Locations, set design, costume and props

The locations, set design, costumes and props used in film, generally play a significant part in creating the scenery, characters and atmosphere in the film. For research into these features in regards to Thriller films, I looked into the crime thriller film,'The Godfather'(1972). Like most films it is set in a variety of locations, including around New York City. Filming in big, busy cities like this is particularly common because it creates a naturalistic environment and builds tension during suspenseful situations, such as chases. They are also home to many big buildings/spaces/studios with potential for filming a variety of types of scenes/settings, and this links to set design. For example, for 'The Godfather', the closed flagship store of 'Best & Company' on Fifth Avenue, was decorated and used for the scene in which characters Pacino and Keaton are Christmas shopping. The Sicilian towns of Savoca and Forza d'Agrò outside of Taormina were also used for exterior locations. Interiors were shot at 'Filmways' Studio in New York.

'The Godfather' series of films have become modern classics, and so has the 1920s style gangster costume; A Pinstriped suit with a pocket handkerchief, shirt, tie and fedoras (hat), has become so iconic that it's even worn as fancy dress (below), along with the tommy gun. Weapons such as guns are often significant props in thrillers, since there is usually some sort of murder.

Evidently, costume and props can have a big impact on the audience and are definately an important aspect of a thriller film as they really affect how characters are portrayed.