Conventions of the Thriller Genre

There are many noticeable techniques used in the thriller genre, which are constantly used within most thriller films despite what kind of subgenre or genre hybrid they are.  They include similar characters, plots,themes and camera techniques. By definition the main aim of the Thriller film to create ‘thrills’ if this is not done, no matter what subgenre it is, then the job has not been done.

Thrillers often include...

Ø  Suspense

Ø  Tension

Ø  Anticipation

Ø  Plot twists

Ø  Enigma

Ø  Intense excitement

Ø  Uncertainty

Ø  Anxiety

Ø  Realism

Ø  Red herrings

Ø  Cliff hangers

Almost all of these factors are taken into consideration when making every thriller film. 

These are extremely important as the aim of the thriller film to create a ‘thrilling’ sensation for the audience. Therefore by include factors such as suspense and enigmas create this kind of feeling, which overall would produce a successful thriller film.  Thriller also progress with danger and excitement. One of the most important factor to consider is realism, this is because a lot of the factor can also be used in other film genres.

Characters

Main characters in thrillers are usually placed in menacing situations from which escape seems impossible. The protagonist is often an unsuspectingly placed in a dangerous situation. The menace is often abstract, uncertain or shadowy.

Therefore common character types include:

Ø  Criminals/ fugitives

Ø  Stalkers

Ø  Assassins

Ø  ‘innocent’ victims caught up in events

Ø  Police

Ø  ‘femme fatal’

Most protagonists tend to be ‘hard men’ accustomed to danger such as these spies and soldiers shown in the list. However they may also be ordinary citizens drawn into danger by accident. 

Common Themes include

   Terrorism

Ø  Political conspiracy

Ø  Espionage

Ø  Pursuits

Ø  Dangeros romantic liaisons

Ø  Psychological crime

Ø  Oppressive but unseen supernatural occurrences

These themes create a plot that exerts more tension in them for an overall tense film, as all of these themes already carry a lot of enigma with them, therefore expanding on these can become very useful in creating a thriller film. This would be a good consideration to uphold when making our thriller opening sequence.

Common camera and editing techniques...

The camera techniques used need again, need to create tensions and suspense, therefore techniques such as:

Ø  Extreme Zoom shots (forward or reverse)

Ø  Prolonged cross cutting : the longing wait would create more tension

Ø  Quick cut Montage: this would create confusion and therefore a tenser situation if the audience does not know what is happening, it would create a ‘grip’ feeling.

      

Ø  Quick cutting: again this is similar to the quick cut montage, it would create confusing situation that build tension.

Ø  Use of ‘enigma code’ in the narrative: This is good techniques to use as the mystery would create anticipation which would leave the audience wanting answers. This need of ‘wanting answers’ is very good to build tension as the audience will long for the answer.

    Sound and lighting

The sound used plays a major role for creating suspense, or the absence of sound can also be effective. Both used in the correct way is perfect for building tension and anticipation of the scene. Such as when sounds is synchronised with an important action movements and when key changes occur. For example in psycho pleonastic sound was used for the shower scene to enhance the action, this would build more tension for the audience. Therefore dramatic, tense or foreboding scores are often used.

Lighting is also essential, especially with the use of shadows and silhouettes. This is used to give a ‘creepy’ feeling for the audience as they cannot uncover what is under the shadow for instance in 'Psycho' shower scene, the killers face remains hidden behind a silhouette.