Genre Research

Conventions of a Thriller Film

Throughout my research, I have discovered that conventions are infact vital for the making of not just a thriller film, but any film in general. Thriller films are essentially about the battle of justice vs. injustice and films of suspense and mystery with the plot structure, the use of camerawork, Mise en scene and characters are used to establish this.
The Narrative is a key convention of a thriller film. Thrillers are usually shown from two points of views; the antagonist and the protagonist. From the protagonists view, it involves the audience more in events in which it creates empathy for the character. If the film is from the villain’s point of view, it can still lead to empathy of the villain at their twisted understandings of situations. Events in the storyline of Thrillers are usually purposely constructed wrong to build up suspense for the audience. Throughout my findings I found that the dialogue in thrillers never contains a complete explanation of the plots or events to maintain a mystery in the audience’s eyes and to keep them intrigued.
Another key convention of a thriller film is the Theme. Themes, especially in thriller films are commonly based around societies current fears and worries. This could vary from a wide range of situations from isolation, entrapment, murder, pain or terrorism. The theme of a movie is important as it could determines whether someone would be interested in the film, resulting in whether or not they watch it.
The iconography is also important and a key convention. Within a thriller film, the setting is likely to be either an urban setting; isolated suburban settings, busy cities or quiet country villages. The Mise en scene is also important as a convention too. Large threatening weapons are usually used for props for example knives and guns to create anxiety and again suspense for the audience. Colours are also used within films to connote different emotions; for example, red might be used to connote blood or danger, where as blue may be used to connote a cold mystery or death even. Camera shots such as point of view shots, frames within frames and close ups are regularly used, especially to establish the location and setting of the film and establish the characters in the opening sequence.
Finally the characters of thriller films are to a main convention. Dress Codes differ depending on the context of the plot. Usually characters appear smartly, well dressed in dark colours in spy based thrillers for example James Bond. Similarly, in Gangster thrillers, the characters usually wear sharp, smart suits. In comparison, in Slasher thrillers, the female characters where more sexy, revealing costumes. In thrillers, characters usually have very similar characteristics for example; anger, revenge or distorted social skills and understanding. Also there is usually a helpless innocent female as a victim and whoever is brave enough to go and help her often becomes the male hero or protagonist. The male hero usually battles the injustice and aims to defeat the evil where the residing evil can vast between a monster to the boy next door.