Conventions that you may come across in the openings to thrillers

Camerawork
establishing shots to give character context/location
CUs to foreground props and character detail
shallow depth of field to draw attention to objects of significance
framing may conceal identity (restrict view) - called restricted narration - where only parts of body are visible
still (tripod) camera work (observation? suspense?)
hand held camera for realism and/or subjectivity

Mise en scene
·variety of exterior settings, but often urban , or rural (rarely suburban like Haywards Heath!)
·interior settings often reflect threat or sinister action
·props may add to characterisation, OR may create ENIGMA
·low key lighting
·desaturated colour
·costume, hair, make-up create realism and/or signal who spectator is expected to dislike or like

Editing
·continuity editing used for sense, flow, coherence and realism
·parallel editing used to connect 2 characters or places - simultaneous action
·cross cutting used to connect 2 or more characters and CREATE SUSPENSE
·occasionally: DISCONTINUITY EDITING (jump cuts) used to fragment and disrupt sequence, matching unsettling mood

Sound
·diegetic sound used for realism and/or mood
·non diegetic sound as music or sound fx used to construct mood/atmosphere and suspense
·dialogue used sparingly

Make links to these in your own independent research