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Conventions of Thriller FilmsJodie Battershell

GenreThriller is a movie genre which follows specific devices to build tension and excitement. Thriller films keep the audience engaged as the plot builds towards a climax. There are many sub-genres of Thriller films. These include:Crime ThrillerPsychological ThrillerRevenge ThrillerSupernatural ThrillerAlthough there are these sub categories they still hold the typical characteristics or conventions of a Thriller.

Conventions of PlotMistaken identity or false accusation lead to...Innocent characters being put in situations where they need to figure out what is happeningUsually involves the innocent character trying to escapeProducing an enigma, showing an object or character that is not fully shown or explained until later in the filmThe climax leading up to the plot makes the audience want to keep watching

Conventions of ThemesCrimeMurder/DeathDangerous worldRevengeRomance triangles (leads to murder)MysteryIsolationVoyeurism

Conventions of SettingUsually in a urban setting such as a cityIn every day places, engaging audienceClinical settingsExotic settingsUnusual setting e.g. Crop field and farm house

Conventions of CharacterHero ordinary citizens unaccustomed to dangerVillain criminals, stalkers, assassins, psychotic individuals, menaced women, Innocent victim life threatening situationVictims sometimes know villains, sometimes do not

Conventions of IconographyShadowsStreet lamps highlighting villainConfined spacesRunning waterCCTV camerasKnivesSomething the victim fears (e.g. Clowns)Finger printsPhotographsWeaponsMirrors

Conventions of Mise-en-SceneCostume - dark clothes for villain, normal everyday clothes and bright colours for innocent victim. Hero in normal every day clothes also. If victi is a woman, revealing clothes to sexualize her thus making her more vulnerable. Lighting low key lighting helping to make villain more scary as you wont always see him. Camera Work establishing shot, extreme close ups and close ups, medium/long shots showing villain in relation to victim. eye-level shot and POV shots. High angle shots making victim more vulnerable. Low angle shots making audience more vulnerable/fear.

Conventions of EditingMaking the picture dark, helping to hide villainQuick cutsChanges in camera angleFlash backs in black and white or not as clearMerging 2 shots together causing confusion. Montage editing

Conventions of SoundNon-diegetic tension building, orchestral, fast paced, eerie music.Diegetic heavy breathing, footsteps, creaky floor boards, slamming doors.