Thriller Genre Research

The Thriller Genre:

A thriller usually consists of a battle between a protagonist, and an antagonist, caused when there is a disruption in the initial equilibrium. Then the story line has plot twists to further change the goal of the protagonist creating tension to lead to the climax of the film.

Conventions Of Thrillers Include: 

• Low Key Lighting is used to create darker shadow usually to create a darker grippy tone.
• Quick Cuts are used to create a fast pase for building tension. 
• Shadows are used for ambiguity leaving the audience with suspense.
• Tension Music Helps set the pase and create tension.
• Changes in Angle of Shots can be used to show things which are abstract or which character has more power etc
• Exaggerated Diegetic Sound effects help create and sell the story to the audience because everything in the visual world has to be exaggerated. 
• Montages can be used to show a variety of events necessary to the narrative in a short time.
• Protagonist at mercy of Antagonist helps with plot twists and to make the objective for the protagonist as hard as possible.

Character Conventions:

The protagonist is a brave courageous person who always has the necessary skills to complete the task at hand. This gives the audience a sense of confidence in the character.

The antagonist usually has a hidden identity which the audience will uncover as the film progresses. Often the character wants revenge on the protagonist because of a past event. This character is usually in control most of the film compared to the protagonist.

Cinematography Codes for Thrillers: 

Close up and extreme close up shots. Used to show emotion within characters that the audience need to connect with and feel sympathy for. They are further used to help the audience notice certain subjects  or link sequences together important for the narrative. 

Shots of antagonist are ambiguous. They often are cut quickly, have low key lighting to present the character as darker than the protagonist. 

Editing Conventions:

Jump cuts are usually used to fast pase decisions which push the narrative

Cross Cutting helps audience link the narratives together into a story

Sound Conventions:

Jumpy non-diegetic, tension building music.

Mise en Scene:

Dark often gothic setting

Low key lighting

Antagonist in dark clothes, Protagonist in everyday clothes

Make up and hair of antagonist often is warped and strange, Protagonist's is usually more normal.

Filmstoke (Often black and white in parts, or even grainy)