Question 1 for my AS level Media Studies Coursework

1. Mirage

2.  Todorov stated that narratives in general, including that of thrillers, are
led by events in a cause and effect format. Our thriller opening seems to
fit quite closely with this theory however it has proven to be slightly
unconventional.
disequilibrium
Equilibrium

3.  For example, our thriller doesn’t begin with a
total equilibrium, instead it begins with a
slightly uneasy tone without a calm and
relaxed atmosphere and gradually builds up to
a disequilibrium.

4.  Our thriller also ends in-between equilibrium and disequilibrium because
not everything is resolved and it ends with a kind of cliff hanger at the
end.
 However, it does follow the correct pattern as the tension gradually
become diffused.

5. 1-Slight
equilibrium
(begin running)
2-Rise in
tension
(flashback)
3-Further Rise
(First sight of
antagonist)
4-Slight rise in
tension
disequilibrium
(flashback)
5-Fall in
tension slight
equilibrium
(phone call)

6.  This theory states that a film or TV series etc.
should stick to the conventions of its particular
genre through categories such as narrative,
characters, themes, settings , iconography etc.
 The following slide contains a work sheet
where we decided upon how well we met these
conventions of a thriller and why.

8.  In our thriller we have stuck closely to the conventions of a thriller film
by playing with the concepts of conspiracy this adheres to the
conventions of the thriller genre as it is quite a typical of the genre.
The Bourne series is a brilliant
example of this narrative which
sticks closely to concepts and
themes such as torture and medial
experimentation.

9.  Our thriller very much adheres to the conventions of a Thriller’s
setting as it has been quite a common idea to set films that fall
under the thriller genre/sub-genre in an eerie and derelict area
such as woodlands and abandoned towns etc.
 However, this kind of setting is often seen more in thriller films
with the sub-genre of horror, which our film is not and so in this
way, our film subverts from the conventions of thriller films.
Evil Dead Mirage