Codes and Conventions of Thrillers

There are many aspects that create recognised effects and atmosphere the thriller genre. The aspects of the thriller genre are what create the atmosphere and tension of the the film and keep the audience interested. When used correctly these aspects create suspense and anticpations and also make hints on the plot and what is actually happening in the scene.

Light and Shadow
Shadows and low light create tension and eeriness, sometimes showing the darkness within a character
Darkness is used to give a sense of claustrophobia.

Mise-en-scene
The setting and the objects/props in it are used to help give insight into the film’s plot
As a convention of the thriller genre, mirrors are used as a reflection of the soul and inner self, sometimes representing the darkness within a character, in 'Psycho' by Alfred Hitchcock a character changes her clothes from lighter colours to darker colours while standing in front of the mirrors showing her change from pure to corrupt (another example would be ‘Mirrors’ by Alexandré Aja)
Stairways and narrow corridors create a claustrophobic atmosphere and a sense of entrapment.

Sound
Sound and music is used to create an atmosphere of tension and suspense

Costume
Colours play an important role in the thriller genre. The contrast between black and white is often used to represent good and evil, white represents innocence and purity and black represents corruption and evil (an example would be ‘Psycho’ by Alfred Hitchcock)

Camera Shots and Angles
Quick camera shots gives the effect of tension and suspense

Editing
Montages creates a disorienting effect, often used in exciting scenes.
Flashbacks are a convention of the thriller genre, they give insight into the past and create a sense of distorted time (‘Memento’ by Christopher Nolan is an example)

The Storyboard

The three images below are the storyboard of the thriller movie opening. The storyboard shows details about the scenes, the sound and the camera shots and movements used in them, it acts as a summary of what will happen in the thriller opening. This also summerises how it will happen using camera shots and angels, sound, lighting and includes the length of the scene.

The storyboard is important to planning out the filming for the thriller opening and considering ideas that can be used.

The Thriller Genre

The thriller genre uses suspense tension and excitement as its main elements. Thrillers are centered on three main aspects: suspense, tension and excitement and are characterized by atmospheres of menace, violence and crime with an often gritty, slick tone. The societies set in thrillers are often dark, corrupt and dangerous. Plot twists, cliff-hangers and red herrings are very frequent n thrillers to keep the audience guessing what’s going to happen next.

A key feature of a thriller is to encourage various moods from the audience, such as anticipation, uncertainty and excitement leading to an adrenaline rush and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as the plot leads to towards the final climax.

Thrillers are often set in ordinary cities or suburbs often starring a protagonist that is an ordinary citizen unused to danger and other strange situations. In thrillers the camera is used to show much more than just what’s happening in the scene; good camera work can give subtle hints to reveal the plot and give insight into characters and their situation.

The thriller genre itself branches out into mystery, crime, political and psychological thrillers, but also overlaps into many other genres (e.g. horror and action).