Embedded Files
LEARNING OUTCOME 2
Chapter 1 - Genre
What Is Suspense?
Dictionaries, O.L. (2025). suspense noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com. [online] Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com. Available at: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/suspense [Accessed 16 Jan. 2025].
Dictionary, C. (2025). Suspense definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary. [online] www.collinsdictionary.com. Available at: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/suspense.
What exactly is suspense? Well the Oxford definition is:
'A feeling of worry or excitement that you have when you feel that something is going to happen, somebody is going to tell you some news, etc'.
The Collins dictionary definition:
'Suspense is a state of excitement or anxiety about something that is going to happen very soon, for example about some news that you are waiting to hear'.
What I gather from these credible definitions, is that suspense is all about the anticipation for something, something that you expect to happen, a thing that you are waiting to happen. This could be the anticipation for something that you believe is going to happen soon, or in the distant future. This excitement, or anxiety drives us to become more invested into whatever we are anticipating, which is why I believe suspense is used in a range of different forms of media. The reason I believe this, is because this feeling of anticipation that suspense can cause, is something that can be very useful in the media format, as it can keep you highly invested, and engaged with the product as a whole. We know something is going to happen, but we do not know exactly when or how.
As stated by Studiobinder, every film needs suspense. The suspense in a film is the anticipation for a question that has already been posed within the film.
Elements of Suspense — Building Suspense with Film Technique
Dunham, B. (2020). How to Master Suspense with 5 Film Techniques. [online] StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/elements-of-suspense/ [Accessed 16 Jan. 2025].
Typical Elements/Tropes Of Suspense:
High stakes
Uncertainty
Foreshadowing
Puzzles
The building of tension
The value of time
Mystery
Questions answered
What is Suspense — The Elements of Suspense Explained
Deguzman, K. (2021). The Elements of Suspense Explained. [online] StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-suspense-definition/.
11 Essential Techniques for Building Suspense in a Story | StoryFlint
Storyflint.com. (2024). 11 Essential Techniques for Building Suspense in a Story | StoryFlint. [online] Available at: https://www.storyflint.com/blog/suspense.
Anon, (n.d.). Available at: https://s.studiobinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/What-is-Suspense-%E2%80%94-The-Elements-of-Suspense-Explained-Featured-1568x882.jpg.
Deguzman, K. (2021b). The Elements of Suspense Explained. [online] StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-suspense-definition/.
The differences in the genres of mystery, horror and suspense:
Studiobinder (n.d.). Creating Suspense Using Genre Elements. Available at: https://s.studiobinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Differences-between-suspense-mystery-and-shock.png.
This table can be very useful for emphasising the typical conventions of the genres, and what is a useful example for what the genres would typically include, in the same scenario. With mysteries, horrors and suspense, there are many differences between them that define their genre. For example, in the category of 'timing of crime or crisis event'. With horror, it is stated that the readers see it happening, they are seeing it unfold as the audience. But with suspense, it is stated that 'readers anticipate that it will happen'. This example defines the key definition of what suspense is, highlighting it's clear difference from the other genres shown. The genres on the table, and the elements included are very useful for conveying the differences between the three, and what makes the suspense genre different from the mystery, and horror genres.
The History Of Suspense
Suspense has been said to have originally stemmed from various 18th and 19th century novels. This was at the time of the emerging gothic novels, which included features of unease and fear, one of which being Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', which shares links to the origins of suspense. In the turn of the 20th century was when the overall thriller genre gained in popularity, which included sequences of mystery, and suspense being referred to as a 'cliff-hanger' in the narrative of this era of novels. The modern suspense genre first originally emerged in the 1930s, 1940s, as well as the 1950s. This was mostly due to the rising popularity of film noirs, which is typically known for it's , dim settings and mysterious characters. It's common emphasis of shadows, and crime made it a perfect opportunity to include feelings of anticipation and suspense within the films. Since the 1950's the suspense genre has continually been growing, Alfred Hitchcock being iconic for pioneering the evolution of suspense, and refining it as it's own genre. The suspense genre has been continually growing since it's emergence in the 1940's, evolving between eras and decades. Currently, suspense films in modern times are still shown to be popular, being closely categorised within the horror, mystery and thriller genres, and being highly commended for it's past practitioners. It has been an important genre to the evolution of film, and is still evolving in the 21st century.
