This document analyzes the author's media thriller coursework and how it utilizes common thriller conventions. It discusses how the coursework includes McGuffins in the form of a mysterious parcel, enigma codes through a recurring tattoo, and a cliffhanger ending to intrigue the audience. These conventions are similar to those used in films like Pulp Fiction, Hostel, and The Italian Job. The document also examines the stereotypical thriller characters featured, like the protagonist detective portrayed through costuming and setting details. Overall, the document demonstrates how the author's coursework adheres to typical thriller conventions while also attempting to challenge expectations at times.

1. By Claire Misselbrook

2. 
A convention is the way in which something is
usually done, typically. Therefore media
conventions within Thrillers include things
such as various shots being used, a suspenseful
soundtrack, cinematography, costume,
intriguing characters, McGuffins, enigma
codes, redherrings and so on. In this powerpoint I will be analysing my own media
product in comparison to real medias picking
out the similarities and differences.

3. 
Within my Thriller coursework conventions of
Thriller are used. There is the use of enigma
codes, McGuffins and cliffhangers. As well as
the use of stereotypical character and costumes.

4. 
MacGuffins are devices used to set up the plot, this could be money or a
parcel, however most of the time the MacGuffin is not necessarily relevant
to the rest of the movie. Within my Thriller coursework the MacGufifn we
used was the handing over of a parcel. You do not see the parcel for the rest
of the movie or find out what the parcel is. It allows us too establish the 2
characters and understand that they are in some form of partnership. We
can also establish that they are up to no good. Without this meeting and
exchange we would not be able to establish the characters or imply that they
are up to no good. This convention is similar to the film Pulp Fiction. We
witness a case but remain unaware as to what could be in the case.

5. 
Within my coursework we also used enigma codes. Enigma codes are
aspects that make you question what is going on or what is the purpose
of that being there? We showed shots of the tattoo on multiple occasions.
First during the hand shake, second on the Tariqs desk and third on the
hand of the mysterious hit man. The use of the tattoo strengthens the plot
as we become aware that they are being investigated and that they are
attached to some form of cult or group. This is similar to the use of
tattoos within the thriller/horror ‘Hostel’. Below is a screen shot from
our coursework and a shot from Hostel where the tattoo is being done.

6. 
Redherrings are similar to cliffhangers. They keep the viewer intrigued and aim to make
the audience continue watching. We decided to use a cliffhanger at the end of our
opening as to keep the audience interested. We see Tariq at work in his office when
suddenly a mysterious person appears. We don no see their face nor their body just their
hands with the tattoo. This continues the idea that the men at the beginning are up to no
good and a part of an intelligent group. We see a struggle between Tariq and the
intruder, we do not see the end result. Does Tariq die? Does he simply pass out and
wake up in captivity? Is he forced to work for this powerful group? What does he know?
I feel the cliffhanger works best here because we needed to end the opening scene in a
way that the audience would be willing to continue watching. This is similar to all sorts
of Thriller media. However to have a cliffhanger at the beginning is not as common as
towards the end. Therefore to some extent it could be seen that we have challenged the
conventions. Within the Italian job there is a cliffhanger at the end where the audience
remain unaware as to whether or not the men will reach the gold bars without plunging
to their deaths.

7. 
Our opening also has the typical Thriller characters. We have
Tariq-the educated detective. He is typically dressed in a shirt
and tie, we also see him emerge from a car and come through a
gate which clearly needs some form of special access,
highlighting Tariq’s authority. We also see an office door with
a sigh reading ‘detective J Oscar’. Here we are establishing his
character. Tairq is stereotypically then represented as ‘the
good guy’. The protagonist, typical of a Thriller movie. (For
example Liam Nesson in Taken)

8. 
Andrew is also a very stereotypical character