Sample Chase Sequence

In this chase scene from the film Inception, the main source of suspense definitely comes from the music placed in the scene. It is fast and implies a sense of danger that keeps the viewer on their toes, and it makes you feel like you're expecting something bad to happen. In addition, the use of a handheld camera in some of the more intense parts of the scene is the reason why those parts are so intense! The shaky camera promotes a feeling of danger just like the music, and leaves the viewer feeling tense and invested in the character's well-being. They also create tension in the scenes where he is trying to hide and get away from the men chasing him by having him get trapped in between those two very thin walls, or having him fight with the waiter in the café. It makes the viewer have to wait to see what happens, knowing that there are men coming after him and that he might not be able to slip away. When he is trapped between the walls, it cuts from a zoom shot behind him to a shot of his front, with him just barely slipping out in time. This fluidity in cuts is consistent in the scene, just like the music, as well as the setting, all of which create unity in the scene as a whole. It is consistent and suspenseful, and it utilizes every part of the setting to create suspense.