Britannica. North by Northwest, 21 Dec. 2024.
Sirens, Silver . The Third Man , images.app.goo.gl/wfHB5qYbc2c3SQ7W9.
Film Club, Big Picture. Retro Review: The Shining, images.app.goo.gl/ctchq58AH4xKLs4q8.
Magazine, M. and S. (2023). The Suspense Genre. [online] Mystery and Suspense Magazine. Available at: https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/the-suspense-genre/.
Early Suspense Films:
Chapter 2 - Practitioners
Alfred Hitchcock
Historical Practitioner
When researching suspense films, thrillers and mysteries, it becomes apparent that you cannot scroll too far before finding an article, video, or entire website that is dedicated to Alfred Hitchcock's individual influence on these particular genres. Hitchcock is the great pioneer of suspenseful thrillers, as well as the technical and theoretical methods that come with it. Hitchcock's genius revolutionised the film industry, implementing tropes and styles that are still used till this day, giving us a better understanding on how to build tension, anticipation and suspense within a scene. Alfred Hitchcock has been chosen as my historical practitioner, being the quintessential practitioner for the evolution of suspense.
IMDb. Alfred Hitchcock, images.app.goo.gl/ynF7Mo6axark83Vg8.
Oscars.org. Alfred Hitchcock, images.app.goo.gl/7dy3ihrcGC3fkPSx6.
Key Points Taken Away From Researching Alfred Hitchcock:
Alfred Hitchcock was born in Leytonstone, East London in 1899.
An English-born American
Hitchcock's first directorial feature was 'The Pleasure Garden' (1925), shortly followed by the film 'Blackmail' (1929) which was one of the first films in cinema to use synchronised recorded sound, referred to as a 'Talkie'. This film featured both music and dialogue, which was recorded in tune with the visuals presented on screen, which was only just becoming possible at this point in history.
Hitchcock was dubbed 'The Master Of Suspense' due to his mastery of the suspense thriller genre.
Hitchcock had a 6 decade long career, with 50+ films, and many now being regarded as classics of the medium.
Began working in the film industry in the 1920's, then by the late 1930's, moved to Hollywood due to his rising popularity and the success of 'The Lady Vanishes' (1938).
Hitchcock briefly formed his own film company - Transatlantic Pictures
The decade of the 1950's is referred to as Hitchcock's 'Golden Decade', making various films for both Warner Bros and Paramount Studios. Including: Rear Window (1954), Strangers On A Train (1951), Dial M For Murder (1954), North By Northwest (1959) and Vertigo (1958).
A master of using technical means to build and maintain suspense
Has been called by some the greatest of all directors
The master of the 'Macguffin' - Definition: 'An object, event, or character in a film or story that serves to set and keep the plot in motion despite usually lacking intrinsic importance'.
Weber, S. (2024). Every Alfred Hitchcock Movie From the ’50s, Ranked. [online] Collider. Available at: https://collider.com/alfred-hitchcock-movies-50s-ranked/ [Accessed 20 Jan. 2025].
Heritage, E. (2024). Alfred Hitchcock | Film Director | Blue Plaques | English Heritage. [online] English Heritage. Available at: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/alfred-hitchcock/.
The Hitchcock Zone. (2014). The Hitchcock Zone. [online] Available at: https://the.hitchcock.zone/welcome/.
www.britannica.com. (n.d.). Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s notable works | Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/summary/Alfred-Hitchcock.
July 1st, in F. | and Comment, 2021 L. a (2021). Alfred Hitchcock Explains the Difference Between Suspense & Surprise: Give the Audience Some Information & Leave the Rest to Their Imagination | Open Culture. [online] Open Culture. Available at: https://www.openculture.com/2021/07/alfred-hitchcock-explains-the-difference-between-suspense-surprise.html.
260193752694648.pdfRyall, Tom. Alfred Hitchcock and the British Cinema. Bloomsbury Publishing, 1 Dec. 2000.
260575248540448.pdfScanned_20250120-1410.pdfCondon, Paul , and Jim Sangster. HITCHCOCK. 1999. Virgin Publishing Ltd, 2000.
Scanned_20250120-1412.pdfScanned_20250120-1418.pdfScanned_20250120-1414.pdf
Merriam-webster.com. (2019). Definition of MACGUFFIN. [online] Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/MacGuffin.
