ANALYSIS OF MOOD BOARD

Why do these images fit the codes and conventions of a thriller? Iconography

The props that are used in these images fit these codes and conventions as they are stereotypically used to make realistic thriller scenes and to make the audience frightened. The creaking rocking chair, a rag doll, dark cloaks and a big house are symbols of everyday furniture and things therefore making viewers psychologically scared thinking it could happen to them... This imagery creates suspense and builds tension within the scene. It can also foreshadow what might happen to the characters in the film. A house is something that the majority of people own, therefore using a house is tactical for creating the scare-factor with the audience. In this image the house is being shown from a low angle giving it a superior perspective over the viewers, giving an atmosphere of vulnerability for the audience and dominance for the house.

Why do these images fit the codes and conventions of a thriller? Setting

Where the thriller is located also makes a big impact to the film. For example the image with the girl sitting on a chair alone in a big room connotes that she is isolated and trapped, confirming to the conventions of thriller films. The top right is set in a graveyard foreshadowing death, which is also used commonly in thrillers. The middle left is set in a wood with children as the characters, this connotes danger as it is abnormal to see children alone in the woods in the darkness, creating a vulnerable atmosphere for the children – juxtaposing the characters with the setting. The image on the bottom right with the woman running down a road in the dark whilst it is raining, pathetic fallacy is often used as well to set the scenes’ moods. As she is alone with cars surrounding her suggests forthcoming danger.

Why do these images fit the codes and conventions of a thriller? Characters

The best characters that are used in thrillers to create the most scary and frightening atmosphere are usually the ones you wouldn't expect to see in the situations that the characters face themselves in. For example the image with the children in the woods. Characters you tend to see in thriller films are little girls as they are the most unlikely people to be seen as scary, although films like ‘orphan’ and ‘the ring’ will tell us otherwise. It is also due to the fact that little girls are seemed to stereotypically be more vulnerable therefore using them to exploit the fear created in the film. However ‘The Woman in Black’ using Daniel Radcliffe as the main character for this horror film doesn’t subvert the conventions as he is seen to be the hero who has been defeated by the possessive woman in black, although stereotypically men are seemed to be stronger and braver. The colour black used on the woman is also seen to be an evil colour that foreshadows danger and sinister vibes.