This is an analysis on codes and conventions of thriller films

1. Codes and Conventions
of Thriller films

2. What was the task?
The task was to research the codes and conventions of thriller films. Codes are
signs that create meaning, this can be symbolic or technical. Conventions are the
themes shown and the events that usually happen in a certain genre of the film.
The reason for this task was to develop knowledge about thriller films and use
my research as a guide to the thriller opening that I plan to make with my group.
I am confident with the task of creating an opening sequence because I now
know how to hint the genre and give signs. I now have all the tools I need to
make a thriller opening.

3. What is a Thriller Film?
 A thriller film usually has a protagonist and the antagonist however most films
only present the protagonist. Additionally, thriller films often have a
protagonist facing problems including an escape, a mission or a mystery. The
problems that protagonists face emphasize their life difficulties and dangers.
Thriller films usually presents what the protagonist faces. Thriller films tend
creates anticipation, suspense and nerve-wracking tension. There are
different types of thriller films such as action thriller, crime thriller, film-noir,
psychological thriller and scientific fiction thriller.

4. Codes of Thriller films
 The protagonist is portrayed as the brave character who faces multiple problems. The antagonist is
sometimes portrayed as this evil and powerful character however, often in thriller films the
antagonist either strongly opposes or is in competition with someone. Tension is built throughout the
film through the chain of bad events. When watching a thriller film the audience feel the tension
when they see the main character stuck in a scary situation or a dangerous mission that they can’t
seem to get out of. The protagonist’s role is to be the hero at the end if the film or restore justice
while the antagonist finds a way to destroy it. The plot also involves characters getting into a
conflict.
 In a thriller film the shots reveal who the characters are and what makes their character. For
example close-ups and extreme close-ups are often used to show the character’s emotions and
reactions. Tilt shot is also used to introduce the character and show the audience what the
character is wearing which gives them a hint on whether the character is a protagonist or an
antagonist. Birds eye view is used to show their actions and how quickly they react. This shot also
reveals whether they are a strong character or if they are vulnerable. Low angle shots are used to
show how powerful one character is and how weak another character may be.

5. Conventions of Thriller films
In a Thriller film a lot is done to emphasise the genre:
 Lighting
 Quick cuts
 Shadows
 Tension in the music/soundtrack
 Camera angles/shots
 Acting
 Make-up/hairstyles
 Costumes eg protagonist-normal clothes
Thrillers are similar to horror films however, thriller is more exciting in an intense
way and tension engages the audience.

6. The film Unknown is a thriller film, the genre is shown through the poster. The genre is
shown in different ways. The title of the film is Unknown, as the audience we don’t
know what is unknown which leaves us guessing. On the poster thriller is revealed as it
shows a man looking backwards which may imply that he has finished a mission and is
on his way to complete another one. This also reveals that he is the protagonist. The
camera shot used is medium close-up and it shows the facial expression of the
character which looks fearless but anxious. The colour used in the filter is blue which
is a cold colour. The font is written in bold which catches the audience attention. The
boldness creates excitement. The cliff hanger says “Take back your life” as the
audience we don’t know what it means but it leaves us to question whether this is the
plot or the ending of the film. The cliff hanger makes the audience desperate to watch
the film as it builds tension because it indicates that something is over. It also tells us
that that there is going to be a battle or conflict.