Conventions of a Thriller

Conventions of a Thriller

Conventions of a Thriller

·      Low-key lighting

·      Quick cuts

·      Shadows

·      Tension music

·      Changes in the angle of shots

·      Obvious sound of breathing

·      Black and white shots

·      Montage of shots

Characters

·     Protagonist - usually has a problem or is sent on a mission, or to solve a mystery. This is the main character in the film

·      Antagonist - The enemy of the protagonist and he/she responsible for danger and obstacles of the protagonist.

Themes of a thriller

·      The storyline will be designed so that the audience will think that it can happen to them, which will make them feel scared and uncomfortable.

Cinematography of a Thriller

·      In thrillers, you will often see a lot of close-ups and extreme close-ups of the protagonist character, this is used to show their emotions and exacerbate their facial expressions and intensify the moment, also it can be used to focus on props to assist the narrative.

·      The shots of the antagonist character will be cut quickly and will aim to hide their identity, e.ge A shot of the back of them, a low-key shot, the silhouette or shadow of the character.

Editing of a Thriller

·      The director will include lots of jump cuts because there will be things happening that the audience is unaware of but is essential for the film to make sense. Cross-cutting is a key point in editing as it is used to build suspense and tension, which is essential for a thriller. Continuous editing is used to help the audience understand the film better.

Editing of a Thriller

·      The director will include lots of jump cuts because there will be things happening that the audience is unaware of but is essential for the film to make sense. Cross-cutting is a key point in editing as it is used to build suspense and tension, which is essential for a thriller. Continuous editing is used to help the audience understand the film better.

Mise en scene

• The location is important for the film because it helps the audience establish the theme.

• Lighting is often low key

• Costumes- antagonist will be in dark clothes if you see them. Protagonist will be in ordinary everyday clothes

• Composition

• Makeup and hairstyles

• Acting

 • Filmstock (Black & White, or colour, Fine-grain or grainy

More Key Terms

Main Storyline - Follows the protagonist before, during and after encountering the antagonist (all throughout the film)

Realistic Characters and Action - Makes the experience more realistic for the audience.

Climax - Keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and makes them want to watch all of it.