CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF THRILLER FILMSBy Zoe Gledhill

WHAT IS A THRILLER?

Thriller is abroad genre of literature, film and television having numerous subgenres. Thrillers are characterized and defined by

the moods they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation and anxiety.

LOW KEY LIGHTING Low key lighting is a style used in thriller films to create atmosphere. Low

key lighting has connotations of danger and mystery. It produces a sharper, more obvious contrast of light in darker areas on the screen in order to develop shadows and silhouettes. When light goes from high key to low key it suggests something bad is about to happen.

This is an screenshot taken from the action thriller film “The Dark Knight

Rises”(2012). This is an example of low key lighting and is affective as it creates a sombre and mysterious atmosphere. This

creates tension as the audience are unaware of what might happen next, as

the character is unaware of what lies around them. This helps to build suspense

SHADOWS Shadows are used to create an element of anonymity. They show the

characters physique but never reveal facial features. Shadows create mystery and a dark atmosphere. Shadows clearly indicate that it is a thriller film as it has connotations of a criminal who does not wish to be caught or have its identity revealed.

This is a screenshot taken from the fantasy thriller film “Nosferatu”

(1922). Shadows can represent the inner darkness within beings. The use of shadows in this film is effective as it adds tension and a sense of eeriness

is created.

MIRRORS Mirrors are often used to reveal a characters hidden identity. This is a way

for the audience to see what the character see or effectively what they don’t. Often with a mirror scene, there is also a shadow or light that flashes past. Broken mirrors can also be effective as they symbolise bad luck. The idea of a broken mirror could link to the character having a damaged, broken past and how this may impact their future.

This is a screenshot from the psychological thriller “Black Swan” (2010). In this shot, the mirror is revealing the true identity of the

character. This is a strong example as it clearly shows facial

expressions and creates a sinister atmosphere.

CAMERA ANGLES AND SHOTS

This a two shot from the crime thriller film “Pulp Fiction” (1994). The two shot is used within the

scene in order to establish a relationship between the

characters. It is clear that these two characters here are in charge

and know each other by the position in which they are standing

(close to each other) and the similar mirroring image of each

other (holding up the gun).

CAMERA ANGLES AND SHOTS

This is a close up shot from the fantasy thriller film

“Harry Potter: Deathly hallows part II” (2011). The close up

shot shows the key features of the subject within the scene. It expresses the characters key

details and expressions therefore showing their

emotions.

CAMERA ANGLES AND SHOTS

This canted angle shot is taken from the crime thriller “The Dark Knight”

(2008). This shot shows the situation as unusual. Signifying that

something has happened to change this. It creates a sense of chaos and disorientation. This type of shot is

conventionally used to show distress.

CAMERA ANGLES AND SHOTS

This is a wide shot taken from the crime thriller “Reservoir

dogs”(1992). The wide shot places the subject in the middle of the frame so that the audience are

able to identify the situation surrounding them. In this

example, it shows that when the man gets shot he will be left in

that room with no one around to help.

CAMERA ANGLES AND SHOTS

This is a mid shot taken from the drama thriller “Seven”

(1995). The mid shot allows the audience to view the

elements of mise-en-scene such as the characters

clothing and props. Thus allowing the audience to see

what type of person the character is.

SOUND Sound is crucial in thriller films. Whether it being non diegetic or diegetic

sound. It helps to create tension. It is important for there to be moments of silence as well as there to be sudden outbursts of sound or sound that gradually gets lounder and louder in order to build suspense.

Still to this day, we view Alfred Hitchcock as the master of sound, as he effectively used sound to create tension and suspense.

Diegetic sound is sound that both the audience and the characters can hear. Whereas non diegetic sound is sound that only the audience can hear. This creates an element of dramatic irony, as the audience can hear what the characters cant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WtDmbr9xyY

This is a screenshot from the Alfred Hitchcock psychological thriller film “Psycho” (1960).

BLACK AND WHITE Black and white imagery is used to create suspense. Black and white

imagery creates the illusion of it being older.

This is a screenshot from the crime thriller “Black limelight” (1939).

FLASHBACKS Flashbacks are used to tell a story without it having to be in chronological

order. They tell the audience of the past with the character. These are common in thriller films as they often show a characters motive or reasoning for why they are the way they are now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THqi-pLvyB8This a flashback taken from the crime thriller “Memento” (2000)

COMMON THEMESThis is a screenshot from the action thriller film “Ouija” (2014). Supernatural events are common as they play on ones mind.

This is a screenshot from the crime thriller film “Zodiac” (2007). Crime scenes are common as they are evidence of something bad happening.

This is a screenshot from the action thriller films “Jason Bourne” (2016). This photo shows a spy. Which is common as it can show heroes vs villains.

COMMON CHARACTERSThis a screenshot from the crime thriller “stalked by my neighbour” (2015). Stalkers are common as they create suspense and tension.

This is a screenshot from the fantasy thriller film “Batman vs Superman” (2016). Superheroes and villains are common in fantasy films as it helps to define morals.

EVALUATION After completing this task, I have learnt what I should include when creating my

own thriller opening sequence. I would like to include shadows because it creates a sense of hidden identity. It works effectively for our group idea as it is about a kidnapper and we want him to remain anonymous to the audience.

Low key lighting will be effective to create a dark atmosphere and give connotations of there not being much hope for the protagonists.

I would like to incorporate flashbacks. In order to show that they’re flashbacks, they would be in black and white as it’s the past and its distinctive.

From studying Alfred Hitchcock, I have a greater appreciation for sound in thriller films. I would use a combination of non diegetic and diegetic sound and use them interchangeably.

The characters I would like to incorporate are stalkers and kidnappers. The theme would be kidnapping.