How Terry Winsor utilises aspects of the Thriller genre in Essex Boys

Essex boys is written and directed by Terry Winsor and released in the UK on the 14th July 2000. As the opening credits are rolled it is revealed that the film is based on a true story. The contrast in the binary opposition and typical thriller music add depth to this information. The digetic sound of scratching creates tension and unease. This is a common feature in thriller films.







The first shot visible is a long shot of Billy Reynolds. The mise-en-scene in this establishing shot is of a darkly lit garage, lit by chiaroscuro suggesting not only the genre but communicates suspense and is theatrical. The little but realistic lighting used emphasises the cobwebs, claustrophobic atmosphere and the cold as the Billy's breathe is visible. As Billy gets into a dark car a voice-over is played, from this the cultural accent is apparent. The voice is perceived to be intimate as it is direct and engages the audience; it also shows how venerable the character is.



The first shot of Jason Locke is very different as it is a point of view shot from Billy. The mise-en-scene views Jason through a dirty grimy windscreen of a car. The next shot is again a point of view shot from Jason looking out at the road ahead. The wet roads and rain are typical of the genre and the unglamorous scenery portrays the lifestyle Jason lives.




As the car enters a tunnel, the shot can be described as a vivid image of the barrel of a gun, the shot is claustrophobic and can possibly show what lies ahead for Billy. As the car moves through the tunnel, the mise-en-scene turns into a vanishing shot; depicting Billy's fate as the light from the tunnel reflects on the car windscreen. This can either be portrayed as jail bars surrounding Billy showing the consequence that could possibly await him or as piano keys, portraying Billy to be played by Jason. As the car comes out of the tunnel a "Welcome to Essex" sign is visible, which brings the audience into Jason's world of crime.

As the voice over begins again, more information is released telling the audience more about where Billy and Jason are going and how they are getting there, "we picked up this white van". This is a signifier of the genre as white vans are typically used for murders, drug dealing and other crimes. It is also a male orientated object and suggests male dominance and power.
Once in the fish factory, Billy portrays the audience's wonder and tense as he watches Jason look for "an old mate of his". The point of view shot is seen in Billy’s eyes from the car wing mirror which creates suspense. Jason's personality is shown through his actions as he is intimidating, even to Billy. As the van drives towards the marches of Essex tension between the characters is portrayed as the hostage shouts in the background. Jason looks at Billy, almost looking for a reaction out of him as the hostage screams and cries. Billy looks ahead but through his facial expressions it is clear that he is frightened for what awaits.
Once at the destination (the Essex marshes), Billy hesitates as he opens the back door to the van. The point of view shot watches Jason kick the man. The man has lost all his dignity as he lies in the mud and water washing his face of the acid. A voice-over adds tension as Billy says “Jason needed a new shirt; the geezer needed a new face".