Thriller Conventions

In class today we have discussed in more detail about what a thriller film could include:-
A crime at the core of the narrative (often murder, but not necessarily).
A complex narrative structure, with false paths, clues and resolutions.
A narrative pattern of establishing enigmas which the viewer expects to be resolved.
A protagonist who is systematically dis-empowered and drawn into a complex web of intrigue by the antagonist.
Extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations.
There are themes of identity, mirroring and/or voyeurism.
The protagonist has a 'flaw' which is exploited by the antagonist.
Titles often reflect an aspect of the pro/antagonist's psychological state.
There is often a scene near the end of the film in which the protagonist is in peril.
Mise en scene is used in such a way that echoes/mirrors the protagonist's plight.

This discussion helped as it gives us more insight in what a thriller is based around, and gives us clearer ideas of what to include in our own mini thriller production.


My own ideas on the film language of Thrillers:-

• Theme - the plot should consist of many unexpected twists and false trails to keep the audience guessing until the very end. The sub-genre of a psychological thriller shows that a thriller does not need to have gory aspects for it to be a successful thriller production.
• Camerawork - should consist of many different shots to show that as the plot thickens, then the more twists and false trails will be found. The use of high and low-angle shots could create more of an impact and shock if they were used creatively to lay the foundations for a false trail. The more we believe this, then the more successful and shocking it will be.
• Editing - jump cuts and straight cuts should be mainly used to add emphasis to the action/shocking scenes. It would build up the pace of the thriller making it more intense to watch.
• Lighting - back or under-lighting to be used on the suspected criminal or antagonist and maybe high-lighting to show who is the predicted protagonist of the production.
• Sound/Music - when something bad is going to happen in a seemingly happy/good situation, then contrapuntal music should be used.