Conventions of a Thriller

Conventions of a Thriller

 

A thriller would usually consist of a disruption in an equilibrium which is most likely when the protagonist character and the antagonist fight. The narrative is a chain of hazardous events which builds upon tension and suspense for a climax. The protagonists aim is to restore justice whilst the antagonist's goal is to destroy it. The story line is designed in a way that the audience start to think the events taking place in the film could to happen to them, adding on to the uneasy feeling when watching.

 

The following are the most commonly used conventions in a Thriller:

 

- Low-key lighting

- Fast paced editing/quick cuts

- Shadows (most likely the antagonist)

- Changed in the angles of shots (presenting different POV's)

- Diegetic sound of breathing (antagonist or protagonist)

- Protagonist being at the mercy of the antagonist

Cinematography of a Thriller 

 

There are a variety of close ups and extreme close ups of the protagonist character which is to present their emotions through the expression on their face. These camera angles can also be used on props to aid the narrative.

Shots of the antagonist character are often cut quickly and aim to hide their identity which is done from either a shot of the back of them with low key lighting or their silhouette/shadow of the antagonist.

Editing of a Thriller

 

The director includes a multiple of jump cuts and is essential for the film even though most of the cuts will have events that are unclear to the audience but at a later date will make more sense. Cross-cutting is a key element in editing as it's used to build on suspension, also essential for a thriller. 

 

Sound in a Thriller

 

For a thriller genre, the film must have music as it helps the audience to understand the emotions of the characters and hint could possibly hint at an important part in the film. In a thriller the music would add suspense and tension, often starting at a slow pace and then build up eventually to make the shots even more dramatic for the audience.

 

Mise-en-scene in a Thriller

 

In a thriller the location is important as it will aid the audience to understand the theme. Lighting is also key as it gives the time of day; if it was bright and sunny then it would be clear its daytime, if it were dark and gloomy then it would be obvious that a particular event is set in the day. The costumes of the characters are very important and well thought out by the designers as it gives as insight as to who people are. Protagonists are seen in casual and somewhat ordinary clothes and yet the antagonists would be in dark clothes. The composition of the scene, which is also known as framing; what is the camera focusing in on? What's in the shot and what props are there? The make-up of the characters allows the audience to detect who is who; it is mostly used on the antagonist as they would have either scars or their faces damaged a little, letting the audience know that this certain character should be feared.