The Thriller Genre

Thrillers

What is a thriller?

A thriller is a specific film genre that aims to surprise, excite and create tension. It is a popular genre due to its affect upon the audience; it has the viewer forever changing emotions. It also has the clichéd 'on the edge of your seat' result on all demographics.
Examples of thrillers include:
Shutter Island (Dir. Martin Scorsese-2010)

Sucker Punch (Dir. Zack Snyder-2011)

Blue Velvet (Dir. David Lynch-1986)

Pulp Fiction (Dir. Quentin Tarantino-1994)

Snakes on a Plane (Dir. David R. Ellis-2006)
Goodfellas (Dir. Martin Scorsese-1990)

 

Codes and Conventions:

Suspense:

Suspense is a major convention of a thriller. Throughout the film, uncertainty will play with the audience's mind and with the narrative. Suspense keeps the viewer interested and hooks them into watching the entire film. A good thriller will create suspense, at exactly the right moment, and keep the person who is watching tense in their seat.

Narrative:

The narrative of a thriller has to be well thought out. There is usually a main character (the hero) who the audience grows to 'love' and eventually sympathises with. A strong male character normally takes the lead to figure something out and to find a solution to the problem. However, in recent years the number of female protagonists has increased.

The storyline tends to have many twists, clues and unexpected events to keep the narrative moving and exciting. This creates a thrilling movie to keep the audience watching.

Camera shots and movement:

The camera movement can help to create tension within a thriller.

Typical camera shots within thrillers can include:

Hand held shots- these can be used when a character is running to create suspense and excitement.
Close ups/extreme close ups can be used to show emotions and feelings of characters or to point out items that have a great deal of significance.
Point of view shots may be used. This could be from any characters perspective such a killer or victim.
Match on action is important for any film. When changing scenes, the pace must be kept so nothing looks bizarre or out of the ordinary. in thrillers, match on action is necessary to keep the narrative and final piece realistic.
Canted angle can be used to show the audience that something isn't quite right. This could focus on a character to show that they might be a villain, pyschotic or just a bit odd. Not only can it be used on characters, but on items and places too. This could represent that something bad will happen, creating suspense for the thriller.
Death:

Death is a theme that usually runs throughout a thriller. Although death scenes aren't as a graphic as other genres, such as horror, they usually hint at what has happened to create a vivid image. Death occurs unexpectedly within thrillers and tends to leave the audience surprised. Also, death can be used to sway people away from their original ideas (e.g. in a mystery thriller, someone's death could make the audience re-consider who the killer is.)

Death sets the tone of the film and instantly creates a thrilling narrative.

Dark Settings:

A dark setting helps to push the genre of a thriller across.

Low-key lighting can create shadows to build up tension and mystery. Shadows can bring out childish fears within an audience as shadows are usually associated with children being afraid. This means that lighting can build up suspense for its genre.

The location in which the film is set can have a huge impact on the way the film is perceived.

If a dark place, such as an alleyway, is used instead of a brightly lit park, the film instantly becomes much creepier. The audience will subconsciously react to this and prepare themselves for something bad to happen. The setting helps the film to flow and compliment the genre.
Hidden Identity:

Within a thriller narrative, a particular character(s) normally has their identity hidden away. This secrecy creates a tense feel to the film and leaves the viewer questioning who it could be.

Hidden identity is used particularly within mystery thrillers as a character such as the killer never shows his face until the end. This is because it leaves the audience to guess who the killer is so they will want to watch it to the end to see if they were right.  
Blurry Images:

Blurred images can link into hidden identity. Blurred, out of focus faces create secrecy and cause tension. Blurred images can also be on items to hide certain clues or hints away from the audience so they question what is on screen. this makes them want to carry on watching the thriller.

Red Herrings:

Twists within the narrative are a key part of a thriller. To keep the audience guessing and interested, the story line needs to have some form of red herring. Usually, the twist comes at the end of the narrative but this can vary depending on the scriptwriter and director.

Editing:

Quick cuts are often used when editing a thriller. This is due to fast paced scenes within the narrative (e.g. a chase.) Not only does it create tension, but it can help to hide identity and leave the audience uncertain on what will happen. This fast paced editing technique can reflect upon the beat of the audience's heart when watching the film: its racing.

Music:

Stringed instruments are often used when creating a piece of music for a thriller. This is because the sound can vary from quite jumpy and striking to soft and quiet. This creates suspense. For example Psycho uses a violin sound during the shower scene to shock the audience.

       Lizzie