How is suspense created in different film genres? Essay Example

outcome of her actions. Ginger ingeniously uses a metal spoon to crawl under barbed wire, providing some humor. However, despite her best efforts, she repeatedly ends up trapped in the coal bin. The final appearance of Ginger in the opening sequence is full of suspense.

Using parallel editing to great effect, the semi-chase scene between Ginger and Mr. Tweedy, along with his vicious dogs, creates intense tension. The constant switching of characters enhances the audience's engagement and effectively develops the scene. When Ginger becomes cornered, a point-of-view shot reveals her fear. Such shots capture suspense, especially during important moments, providing deep insight. Although a bright light glimmers on Ginger, a tilting shot of Mrs. Tweedy conveys her intimidating and domineering presence from Ginger's perspective.

'Chicken Run' is an atypical children's movie that blends suspense and humor seamlessly. The animated thriller keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as Ginger battles danger from all sides, resulting in a suspenseful masterpiece brimming with action and tension. Despite the nail-biting moments, there are plenty of laughs to keep audiences entertained throughout the film. Don't miss out on watching 'Chicken Run' for an enjoyable experience.

The movie 'The Matrix' showcases a contrast between the ordinary lives of individuals and otherworldly creatures within a computer-generated realm. The Wachowski brothers' direction is enhanced by digital graphics that resemble an animated feature, with human characters as its focus. To film each shot in sequence, a specialized mechanism consisting of single-lensed cameras and laser-guided tracking systems is employed.

In terms of manipulating movements in time, 40 to 50 camera shots can efficiently achieve this effect. Through the use of slow-motion to freeze frames or the

speeding up of movements to make them appear supernatural, individuals can seem as though they are overcoming forces of evil. The Matrix is a science fiction thriller that is beyond compare, as it takes humans into a virtual simulation and showcases incredible abilities such as bullet-dodging. Trinity and her team are on a mission to prevent their enemies, the agents, from destroying the Matrix, which represents the very essence of life. In a world where robotic beings are commonplace, Trinity puts herself at risk to emerge victorious in this encounter.

The initial sequence of 'The Matrix' captures our attention with its intriguing approach. The computer-generated columns of numbers showcase the film's inner workings, creating a sense of sci-fi genre. Furthermore, the unusual soundtrack adds to the mystery of the scene, including an unclear conversation between a man and what seems to be Trinity. The camera gradually zooms in on the digit '0,' shifting our focus and leading us into the Matrix world.

The movie uses visual contrasts between the computer screen and a torch held by a bumbling cop, as well as eerie grey-green lightning. Trinity, adorned in leather, is already at the computer as police officers arrive for a raid. Despite appearing helpless with her hands raised, Trinity defies expectations and emerges victorious thanks in part to bullet-time photography utilized during a fight scene.

Trinity displays expertly choreographed moves to fend off numerous cops, leaving the audience wondering how she will ultimately escape. The use of parallel editing is effective as the scene shifts between Trinity and the agents who are in pursuit. Despite defeating all the cops, Trinity is chased to the roof by the

agents, intensifying the suspense. The soundtrack adds to the tension, and a variety of shots are utilized in the ensuing chase scene, including tracking shots that showcase Trinity's exceptional abilities. The use of bullet time photography accelerates the action and heightens the excitement of the sequence.

The characters chasing Trinity create a sense of menace when they run towards the camera. The tilt shot used during Trinity's building-to-building jump is fantastic. Even humans can feel dizzy from the height, highlighting her superhuman abilities as she defies the laws of gravity. The cops are amazed at this seemingly impossible feat. Under pressure, Trinity expertly performs a superman-like dive into a window, making it the best shot of the sequence. She rolls down a flight of stairs, waiting nervously for the enemy to arrive.

