Research of Flashbacks in Thriller & Suspense Films

 Research of Flashbacks in Thriller & Suspense Films

    As part of developing the key objectives in my film, I need to establish a foundation of the direction I am looking to build.  I looked into the dream state but then during a collaboration with my peers I realized that many others are doing the similar project.  I quickly decided to take my project in another direction and chose to research flashbacks more in depth.    

YouTube Video: A Lesson In Flashbacks from Saw by Tyler Mowery

    This video explains how to correctly build upon the storyline while using flashbacks correctly.  Creating a great opening flashback begins with action right away to throw off the audience yet grab them at the same time.  Flashbacks are common in Thriller and Suspense films as they leave the audience with questions of the missing puzzle pieces that may be revealed in impromptu ways throughout the film.  

    

    Flashbacks are not easily created and if not done correctly can create confusion and worse a lack of interest from the viewer.  I have all been in the situation where I feel lost and would rather walk away from the film than trying to explore further.  I am taking the time on how to properly implement this skill into my own film to avoid that error from occurring.

    Some ideas that I have been bouncing around are as follows:

• A chase between two characters that ends in foul play or altercation
• A death in the beginning to set the mystery and as we get close to determining who and how they get thrown off the trail
• A car crash with a couple involved and revealing their story a week before the incident occurred
• A kidnapping where you hear the screams and cries for help as the opening sound

    These ideas are all still a work in progress as I continue to play around with them as I am building the script.