the codes and conventions of thriller films

1. Thriller
CODES AND CONVENTIONS

2. Definition of thriller

3. Examples of ‘thriller’ films.

4. What does a thriller film typically
include?
 Thriller films usually include a battle against a protagonist and an
antagonist. Just like the film examples used within the previous slide,
events which are disruptive for example in ‘Taken’ the protagonists
daughter gets kidnapped this causes him to go on a quest in order
to cease this from continuing. This builds tension within the plot of
the movie which is typically in the form violence.

5. Conventions of a ‘thriller’ film.
 Low key lighting (shadows) – this usually presents a dark and sinister atmosphere
or foreshadows a dark and sinister event.

6. Tense music
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atjhO
 This is a link to the famous shower scene presented in Alfred
Hitchcock's ‘Psycho’. The use of violins to create high pitched
sounds builds tension and shocks the audience more as it leads to
the climax. The fact that the protagonists is unaware of what is
going to occur however the audience does make it more
frightening as they have no power in stopping and just have to
watch.

7. Changes in camera angles
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8m69o_1PoQ
 There are a lot of close ups presented in the murder scene of
‘Se7en’ to show the viewer the certain aspects such as the crude
things done to the victim and also the photographs to create
suspense

8. Themes of thriller
 The audience knows what is happening and the fact that the
protagonist doesn’t creates suspense throughout the films which
makes them feel frightened and sympathise for the protagonist.
Another aspect which will make you sympathise for the protagonist
is the fact that they will endure death either by them dying or
someone they care about dies due to there quest such as the
protagonist in Taken’s wife dying. Also the two major themes are
morality and justice and this is reflected through the protagonist as
they are trying to gain those things