The use of a point-of-view shot creates total apprehension as Trinity looks up the stairs, with only the howling wind and creaking floorboards for company. This fosters uneasy suspense in an airy atmosphere. Trinity's remarkable feat occurs when she finds herself trapped in a telephone box with a lorry advancing towards her, seemingly unstoppable. The audience is left expecting the worst. However, Trinity once again surpasses human abilities by transporting herself down the phone line and survives.
Even though 'Chicken Run' and 'The Matrix' are two distinct movies, they both employ various shots that seek to keep viewers on the edge of their seats by generating continuous suspense. If you ever thought that jumping over buildings at great heights, performing backflips up walls while landing blows on an enemy, or receiving transmission through a phone line was impossible, then 'The Matrix' will certainly appeal

to you. This film is an answer to all those who have challenged the impossible.

Of the three films I've reviewed, 'Unforgiven' - the western - is probably the one you haven't seen. While it shares suspenseful moments with 'Chicken Run' and 'The Matrix', it presents them in a different way. Considered a late-western, 'Unforgiven' is the opposite of traditional westerns, which lacked suspense due to their predictable outcomes.

Beauchamp, the writer of 'Unforgiven', is responsible for demythologising the Hollywood post-war favourite genre. The film deconstructs western movies by not portraying the heroic qualities of characters like John Wayne. Instead, drinking whisky becomes a big theme and the morality of good guys wearing white hats and baddies wearing black hats is challenged. The film also explores gender issues, with the cowboys' posture proving their masculinity. One unconventional scene in the film involves a female prostitute becoming a victim for laughing at a male's manhood. 'Unforgiven' marks Clint Eastwood's final departure from inheriting the genre's mantle from John Wayne.

Eastwood assumes the character of William Munny, who is famously known as a thief and murderer with a vicious and impulsive demeanor. Despite his violent tendencies, Munny is not a hero and tends to use insulting language while causing harm to women and children. 'Unforgiven' culminates in 'the shoot-out' or 'the final showdown', where Munny seeks justice against Little Bill (Gene Hackman) to collect the bounty through killing. The scene takes place in Big Whiskey, a small western bar at night.

The thunder and lightning heighten the dramatic effect of the mis-en-scene, indicating that something significant is about to happen. Moreover, Munny's intent is ambiguous as his eyes remain

unseen. This uncertainty adds to the tension that gradually builds up as he approaches the bar. Once inside, the lighting creates a creepy atmosphere, complemented by a somber soundtrack that matches the mood of the scene. The violence that follows shocks the patrons of Big Whiskey, who wait with hope rather than anticipation. The slow-motion action in this pivotal moment further delays any ultimate act.

The use of camera angles, particularly in capturing Munny's character, plays a crucial role in creating suspense within the film. A noticeable tilt shot provides Munny with a sense of power in the conflict, conveying a message to the audience. Additionally, a point of view shot from Munny's perspective, with a shotgun firmly in hand, emphasizes his sole purpose - to kill and win. Interestingly enough, Little Bill's misplaced trust in Munny's intentions leads to his downfall. Munny is not portrayed as the hero of this sequence, but rather as the one who benefits the most.

Although 'Unforgiven' may not be the greatest movie, it does provide valuable insight into suspenseful techniques within the western genre. While I recommend it as a worthwhile viewing experience, I personally prefer 'Chicken Run,' 'The Matrix,' or intense thrillers/horrors.

After studying three different films, it is clear that all three segments are able to create a high level of suspense. Although there are similarities in the types of suspense created, there are also several differences. Chicken Run utilizes a variety of shots in its animation, with occasional use of parallel editing. The Matrix, on the other hand, focuses on lighting and bullet time photography to control time and maximize the intensity of

action scenes. Unforgiven heavily emphasizes setting and character development to build suspense. In terms of effectiveness, The Matrix stands out as the most gripping, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat from start to finish. Chicken Run is more lighthearted and therefore appeals more to children than adults, allowing for a more relaxed viewing experience. While Unforgiven does not create as much tension as the other two films, it still has notable strengths in building up suspense.