AS Level Media Thriller Codes and Conventions

1. DISCUSSION OF
CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF
THRILLERS
AS Media By Jason R Sulit

3. Definition of a thriller
In thrillers the aim of the protagonist is to
restore justice while the antagonist seeks to
destroy it, you could say that thrillers are
usually a battle between the protagonist and
the antagonist character when there is a
disruption in the equilibrium. Usually in the
plot it tends to show a chain of bad event the
would build up tension and suspense for the
climax.

4. Thriller codes and
convention
 The core of the narrative is usually a crime.
 The narrative structure is complex meaning
there are false clue, paths and resolutions.
 Ordinary situations are exaggerated to
extraordinary events.
 The protagonist has some for of flaw which is
exploited by the antagonist.
 Titles often show the psychological state of
the pro/antagonist .

5. Thriller codes and
convention
 Mise en scene such as mirrors reflect an
unfortunate event of the protagonist.
 The protagonist is usually seen in danger in
one or more scenes in the film.
 The protagonist is usually tied up in an
increasingly complex web by the antagonist
until the protagonist feels helpless.
 Micro element are combined to build up
suspense.

6. Thriller codes and
convention
 It is often that in the last scene the
protagonist is seen in peril.
 Establishing enigmas is a narrative pattern
which the viewer expects to be resolved.
 The opening sequence tends to have a series
of/one important enigma, this is then further
complicated during the first part of the film
and later resolved at the very end.

7. Thriller themes
 The storylines of thrillers are usually designed
to make the audience think that it could happen
to them which therefore scares the audience.
 Identity is a common theme e.g. Mistaken
identity, amnesia, doubling/doppelgangers.
 A visual theme of thrillers are manipulation of
perspective, optical illusions reflection, mirroring
etc.
 Voyeurism could also be a theme, in earlier
thrillers an objectification of female characters
was a common conception in thrillers.

8. Characters
 The protagonist tends to be a brave male
character who’s aim is to restore the
equilibrium
 The antagonist usually has a identity that is
hidden from the audience and will uncover as
the film progresses. Often past event is the
reason why the antagonist wants revenge.

9. Cinematography
 Close ups and extreme close ups will be used to
show the protagonist’s emotion and is also a
good way to focus on props to aid the narrative.
 The antagonist will be presented with shots that
aim to hide their identity for example a shot
from the back of them, a low key shot e.g.
Silhouette or the shadow of the antagonist.
Close ups could also be used to present the
antagonist, e.g.To show a clue but to close to
reveal the identity of the antagonist.