Codes and Conventions of a Thriller - Miss Frisendar

Codes and Conventions of a thriller film:

In thriller films specific codes and conventions are used, some examples of this are; dim lighting which creates shadows, a rainy, cold setting, slow and fast pace music and isolated settings. These all help to create a mysterious feel and suspense upon the audience.

 

Definition of a thriller film:

A thriller film is known to promote intense excitement, suspense, a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety and nerve-wracking tension. They pursue a single-minded goal to provide thrills and to keep the audience cliff-hanging as the plot builds towards the climax.

The House at the End of the Street: Suspense

The Strangers: Handheld camera

The Exorcist: Cold setting

Most important ingredient of a thriller: Tension

Tension usually arises when the main character is put in a dangerous or deadly position, or if their life itself is threatened. The plot of a thriller usually involves characters which come into conflict with each other or someone from outside; the menace is sometimes abstract or shadowy.

Tension is displayed in What Lies Beneath when Michelle Pfeiffer’s character is in the bathroom and believes someone is in there too.
 

 

Generic characters:

·        Stalkers

·        Menaced women

·        Fugitive

·        Psychotic individuals

·        Drug addicts

·        Cops

·        Private eyes

·        People involved in twisted relationships.

Themes:

·        Greed

·        Envy

·        Jealousy

·        Romantic triangles leading to murder

·        Pursuit

Generic Locations:

·        Dimly lit

·        Lifts, staircase, basement

·        Large featureless exteriors

·        Shower cubicle

·        Phone booth

·        Scrap yards

·        Interior of cars

Alfred Hitchcock

“The purpose of a thriller is to put their audiences totally in the cold water of fear to see what its like” Hitchcock

Psycho, key conventions:

·        Shadows

·        Close-up of eye

·        Weapon

·        Blood

·        Tension

·        Hidden identity

·        Non-diegetic music

Pulp Fiction, key conventions:

·        Weapon

·        Close-up

·        Villain

·        High angle shot