The MacGuffin has been a useful tool in many of Alfred Hitchcock's films. As shown on the definition, a MacGuffin is an object, event or character that is deemed significant to the characters, and is perceived as important to the plot. But in reality, the object, event or character has no real importance to the plot, and could be replaced easily. For example, one of Hitchcock's greatest MacGuffin's is in the 1960's classic 'Psycho'. In the film, we see Marion Crane with a stolen $40,000 (The MacGuffin). But when she is murdered, the audience forget about the $40,000 and focus their attention on Norman Bates. The money was of major importance to Marion Crane, but in reality was unimportant to the plot, and id not feature after her death. Also, in 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941), the Maltese falcon statue is actually the MacGuffin, only appearing onscreen until the films major confrontation.
IMDb (n.d.). Available at: The (2024). The Maltese Falcon (1941) - IMDb. [online] www.google.com. Available at: https://images.app.goo.gl/EJinrEmr15Z3Sjnr7 [Accessed 20 Jan. 2025].
Turner Classic Movies. Psycho (1960), images.app.goo.gl/3bzkZej4wpbZczb9A.
Binder, Studio. “What Is a MacGuffin in Film — Are You Team Hitchcock or Team Lucas?” Youtu.be, 2025, youtu.be/QcxhklyiMqo?si=P1kgFV00ZZCLdX4W. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
www.britannica.com. (2023). MacGuffin | Definition, Origin, Hitchcock, Examples, & Facts | Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/MacGuffin.
Singer, M.S. (2020). ‘The Maltese Falcon’: The Little Important Details You Missed. [online] ScreenCrush. Available at: https://screencrush.com/the-maltese-falcon-things-you-missed/.
Bold Entrance. (2020). What Is A MacGuffin? An Explanation of Film’s Most Mysterious Plot Device. [online] Available at: https://boldentrance.com/what-is-a-macguffin/.
Wikipedia. The Pleasure Garden (1925 Film), images.app.goo.gl/ABXstp3eDYFRvpV97.
---. Blackmail (1929), images.app.goo.gl/VfeTVS7hE2SuLoxQ8.
---. The Lady Vanishes (1938), images.app.goo.gl/cUQQ4sLeLzUjRAFo9.
Iconic Hitchcock Shots
SFGATE. Vertigo, chase. “I Retraced the SF Car Chase in Hitchcock’s “Vertigo.”” Www.google.com, 2024, images.app.goo.gl/y8VzvqdKj1kzoxE59. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025..
Floss, Mental. 11 Thrilling Facts about Dial M for Murder, images.app.goo.gl/kMUTX5okXRBB3j5z9.
The American Society Of Cinematographers. Https://Images.app.goo.gl/VByFgwxxNiQGQbee6.
Collider. images.app.goo.gl/uUBB7e3NCqf9tFfr9.
In this video, Hitchcock explains to us how to build 'viscarious suspense', and delaying an action to maximise suspense. In this example, Hitchcock uses a bomb, which is under the table of people socialising about baseball. Hitchcock expresses that it is better to make the audience aware of the bombs presence, and it's inevitable explosion, instead of letting the bomb off without informing them.
Hitchcock, Alfred, and American Film Institute. “Alfred Hitchcock on Mastering Cinematic Tension.” YouTube, 12 Dec. 2008, youtu.be/DPFsuc_M_3E?si=HfqFnxBhzFiQtEOh. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
An example of how Hitchcock creates suspense, using 'The Birds' (1963).
In the video, we see how Hitchcock's use of editing cleverly allows us to distinguish between shock, and suspense. And how the duration of shots builds anticipation for what to come next. This video also uses the bomb example, similar to the video on the left, highlighting how delaying an action can build suspense, as well as a payoff for the audience.
