Video Essay: The Elements of Suspense

It goes without saying that if you’re going to write a mystery or thriller (or an “upmarket mystery”) that you’ll want a decent understanding of how suspense works. 

No doubt there are a slew of masterful suspense writers I could use as the gold standard, but if I’m being honest, everything I learned about suspense I learned from movies. Hey, they call Alfred Hitchcock “The Master of Suspense” for a reason.

In this essay from Lessons From the Screenplay, Michael examines the elements of suspense through a scene by another director who, if you think about it, has also shown himself to be a master of suspense: Quinten Tarantino. Michael breaks down the fantastic opening scene of Inglourious Basterds and hits on such aspects as:

• Conflict and Instability
• Lack of Control
• Emotional Significance of Anticipated Events
• Uncertainty
• Tension vs. Suspense
• Payoff (New Stability)

Lessons From the Screenplay is a truly excellent channel, and even though it's framed as a movie channel I've learned a lot of about writing in general from these pieces. Consider liking and/or subscribing -- this channel is worth your time.