Thriller conventions

Thriller Conventions

Typical shots? Mid-shots- used to show reactions and emotions of the actors

Close up- used to involve the audience in the action, and to give you a sense of claustrophobia and concealment

Use of composition/ framing? showing exclusion and inclusion of objects to create tension

Camera movement/ and angles? low/high angles to show loss and gain of power/authority

1st person perspective? allows the audience to feel empathy for the actor

3rd person? should be used more often than 1st person

Editing

Typical transactions?

dissolves- linking events

fade to black/ white- flash backs

quick cuts -to create tension

Structure

Duel narrative-

Thriller opening conventions

-titles, title of the film, directors, camera etc.

-indent- film company

What should happen within the first two minutes?

-introduce key character(s), an atmosphere, a plot intro(key event)

Sound

-non diegetic sound to create an atmosphere, and to enhance the plot. music/ soundtrack is used to reflect the atmosphere. ambient style music.

-better to avoid dialogue, perhaps a voice over?

Mise-en-scene

-props hint the plot, for example knives/ guns

-setting- realism, isolated

Characters-males- have dominance (killer/hero) -women- damsels in distress

-Use of light and dark for atmosphere

Narrative

Storyline- revenge

-justice/crime

Time sequences often change, to create a psychological effect

Sub-genres

-techno, supernatural, crime, religion, action, psychological, Film-Noir, science fiction, conspiracy, disaster, eco, medical, mystery, political, romance, spy