How. “How Hitchcock Creates Suspense.” YouTube, 7 Jan. 2017, youtu.be/s-QVHJDmD6A?si=T0oSOAdZMsh9LHMf. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
David Fincher
Contemporary Practitioner
David Fincher is one of the most well regarded directors working today, developing ground-breaking films in the last 30 years. His sheer attention to detail and his precise filmmaking techniques are what make him such a unique director working currently, developing characters and psychological depth, with such attention and purpose. Fincher is well known for using suspense through characters and their actions, and how they effect the storyline as a whole. A major thing that I admire about Fincher, and the way that he envisions his films, is the way he uses colours to emphasise a sense of realism within the world he is building. Fincher is not hesitant to include desaturated colours to his films, to match the characters, the mood within a space, and the plot. His use of anticipation and anxiousness within features such as 'Se7en' (1995), 'Zodiac' (2007), and 'Gone Girl' (2014) are what make him such a modern day pioneer for thrillers and suspense within the current era, and is why I have chosen him as my contemporary practitioner.
Britannica. David Fincher, images.app.goo.gl/UnXBnTKyHPDNbTPR6.
TV Tropes. David Fincher, images.app.goo.gl/AKygwzfpPo4fkprJA.
Key Points Taken Away From Researching David Fincher:
David Fincher was born August 28 1962, in Denver Colorado.
Fincher was raised in California, being a neighbour of the filmmaker George Lucas
As a teenager, Fincher worked as an assistant cameraman for Industrial Light And Magic, George Lucas's special effects studio
Began directing commercials in the 1980's
Worked on music videos for artists such as Madonna and Billy Idol.
One of the first major feature directors to emerge from the world of music video productions
Made his feature film debut with the third instalment of the Alien franchise, with 'Alien 3' (1992)
At the time, Fincher's debut with 'Alien 3' (1992) was the most expensive directorial debut in history, with the film having a budget of $65 million.
Fincher directed his second feature film 'Se7en' (1995), with this feature now being regarded as one of the most impactful/successful psychological thrillers of all time, featuring memorable suspense work.
The incredible success of 'Se7en' (1995) gave Fincher space to implement more of his style on his films to come.
Has went on to direct modern classics, such as: 'Fight Club' (1999), 'Zodiac' (2007), 'The Social Network' (2010), and 'Gone Girl' (2014).
One of the most popular practitioners working today, receiving 3 Academy Award nominations, two Grammy Awards, A Bafta award, as well as a Golden Globe award.
Augustyn, Adam. “David Fincher | Biography, Movies, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/biography/David-Fincher.
Culturist, T. (2019). Music Videos Directed by...David Fincher. [online] The Culturist. Available at: https://www.theculturist.com/home/music-videos-directed-bydavid-fincher.
Hustle, I.F. (2022). Ultimate Guide To David Fincher And His Directing Techniques. [online] Indie Film Hustle®. Available at: https://indiefilmhustle.com/ultimate-guide-to-david-fincher-and-his-directing-techniques/.
Fincherfanatic (2025). Biography. [online] Blogspot.com. Available at: https://fincherfanatic.blogspot.com/p/biography.html?m=1 [Accessed 22 Jan. 2025].
Aaespeakers.com. (2023). David Fincher | Keynote Speaker | AAE Speakers Bureau. [online] Available at: https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/david-fincher [Accessed 22 Jan. 2025].
IMDb (2023). David Fincher - Producer, Director, Writer. [online] IMDb. Available at: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0000399/.
Scanned_20250122-1018.pdfWaxman, Sharon. Rebels on the Backlot. Harper Collins, 3 May 2011.
Scanned_20250122-1018.pdfScanned_20250121-1458.pdfScanned_20250121-1506.pdf
---. Alien 3, images.app.goo.gl/JqoknZ2yHm6gwHCM9.
Cinemas, Lumiere. Se7en, images.app.goo.gl/v32JuCpgx9gZEuzR8.
---. Fight Club, images.app.goo.gl/SkWbxaq2Gx3L4ns48.
Iconic Fincher Shots
The Cinema Archives. Iconic Fincher Shots, images.app.goo.gl/4UjjwxqTPUtCmq6z8.
Fincher’s, David. “David Fincher’s 10 Most Unsettling Scenes, Ranked.” Www.google.com, 2019, images.app.goo.gl/G8BZphGr2FsAvoJKA. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Studiobinder. The Directing Style of David Fincher, images.app.goo.gl/LVcMfhcamuDDSue9A.
---. The 41st Best Director of All-Time: David Fincher, images.app.goo.gl/fLt6dcfjdVD6jAW7A.
