Thrillers - Chosen Genre

 CHOSEN GENRE: THRILLER

Definition: A fast paced thriller, where the protagonist is typically on the run from danger or a specific threat and encounters obstacles along the way. A mysterious element is present, especially relating to the antagonist and the storyline.

Codes and Conventions:

• There can be many different themes of thriller movies; a chase scene, crime related, top secret spies and psychological mind games.
• Typical characters include a protagonist, antagonist, stalkers, innocent citizens, policemen, men associated with danger, gangs etc.
• The protagonist may not be completely innocent as they may have a hidden secret from their past that affects the plot of the film.
• The antagonist is usually male and can be supernatural, or someone who knows the protagonists secret and seeks answers or revenge.
• There are few limitations regarding iconography, many weapons are used such as guns, knives, vehicles, electrical equipment etc.
• Low key lighting and fast paced editing are key features, camera framing can vary depending on the plotline and camera angles depend on the characters and their authority.
• Non-diegetic sound is quite common because it is vital to build tension and suspense, this can also be created using silence depending on the situation.
• The aim is to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, the target audience ranging widely from teens upwards.
• The storyline and acting is usually very simple, the cinematography is heavily relied upon to make the film more interesting.
• Mise en scène is fairly relaxed, there are few limitations, the typical thriller movie is set at night time/ in the dark therefore, not all mise en scène would be recognisable.
• There is no specific appearance for the protagonist and antagonist, everyday clothing is sufficient enough.
• Typically set in a location that the audience can relate to, may be isolated, for example the woods
• The aim of the storyline is for the protagonist to have achieved a main goal by the end, whether this be simply to escape or to solve the mystery.
• The protagonist can sometimes be considered super-human whether it be physically or mentally.

 Examples of Thrillers: