Building Suspense and Tension in a Scene From Misery (Reiner 1990)

• Make-up - Sweat on forehead and clothes.
• Expanding key moments - Making them last longer.
• Building up 'obstacles' for each character to overcome (e.g. wheelchair/narrow doorways).
• Music becomes more intense as she approaches.
• Close ups of more important elements - Door lock, feet walking etc.
• Paul's POV shot - Puts viewer in his shoes.
• Use of silence to create tension - What is going to happen next?
• Variety of shots and angles - Editing quickens towards the end of the scene (parallel shots e.g. He locks door, she unlocks front door).
• False hope for protagonist (e.g. broken phone).