Common Techniques used in Thriller movies - Editing

Motivated Cut 

This is a technique which shows a characters reaction or facial expression to seeing something or someone. We saw this technique used in Silence of The Lambs, the main character walked into the office and saw something that we as an audience can't see. We want to see it so it cuts to what she is looking at. This is a common technique used in Thrillers as it builds the tension. We want to see what it is by seeing her reaction, it also adds to the mystery.

Cross - Cutting  

We discovered whilst watching the openings of Thriller films that cross-cutting is a common technique used to establish the different scenes of action taking place at once. Here we see in the Da Vinci Code, the guard is being shot in a dark empty place whereas Robert Langdon is giving a presentation in front of a crowd. This emphasises the mystery and setting of the two scenes by cutting between them.