Metro Review

Anyone who enjoys horror movies or novels appreciates the role of suspense in good writing. It’s that tingling apprehension of what will come that gets and holds our interest. Stephen King may be the master of suspense. In his novels King’s vivid descriptions and storytelling ability evoke a tangible fear that is often more powerful than the actual monster. In Langoliers for example the threat of the monster was much scarier than the actual oversized Pacman that eventually appeared.

During the filming of Jaws the robotic shark was plagued by a multitude of mechanical problems. Rather than hold up production Steven Spielberg chose to shoot around the problematic prop and minimize its screen presence. The outcome was a classic example of suspense where two simple tuba notes elicit a sense of dread in the viewer.

Long running soap operas and serials understand the importance of suspense. Daytime soap opera fans know that storylines peak on Friday to heighten anticipation for Monday’s episode. This is also the theory behind cliffhanger season finales. The best-known example of this technique is probably the Who shot JR season ending episode of nighttime soap opera Dallas.

Comedies also use suspense to keep viewers loyal. The apprehension may resolve by the end of the episode or can be carried on from season to season. Many times the uncertainty will involve romantic feelings between main characters. On the long-running series Moonlighting Cybil Sheppard and Bruce Willis were clearly attracted to each other but the sexual tension proved integral to the plot, as once the characters actually consummated their relationship the show lost its appeal and was quickly cancelled.

An element of suspense is crucial to an effective storyline and without it a plot can become predictable and boring. It is the sense of anxiety and unresolved tension that keeps things interesting.