'The 3 essential elements of suspense explained' by Studiobinder highlights how the elements of sound, editing and cinematography generate suspense. The area of focus for me is cinematography, and how suspense is created through it. The example used by Studiobinder for this segment is Fincher's 'Zodiac' (2007), and how lighting, camera angles, and camera movements are used to express Graysmith's building suspicions of Mr. Vaughn. Fincher, and cinematographer Harris Savides used lighting very strategically within the scene. The lighting of Mr. Vaughn became more harsh and sinister the more Graysmith's suspicions grew, making us speculate with Graysmith at the same time.
Tight camera angles were used in the scene to add a sense of suffocation, making Graysmith believe that he could potentially be in the house of the Zodiac killer, making us feel that Graysmith could discover something sinister, while being trapped in the house.
Camera movement was an important feature used to build suspense in the scene. While in the basement, Graysmith hears a sound above, moving the camera closer to tighten the pressure. Is there another person in the house? The swift camera movement from when Graysmith ascends from the basement is done to match his panic, showing his intentions to leave the house as soon as possible, expressing his fear.
This impressive work from David Fincher and Harris Savides is an excellent example of how contemporary practitioners use suspense, and why exactly Fincher gets such high praise for his precise directing, and building of suspense.
Duration 12:10 - 16:22
Studiobinder. “- YouTube.” Youtu.be, 2024, youtu.be/FHXh_uy6gT4?si=nz-A8ZKOHG58jq0H. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
John Carpenter on David Fincher. youtu.be/2woMHbFFMwY?si=Gm06-4lSvXVTp9KO.
This is a very informative video of John Carpenter expressing his fondness for David Fincher as a practitioner, and how he is a standout in modern filmmaking. For me, the most informative section of this video, is John Carpenter talking about how well fincher uses modern technology and techniques to tell his stories. One example Carpenter uses is Fincher's 2008 film 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button', where he uses CGI to age Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt). We also see Fincher using cinematic effects to build tension, and suspense in his films also. A good example for this is 'Panic Room' (2002). The examples of 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button' (2008) and 'Panic Room' (2002) show how Fincher uses modern techniques in his film, to add more depth to characters. And most importantly, build suspense.
---. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, images.app.goo.gl/3jySPi4QYSSJ22Nc6.
---. Panic Room, images.app.goo.gl/5CkkPFqX3tinN2nE7.
Chapter 3 - Theories
Steve Neale's Genre Theory - Repetition And Difference
In this theory, Neale believes that films which are categorised within a genre, should include tropes and features that are familiar to the genre - expected and typical. But Neale also suggests that the film and it's genre should be challenged, by inserting features that are different, and not so familiar to the genre. Neale believes that the inclusion of both familiar, and un-familiar tropes is essential to the growth of a genre. It can be argued, that the inclusion of familiar tropes in a repetitive fashion will result in audiences becoming bored of the genre, resulting in the genre losing popularity based on the dissatisfaction of the audience.
An example of a genre and its typical tropes being overused is the horror genre. The horror genre was extremely popular throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, providing memorable spectacles, suffocating tension, and excessive visuals. The end of the 80s and beginning of the 90’s is where the horror genre faced a problem. Tropes were becoming too predictable, boring audiences with un-inventive ideas. The subversion begins with ‘Scream’ (1996), where a new approach was made to the horror genre. In the film, scream does recognize many tropes affiliated with a typical horror, including jump scares, teenage protagonists, over the top deaths, and others. But what made Scream different, was that it was self-aware. The film acknowledged the fact that it was a horror feature, through the characters and their understanding of the common tropes that are associated with the horror genre. This completely subverted the conventions of the genre, in a comedic fashion. And as a result of this, the film was a complete success, providing a breath of fresh air to the genre. This is a perfect example for Neale's theory, proving that it is wise to include typical tropes, while inserting new features to help the genre grow.
Steve Neale's theory can also be applied to suspense in many ways. With many different techniques from Hitchcock that have now become iconic to suspense films and thrillers. Hitchcock's techniques have been very important for manipulating suspense, but it is also important that practitioners insert unique techniques to their products, so that the genre can progress.
View (2017). Steve Neale – Genre. [online] Media Studies @ Guilsborough Academy. Available at: https://guilsboroughschoolmedia.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/steve-neale-genre/.
