Researching Thriller Genre Conventions and Techniques

I found this particularly enlightening for my chosen genre:

'Thriller films possess numerous technical tricks as “norm”. They include the use of particular musical pieces at key points throughout the film, for example, in the opening scene there is likely to be an iconic tune that builds up suspense until concluding when a character/place is introduced. Often, this music will be heard again at another point in the film, so the audience are able to link one particular scene to another – they will recognise the circumstances in which the music was first heard and predict that the same thing may be happening again.

Sound effects are emphasised in a thriller to strengthen the effect they have on the audience. Common sound effects include heavy breathing and footsteps when there is no non-diegetic music playing over the top of the film. These particular examples are simple yet effective, as they give the illusion that something or someone is a lot closer to the main character and audience than they actually are.

Camera shots and movement are a pivotal tool in evoking a particular emotion in scenes. Thrillers include plenty of close-ups throughout to portray the stress and horror particular characters are feeling at certain times – this adds to the effect on the audience, who are likely to feel more in touch with the film if they can “feel” what the characters are feeling as well. Establishing shots are common at the beginning of scenes in new locations, as they introduce the environment in which the movie is set at a particular time (the setting is commonly a dark suburban area, with little light). In terms of movement, handheld is a significant type and is a major technique in enhancing the atmosphere in a particular scene – often, handheld shots are used to express uncertainty and fright, they are accompanied by sound effects (heavy breathing). Editing is an important process for a film director, as they have to ensure they do not include footage that has little or no relevance to the film. They can also edit certain scenes by cutting them short – this adds to the uncertainty (a common convention for thriller) and by increasing/decreasing the pace of a scene – this again adds to the tone of a scene.

Another integral element to creating a thriller is mise-en-scene. This ranges from the cast, costumes worn by characters, the make-up used on them, the setting, the props and the environment in which it is set. It’s vitally important to use this to full effect to ensure everything looks authentic and realistic – this plays a big part in the audience committing to the story-line and film on the whole.'

This person highlights they key conventions of the Thriller genre and it's own intricacies. I really appreciate and am grateful for this, my comprehension of the genre is ever increasing through analysis and research, and I'm looking forward to the next steps of my idea.

But first my own POV:

I love that the aim of a thriller is to create exciting suspense for the audience, I too feel excited when watching, reading and writing about this genre!

Flash backs are common in Thrillers, especially when edited in black and white, as they reveal certain aspects of the characters involved and can increase the audiences knowledge of the narrative.

I find that the genre can be quite extroverted, but some threads lead to nothing. Red-herrings are vital for keeping a plot mysterious, enticing and tense for an audience.

It's surprising how many Thrillers that are set in both Urban and Sub-urban environments are so effective. I believe it's because the first is secluded and has an increased mystery about it and the second can seem claustrophobic - nowhere to run or hide - an antagonist can be anywhere and everywhere!

Now in Thriller's, the narrative is always going to involve an enigma; sometimes so complicated it seems like a rubix cube!

Daunting isn't it?

But once solved, generally at the end, it seems almost obvious!

Like this!

Although sometimes, and very craftily at that, it is left to one's own imagination...

DUN, DUN, DUN!

It is conventional that the hero/protagonist often reveals/solves the enigma; which can generally be an injustice within society; and we, the audience, follow their journey. There is normally a rational, not supernatural, explanation behind the thrilling mystery

Elementary!

Twists within the plot are often apparent in Thrillers to help produce the desired unanticipated surprise of certain events.

Heroes and villains can share similar characteristics

Also, along the way violence can be regular, but sometimes not so; to increase suspense for the unexpected...

Various shot types such as:

• Close up, of a face or an extreme CU of the eyes can display the effect of an action or the suspense building up; of course they also provide detail.
• Mid shots of breathing, prolonging tension.
• Bird's eye, quite an unnatural and distorted view; famous in Hitchcock's 'Psycho'; creates suspense and can imply an impending doom for the character involved.
• Tracking, can generate a sense of pace; especially within a chase, or can give a character supernatural speed.
• Multiple angles, can distort image, creepy, intense.

Various editing techniques such as;

• Quick cuts, controls pace level can increase it to evoke a sense of time limit, pressure, haste. Also can make seem spontaneous as events happen quick; unravelling narrative.
• Slow motion effect, creates distorted and unnatural atmosphere; possibly to focus upon character - sinister? Can slow down action in chase - even more suspense!
• Quick cuts moving to slow - impactful raises awareness of important scene/character.
• Darkly lit effect on shots, evil presence, something not quite right, unusual.
• Fade to black, leaves audience to make up their own mind of ending.

Various sounds such as;

• Fast paced non-diagetic rhythm, replicates heart beat - tension.
• Out of tune violins - unusual and eerie.
• Heavy breathing, creepy, intense, enclosed/trapped.
• Tapping of nails/ticking of clock, time limit, a wait before attack, suspense.

Here are the sites I have used to collect my information and mold my view point:

http://www.slideshare.net/Valvainolivi/final-codes-andconventions11

http://blogs.thegrangeschool.net/06beesn/2011/02/18/thriller-genre/


I am really looking forward the the Final Production! I'm sure this research will aid my idea and I hope to use allot if not all of these conventions in the planning and making of my opening sequence!

Thank you for reading, looking forward to you're feedback :)