Thriller Prop research

The common props used in Thriller movies: -

Most props are used to create suspense, pain or to represent something of the character.

These props are: -

• Weapons - Knives, guns, hardware tools such as screwdrivers, axes etc, - These props are used to create violence in the thriller that can lead to suspense or tension.  It could also create a sense of danger which could also increase the tension.  It could also causes a sense of worry or sympathy as the audience become anxious of the life of the victim(s)

• Supplies - These come under blind folds, ropes, chains and tape, - These props are mostly used to create a tension/suspense atmosphere, but also create an atmosphere of captivity, which could then make the audience feel sympathetic for the victims.

• Masks - Masks are used to create a grotesque or twisted image about the character, or to hide the character's emotions.  The use of masks also creates an enigma to the film when there is an event and the audience doesn't know who did it because they can't see the full face, which then causes them to guess who is the villan and then makes the film more exciting.

• Machinery/inventions - The use of machinery and inventions play the same part as weapons as they are there to create tension and suspense.  It could also create a trademark for a character - i.e. The Chainsaw in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was Leatherface's. 

• Electronics, chairs, coffins and tables - These props help in thriller films through many aspects.  These could be aspects such as playing part of a characters life, for example a villan's - i.e. in 'One Hour Photo' - The camera played a big part in Sy's character as it was his only method of stalking the family.  Other props such as coffins, tables and chairs could mean something to a character or represent a certain danger/seriousness of the situation.