Study Rocket (2024). Steve Neale – A Level Media Studies Eduqas Revision – Study Rocket. [online] Study Rocket. Available at: https://studyrocket.co.uk/revision/a-level-media-studies-eduqas/media-language/steve-neale.
Wikipedia Contributors (2019). Stephen Neale. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Neale.
FAR OUT (2022). What was the best decade for horror movies? [online] faroutmagazine.co.uk. Available at: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/best-decade-for-horror-movies/.
The influence of Scream: How Wes Craven rewrote the rules of horror | Vox
Wikipedia. Steve Neale, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Neale.
Christian Metz Genre Cycle Theory
Metz genre cycle theory - where genres can go through a range of different stages over a period of time.
4 different stages, as a form of evolution for the genre.
the classical stage, the experimental stage, the parody stage, and the deconstruction stage
The genre where this theory is most accurate is the horror genre, which has passed through the cycle over numerous decades. A cycle that is continuous with genres, which will keep repeating. I believe that this is not as easily identified with suspense as much as Neale’s genre theory, as suspense is more of a direct reaction/anticipation. But different approaches can certainly be made to the suspense genre.
Marcus Van Den Berg FMP Year 2. (2020). Genre Research – Metz Theory. [online] Available at: https://fmpyear2mvdb.home.blog/2020/03/10/genre-resrach-metz-theory/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2025].
Delirium Tremens. (2018). The Slasher Cycle Theory. [online] Available at: https://emerdelac.wordpress.com/2018/10/18/the-slasher-cycle-theory/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2025].
A2 Media (2025). Genre Theory - Christian Metz. [online] Blogspot.com. Available at: https://johannabeckera2media.blogspot.com/2015/06/genre-theory-christian-metz.html [Accessed 27 Jan. 2025].
Literary Theory And Criticism. Christian Metz and Film Theory, 20 Mar. 2018, images.app.goo.gl/NgUt9iQshfFAqAow7.
Chapter 4 - Textual Analysis
Alfred Hitchcock - 'Dial M For Murder' (1954)
David Fincher - 'Gone Girl' (2014)
A deep dive into two scenes from the two practitioners discussed before. How were these scenes crafted? And how have they been developed to create suspense within the genre?
'Dial M For Murder' (1954)
Rotten Tomatoes. Dial M for Murder, images.app.goo.gl/RqEJ6kPjNijr4cpm7.
'Dial M For Murder' (1954) - A suspenseful mystery film. An ex-tennis professional devises a plan to murder his wealthy wife after discovering she has been having an affair.
This film is a perfect example of Alfred Hitchcock's genius, and understanding of suspense. 'Dial M For Murder' masters the use of dialogue and the use of characters throughout, manipulating small spaces and minimal locations to maximise the flow of the story consistently. The use of suspense is iconic, making you anxiously anticipate the devised plan of the husband, and the aftermath of it.
Based on a play by Frederick Knott, which centres around a murder plan going wrong.
Consists of scenes that are considered some of Hitchcock's most iconic.
The film was actually shot in 3D, but was only briefly screened in this intended format for a short amount of time. After, was moved to the more conventional 'flat' release. The 3D version of the film was then reissued in 1980.
Dial M for Murder has been presented as the 9th greatest American mystery film of all time, by the American Film Institute, just behind David Lynches 'Blue Velvet' (1986)
The film was shot in 36 days: 5th August - 25th September 1953
Dial M for Murder (1954) - Trivia - IMDb
Dial M for Murder (1954) directed by Alfred Hitchcock • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
Pfeiffer, L. (2010). Dial M for Murder | Thriller, Suspense, Mystery. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dial-M-for-Murder-film-by-Hitchcock [Accessed 27 Jan. 2025].
AMC Theatres (2025). AFI’s Top Ten Mystery. [online] Amctheatres.com. Available at: https://www.amctheatres.com/american-film-institute/ten-top-ten/mystery [Accessed 27 Jan. 2025].
Classic Movie Hub (2024). Facts about ‘Dial M for Murder’ : Classic Movie Hub (CMH). [online] Classic Movie Hub - CMH. Available at: https://www.classicmoviehub.com/facts-and-trivia/film/dial-m-for-murder-1954/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2025].
