DISCUSSION OF CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF THRILLERS

AS Media By Jason R Sulit

Definition of a thriller

In thrillers the aim of the protagonist is to restore justice while the antagonist seeks to destroy it, you could say that thrillers are usually a battle between the protagonist and the antagonist character when there is a disruption in the equilibrium. Usually in the plot it tends to show a chain of bad event the would build up tension and suspense for the climax.

Thriller codes and convention The core of the narrative is usually a

crime. The narrative structure is complex

meaning there are false clue, paths and resolutions.

Ordinary situations are exaggerated to extraordinary events.

The protagonist has some for of flaw which is exploited by the antagonist.

Titles often show the psychological state of the pro/antagonist .

Thriller codes and convention Mise en scene such as mirrors reflect

an unfortunate event of the protagonist.

The protagonist is usually seen in danger in one or more scenes in the film.

The protagonist is usually tied up in an increasingly complex web by the antagonist until the protagonist feels helpless.

Micro element are combined to build up suspense.

Thriller codes and convention It is often that in the last scene the

protagonist is seen in peril. Establishing enigmas is a narrative

pattern which the viewer expects to be resolved.

The opening sequence tends to have a series of/one important enigma, this is then further complicated during the first part of the film and later resolved at the very end.

Thriller themes

The storylines of thrillers are usually designed to make the audience think that it could happen to them which therefore scares the audience.

Identity is a common theme e.g. Mistaken identity, amnesia, doubling/doppelgangers.

A visual theme of thrillers are manipulation of perspective, optical illusions reflection, mirroring etc.

Voyeurism could also be a theme, in earlier thrillers an objectification of female characters was a common conception in thrillers.

Characters

The protagonist tends to be a brave male character who’s aim is to restore the equilibrium

The antagonist usually has a identity that is hidden from the audience and will uncover as the film progresses. Often past event is the reason why the antagonist wants revenge.

Cinematography

Close ups and extreme close ups will be used to show the protagonist’s emotion and is also a good way to focus on props to aid the narrative.

The antagonist will be presented with shots that aim to hide their identity for example a shot from the back of them, a low key shot e.g. Silhouette or the shadow of the antagonist. Close ups could also be used to present the antagonist, e.g. To show a clue but to close to reveal the identity of the antagonist.