CONVENTIONS OF THE THRILLER GENRE

BY OWEN BOWDEN

The thriller genre will contain a wide range of various movie and films but it is possible to identify some characteristics.

Key aspects in the thriller genre

+Low key lighting

+Quick cuts

+Shadows

+Music with tension

+Changes in the angle of shots

WHAT IS THE AIM OF A THRILLER?▸ The actual aim of a thriller is to create a

dark, atmospheric scenario. Using diegetic and non diegetic sounds, the film producers and the directer try to emphasise the feel to the plot and the film.

▸ The thriller film often uses the busy streets and environment of its usually sub-urban areas

▸ The narrative normally revolves around an investigation of an enigma.

▸ Speaking of the enigma, usually only the ‘hero’ or the main character in the film can solve the enigma and reveal the actual truth.

CINEMATOGRAPHY OF A THRILLER▸ There will be often a lot of close ups

and extreme close ups of the protagonist character, this is often to show their emotions, also it can be used to focus on props to aid the narrative.

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

▸ Violence is often the central theme to a thriller film as well as it often shows the workings of particular institutions such as the police, secret service and the government.

▸ Often there will be a rational rather than supernatural explanation to the plot\ puzzle. If there is too much supernatural activity in the film it would be considered more of a horror film rather than a thriller.

▸ The thriller genre centres on injustice in society but solves these wrongs

▸ The character that is considered more of the ‘hero’ or the main character, is often the outsider and is isolated or in a troubled situation. But these characters are also moral.

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 it is essential for the film to make sense. Cross cutting is a key element in editing as it is used to build suspense which is essential for a thriller. Continues editing is used to help the audience understand the film better

SOUND IN A THRILLER▸ Music is essential in any

film to create a mood for the characters and hint a significant part in the film. In a thriller it adds suspense and tension. It will often start at a slow paves and then build up to make the shots more dramatic for the audience.

HOW WILL THIS INTERLINK WITH MY FILM, TRACK?▸ The main reason why this will link

with my film is because of Adam is in a trouble situation. He come from a working class background and will learn to deal with the death of his brother Ben. Like I said in a previous slide, Adam will be the main character or the ‘hero’ and he will discover the dark secrets on why his brother was actually killed. I will colour grade in the post production to give it that dark, atmospheric tone that most thriller films have.