Dial M for Murder (1954) | Movie Scenes | Movieclips - YouTube
Cinema Essentials (2018). Dial M for Murder (1954). [online] Cinemaessentials.com. Available at: https://www.cinemaessentials.com/2018/04/dial-m-for-murder-1954-hitchcock-review.html?m=1 [Accessed 27 Jan. 2025].
There are two scenes in this film that I believe are most effective at building suspense, these are: the murder scene, and the wrong key scene. But the scene that I believe is most effective at creating suspense within the suspense genre is the the murder scene.
Murder Scene
Wrong Key Scene
The murder scene is the most important, memorable and iconic scene in the film, being the most necessary sequence for what is to come in the film. This unfolds shortly after Wendice (the husband) blackmails an old college friend called Swann to undertake the murder for him. We watch everything planned beforehand as audience members, every step and detail in preparation. When it is time for the plan to take place, we anxiously wait, not knowing how successful the plan will be. After observing how thorough the plans were, the audience would automatically assume that everything would go to plan, but this is not the case in this instance. The plan goes wrong, killing Swann in the process, resulting in Wendice having to clean up the crime, without causing suspicion. But how was this scene crafted to make us feel suspense? It is the whole sequence of Swann attempting to murder the wife, with it going wrong, after seeing the thorough planning as well as learning about the characters, and how they have got to this point exactly. It is learning about these things that actually make the tension build, maximising suspense when the murder scene comes around.
Wordpress. Dial M for Murder, images.app.goo.gl/3c37dnGTLJcLZWjP7.
Time. Dial M for Murder, images.app.goo.gl/HmrxpuoPRzJtbL766.
---. DIAL M for MURDER: Deconstruction of a Scene – Wendice and Swan, images.app.goo.gl/bRNiZHMMusujfscz5.
'Gone Girl' (2014)
'Gone Girl' (2014) is a film about a wife who suddenly goes missing, with the intense media spotlight turning on the husband, who everyone suspects may not be innocent.
This film is a great modern example of how to use suspense, and how to drive a plot methodically. There is a great use of anticipation, making the audience wait to see what exactly happened to the wife (Amy). The film Builds a backstory, and context for the couples relationship, showing their life in New York before moving to Missouri. We are able to learn about the marriages recent difficulties, and how the pairs love for each other has slowly decreased, due to various reasons including employment setbacks, and the husbands (Nicholas) secret affair. In the first 1/3 of the film, there are many times where the audience are forced to suspect, with many implications pointing to the husband, nut we are still left to question, where is the wife? This is when the journaling from Amy becomes more recent, and then up to the time of her disappearance. We then see her alive, explaining her sophisticated plan of framing the husband for her death.
The film was nominated for an Oscar (Rosamund Pike for best performance by an actress in a leading role).
Also nominated for two BAFTA's, a Grammy, and four Golden Globes.
The film is based off a novel of the same name('Gone Girl'), written by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote the screenplay for the film.
The film is high esteemed for it's complex exploration of gender dynamics and the challenges of the traditional perceptions of marriage.
10 Fascinating Trivia About "Gone Girl" — A Psychological Thriller Masterpiece! - Critic Film
Tuğrul Cenk Demirkıran (2023). 10 Fascinating Trivia About ‘Gone Girl’ — A Psychological Thriller Masterpiece! - Critic Film. [online] Critic Film. Available at: https://www.criticfilm.com/10-fascinating-trivia-about-gone-girl/ [Accessed 27 Jan. 2025].
Gillian Flynn (n.d.). Gillian Flynn. [online] gillian-flynn.com. Available at: https://gillian-flynn.com/.
The scene I believe maximises suspense most efficiently in the film is the murder of Desi scene. It's use of sound and violence is a perfect example of Hitchcock's description of a bomb going off. You anticipate it, you know it is inevitable, which maximises the sheer duration of suspense. This shows David Fincher's acknowledgement of past conventions in suspense films, and how they can be used today. But also, Fincher uses these conventions but interprets them in a modern approach, through the draining of colours, sound design, the conflict between characters, and Fincher's overall style.
Gone Girl. images.app.goo.gl/VMnAVyHCnbwGtGk27.
Go Into The Story. Gone Girl, images.app.goo.gl/hkvGveW3NuegN5gY8.
Screen Rant. Gone Girl Ending Explained, images.app.goo.gl/7gFbcTPyKExXidLV7.
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