27 September 2011

Conventions of the Thriller Genre

The Thriller genre is defined as having a fearful and exciting plot. There are a huge variety of sub genres in the Thriller genre, such as spy thriller or a romantic thriller, but there are many common elements which thriller films share.

Plot/Narrative

  • Twist/s: What the viewer may have anticipated/been hinted is far from the truth
  • Dark characters: Sometimes with serious emotional problems or a dark backstory. Sometimes revealed in the form of flashbacks
  • Protagonist's weaknesses often exploited
  • An Enigma: A question which is not immediately answered which draws the viewer's interest. Many Triller films are based around an enigma: "Who is the murderer", "What event in the past had a deep impact on the protagonist"...
  • Themes of danger, menace and mystery
  • Suspenseful, gritty and fast paced storyline
  • Storyline often about crime, murder, corruption

Mise en Scene

  • Dark lighting/noir, low key
  • Dirty and dusty props and scenery
  • Often modern props/scenery (guns etc), although not restricted to any time period. This is more relatable to the viewer, increasing emotive reaction

Editing

  • Varied, fast paced action and slow, brooding suspense
  • Dark grading, often with cyan and orange highlights
  • Occasionally obtrusive: Flashbacks, slow-mo etc

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