AS Media Coursework. Research into Conventions of a Thriller Film COPYRIGHT OF JODIE BATTERSHELL

1. Conventions of Thriller Films Jodie Battershell

3. Psychological Thriller

4. Revenge Thriller

5. Supernatural ThrillerAlthough there are these sub categories they still hold the typical characteristics or conventions of a Thriller.

6. Conventions of Plot Mistaken identity or false accusation lead to... Innocent characters being put in situations where they need to figure out what is happening Usually involves the innocent character trying to escape Producing an enigma, showing an object or character that is not fully shown or explained until later in the film The climax leading up to the plot makes the audience want to keep watching

7. Conventions of Themes Crime Murder/Death Dangerous world Revenge Romance triangles (leads to murder) Mystery Isolation Voyeurism

8. Conventions of Setting Usually in a urban setting such as a city In every day places, engaging audience Clinical settings Exotic settings Unusual setting e.g. Crop field and farm house

9. Conventions of Character Hero – ordinary citizens unaccustomed to danger Villain – criminals, stalkers, assassins, psychotic individuals, menaced women, Innocent victim – life threatening situation Victims sometimes know villains, sometimes do not

10. Conventions of Iconography Shadows Street lamps – highlighting villain Confined spaces Running water CCTV cameras Knives Something the victim fears (e.g. Clowns) Finger prints Photographs Weapons Mirrors

11. Conventions of Mise-en-Scene Costume - dark clothes for villain, normal everyday clothes and bright colours for innocent victim. Hero in normal every day clothes also. If victi is a woman, revealing clothes to sexualize her thus making her more vulnerable. Lighting – low key lighting helping to make villain more scary as you wont always see him. Camera Work – establishing shot, extreme close ups and close ups, medium/long shots showing villain in relation to victim. eye-level shot and POV shots. High angle shots making victim more vulnerable. Low angle shots making audience more vulnerable/fear.

12. Conventions of Editing Making the picture dark, helping to hide villain Quick cuts Changes in camera angle Flash backs – in black and white or not as clear Merging 2 shots together – causing confusion. Montage editing

13. Conventions of Sound Non-diegetic – tension building, orchestral, fast paced, eerie music. Diegetic – heavy breathing, footsteps, creaky floor boards, slamming doors.