Suspense is a key element in any good story, and nowhere is it more vital than in the realm of cinema. The ability to build and release tension, to keep an audience on the edge of their seat, is what separates the great filmmakers from the mediocre.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the art of suspense in film and explore why we root for the hero.

What is Suspense?

Before we dive into the specifics of suspense in film, it’s worth taking a moment to define the term.

Suspense can be defined as a feeling of nervousness or uncertainty about the outcome of an event, often accompanied by a sense of anticipation or dread. In the context of movies, suspense is the art of generating this feeling in the audience.

Creating Suspense on Film

There are many techniques that filmmakers can use to create suspense on film. Here are just a few:.

The Use of Music

One of the most effective ways to create suspense on film is through the use of music. The right score can build tension and create a sense of unease in the audience.

Think of the iconic theme from Jaws, for example – the simple, repetitive melody creates an instant feeling of foreboding.

The Power of Lighting

Lighting is another powerful tool in the filmmaker’s arsenal. By manipulating light and shadow, a director can create a sense of danger or mystery.

Consider the use of shadows in film noir, for example, or the way that light is used to build suspense in horror movies.

Building the Plot

Of course, none of these techniques would matter if the plot itself didn’t lend itself to suspense. A good suspense film needs a strong story with well-defined characters and a clear sense of stakes.

The audience needs to care about what happens to the hero and be invested in the outcome of the story.

The Hero’s Journey

Speaking of the hero, he or she is a vital component of any suspense film. The hero is the character that the audience roots for, the one whose fate they care about.

The hero doesn’t have to be perfect – in fact, flaws can make him or her more relatable and interesting. But there does need to be something that draws the audience to the hero and makes them want to see him or her succeed.

The Role of Empathy

Empathy is another important element when it comes to suspense. The audience needs to be able to put themselves in the hero’s shoes and feel his or her fear and tension.

This is why it’s important for the hero to be relatable – if the audience can identify with him or her, they’re more likely to be invested in the story.

The Importance of Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to suspense. A good filmmaker knows when to build tension, when to release it, and when to switch things up.

A tense scene that goes on for too long can become tedious, while a moment of relief that comes too early can kill the suspense altogether.

The Payoff

Finally, no suspense film is complete without a satisfying payoff. The audience needs to feel like their investment in the hero and the story was worth it.

This doesn’t mean that everything has to be wrapped up in a neat little package – in fact, some of the best suspense films leave things open-ended. But there needs to be a sense of closure, a feeling that something has been resolved.

The Enduring Appeal of Suspense Films

So why do we keep coming back to suspense films, even though we know they’re going to make us feel anxious and nervous? Part of it is the thrill of the unknown – not knowing what’s going to happen next is part of what makes suspense so compelling. But it’s also the hero that draws us in – someone to root for, to care about, and to empathize with. A well-made suspense film can leave us feeling exhilarated and satisfied, even if we were on the edge of our seat the entire time.