camera would cut to show the face of the second
character, showing who the first character is talking to.
5. 180 Degree Rule
The 180 degree rule is used in practically every film. To deviate from this rule would
create confusion. The rule states that the camera should always stay on one side of the
set. This way, the characters would always be on their side of the shot. In our film, this
was extremely important as both characters look to the same. We made sure that the
Janitor was always on the left and the doppelganger was always on the right.
Examples can be drawn from almost any film. The most common use of the rule is
during conversations. The first character would always be on the left side of the shot,
and the second character would always be on the right.
6. Other Features
In the first shot, we used the lighting to create suspense. When the Janitor enters the room
with the doppelganger, he is unsure of who he is. By shrouding the doppelganger in
darkness, we are positioning the audience with the Janitor, as neither know who this man is.
In the second shot, we used a series of POV shots to build up tension. The shots cut between
POV and close-ups of the Janitor’s face. In the final POV shot, the camera moves slowly
towards the corner and then quickly turns it, revealing an empty room. By doing this, we
slowly build up tension until the quick release of turning the corner.
In the third shot, we see that the protagonist is just an ordinary character. One common
feature of Thrillers is that the protagonist is not someone with special training such as
military training. This makes the film more plausible, and is easier for the audience to
connect with the protagonist. By using a Janitor, we are showing that the man is entering the
film unprepared, armed only with a broom and knowledge of the building’s layout.
