ThrillerCODES AND CONVENTIONS

Definition of thriller

Examples of ‘thriller’ films.

What does a thriller film typically include?

Thriller films usually include a battle against a protagonist and an antagonist. Just like the film examples used within the previous slide, events which are disruptive for example in ‘Taken’ the protagonists daughter gets kidnapped this causes him to go on a quest in order to cease this from continuing. This builds tension within the plot of the movie which is typically in the form violence.

Conventions of a ‘thriller’ film. Low key lighting (shadows) – this usually presents a dark and sinister

atmosphere or foreshadows a dark and sinister event.

Tense music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atjhO

This is a link to the famous shower scene presented in Alfred Hitchcock's ‘Psycho’. The use of violins to create high pitched sounds builds tension and shocks the audience more as it leads to the climax. The fact that the protagonists is unaware of what is going to occur however the audience does make it more frightening as they have no power in stopping and just have to watch.

Changes in camera angles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8m69o_1PoQ

There are a lot of close ups presented in the murder scene of ‘Se7en’ to show the viewer the certain aspects such as the crude things done to the victim and also the photographs to create suspense

Themes of thriller

The audience knows what is happening and the fact that the protagonist doesn’t creates suspense throughout the films which makes them feel frightened and sympathise for the protagonist. Another aspect which will make you sympathise for the protagonist is the fact that they will endure death either by them dying or someone they care about dies due to there quest such as the protagonist in Taken’s wife dying. Also the two major themes are morality and justice and this is reflected through the protagonist as they are trying to gain those things