My understanding of a Thriller-codes and conventions

What is a thriller?•

Sub-genres • Within the thriller genre you can have things called ‘Sub-genres’ this is a

subcategory of the genre. For example:

• ACTION THIRLLER’S

• SCIENCE FICTION THRILLERS

• CRIME THRILLERS

• PHSYCOLOGICAL THRILLERS

• CRIME THRILLERS

The Bourne Identity is a clear example of a sub-genre as it is still a thriller- but classed under the ACTION THIRLLER category.

Oblivion is a science fiction thriller- as I includes the conventions of a thriller genre but includes also the theme of science and a more non earthly feel.

Hybrids

HYBRIDS

Action/Drama thriller

Mystery/ Sci-Fi thriller

Action/Adventure thriller

Action/ Adventure/ Mystery thriller

A hybrid is a combination of two main genres. Thriller hybrid examples can be seen on this page.

Narrative of a thriller:• There are many things the audience would expect to see included in the narrative. The

main thing a thriller is aiming to achieve is keeping the audience engaged and anticipating throughout.

A Typical feel present in a thriller is tension and the reiteration of suspense and an on going build up. The main theory of a thriller follows Todorov’s idea that the narrative starts with a state of Equilibrium (calm and normal) this will then be disrupted by a sort of event called Disequilibrium where a character is put under stress or in a state of danger. Lastly the problem gets resolved- Restoration of equilibrium where calmness has been restored.

Orphan is a clear example of a narrative following Todorov’s theory. Psychological thriller.

IconographyParticular weapons

Cars

Low key lighting( low level lighting)

Police uniforms

Urban gritty setting

Setting• The setting of in a thriller makes the scene more atmospheric, and helps give the viewer a expectation of

what actions may occur in the chosen setting.

Desert setting

Sea/ Ocean setting

Isolated setting

Polar setting

Characters- Batman PROPP- in his studies he identified 8 typical characters presented in narratives-each character has a specific function that contributes to the narrative.

The Villain The Donor

The Hero

The Helper Princess

• Princesses father • False hero• The dispatcher

Codes and convention/ Black Swan • Mirrors-

• Mirrors can be used in thrillers to show us a reflection of ones soul and inner self

• Mirrors represent the darkness within some characters

Low key lighting

Low key lighting has been used- creating a more scary and mysterious; as in the picture the lighting reflects the atmosphere and the character. Having an outcome of a gloomy, dangerous effect.

Codes and Conventions- Shadows and camera angles • Nosferatu successfully used shadows in this thriller

Shadows are closely related with low key lighting- they are used to represent an inner darkness and adds tension to a scary scene. Making it more atmospheric

Click picture to see clip

Camera angles/ shots that I have identified within Black Swan

Extreme close up

Long shot

Close up

Over the shoulder shot

Shot reverse shot

Codes and conventions- Tension music and flashbacks

Tension music is used to create an atmospheric feel that is non visual- it helps to make a scene more engaging and anticipation building.

A build in temp and pace creates suspense and causes tension for the audience

Flashbacks

Click picture to see clip

Click picture to see clip

Flashbacks contribute to a sense of time and space disorientation in a thriller and this confuses the audience- gives us a deeper understanding into the characters past.

Twisted plot and Black and white photography

• Twisted plots add a element of surprise and the audience do not anticipate the event that occurs

The use of black and white gives thriller films a sense of mystery as it is a different to the usual colour film the audience is use to seeing. Black and white can also occur in the use of flash backs

Twisted plots make events surprising the audience- and usually adds more engagement as an unexpected event takes place.

What I have learnt from looking at the codes and conventions of Thriller Films

• When looking at all the codes and conventions included in a thriller I think that all the conventions play a key role in bringing the film to life- as each element brings either surprise, engagement, tension, mystery and creates an atmospheric feel. Personally I feel that sound carries a higher importance as sound connects not only what emotions viewers gain but also with the visuals. It incorporates the feelings they gained with what they can hear. This overall creates great impact for the viewers as they can be overwhelmed with a range of feelings which makes a thriller film more engaging and adrenalin rushing. Resulting in the viewer feeling on edge.