Codes & ConventionsTHRILLERS

Most thriller films have several different characters throughout. Some of these characters are the victims, the

predator/criminals and figures of authority.The victims tend to spend most of the movie scared or

worried, whereas the predators are usually people with emotional problems that take their issues out on their

victims. Although the figures of authority try to end the events, they are often targeted by the predator

himself/herself.

CHARACTERS

Protagonist/ Figure of Authority

Antagonist

In thrillers, there is usually some form of crime. Because of this, lots of different props need to be used. Some of these props are weapons (guns, knives etc), forms of restraint

(ropes, handcuffs) and a phone that usually doesn’t work.Props are used to set the scene on stage and make the

background seem more believable.

PROPS

Thrillers sometimes have isolated places like abandoned houses, empty train stations/railways and empty streets as the main scene/setting for the film. In some thrillers, they also have areas that are filled with people, to add to the

sense that the protagonist doesn’t know who the antagonist is so is wary and paranoid.

They also have futuristic scenes and buildings of authority that are usually full of Police or workers that are trying to

put an end to the situation.

SETTINGS & LOCATIONS

Thrillers tend to have dark, gloomy music in the background. This usually gets louder or quieter depending

on the part of the scene, and builds tension within the audience to make them wonder what’s going to happen

next in the film itself.Sound effects, like the creak of a door or breathing of the characters, is often enhanced to make it seem louder and

more tense for the audience.

MUSIC/SOUND EFFECTS

In Thriller films, the lighting is often dim, and gloomy with a slight spotlight on the main characters to make the scene

seem more scary and put the focus on the characters themselves to make the audience wonder what’s going to

happen to them next, be it a good or bad thing.

LIGHTING