Psychological Thriller Openings

Se7en(1995)

Narrative:

Open narrative

Introducing Actors (box office appeal)

Holds interest

Genre:

Psychological Thriller

Drama

Character:

Main Character

Unknown

Appears to be a villain

Atmosphere:

Mysterious

Spooky

Dull

Themes:

Death/Threat

Danger

Mind

Setting:

Interior (house)

Dismal

Sound:

Sharp

Tense

Titles:

Introduces actors

Box office appeal

Handwritten as if from a blackboard with chalk
Contrasting colours

The Usual Suspects (1995)

Narrative:

Open narrative

See how the story develops

Genre:

Psychological Thriller
Action

Character:

Main Character (man) - uknown villain
Another man
Dead body

Atmosphere:

Heated

Mysterious

Themes:

Death/Threat

Suspicion

Setting:

Warehouse still, exterior setting
Office

Sound:

Tense
Dialogue

Titles:

N/A

When a Stranger Calls (2006) - up to 2 minutes

Narrative:

Open narrative

Holds interest

Genre:

Psychological Thriller

Horror

Character:

Villain - on the phone - unknown
Victim - on the other end of the phone - unknown
Mother

Atmosphere:
Tense
Chilling
Themes:

Death/Threat

Danger

Perception

Setting:

Exterior

House

Fairground

Sound:

Backing of relevant sound

Heavy breathing

Dialogue (terror)

Titles:

Screen Gems
Introduces actors

Box office appeal
Clear writing, but suspicious (chilling)