The Bomb under the Table

A critical investigation on how to build suspense and tension using “Key Components of Tension and Suspense Experience” by Lehne and Koelsch, Freie Universität Berlin (2015) and the painting “The Blinding of Samson” by Rembrandt van Rijn (1636). The title cites the so-called Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. A work in six parts.

The six volumes of The Bomb each deal with one of the six key components: conflict (#1), emotional significance (#2), uncertainty (#3), expectation (#4), lack of control (#5) and the temporary delayed solution of the conflict (#6).

These components find a graphic translation with the help of Rembrandt's painting: In the first volume, the so-called original conflict, the painting and thus the situation in which the characters and viewer find themselves can hardly be deciphered. In the second volume, which deals with the emotional component of the build-up of suspense, only the facial expressions of the figures in the painting can be seen. Each one tells us the respective emotional connection to the event and thus allows the viewer to draw conclusions about the course of the plot.

As the suspense rises so does the volumes format, from A8 to A2, and the full painting becomes more and more visible.

Pre-Diploma Thesis, Realised at Faculty of Design, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt. Mentored by Prof. Frank Philippin.
© 2017