This is research into the Thriller film genre

1. Thriller-
A thriller film is of a genre that
revolves around suspense and
tension.

2. Conventions of Thriller Films
Antagonist-
Low key light and jump cuts, often of extreme close up’s, so the
characters identity is not revealed in order to cause mystery which
makes the audience get involved by trying to piece together the
puzzle. The low key light created a silhouette effect. The antagonist
would often be dressed in dark clothing to make them seem
dangerous.
Protagonist-
Extreme close up’s of the protagonist to show emotions and high
key lighting to show that they are not the antagonist. The
Protagonist will often be in normal, everyday clothing. This relates
to the audience so shows that they are the protagonist.

3. Stereotypical Representations-
• Within the Thriller genre, women are stereotypically seen as
being the victim. They are often the protagonist whilst the
men are seen as being the evil antagonist.
 For example, in the very popular thriller film ‘Psycho’, women are seen as
victims shown through a characters vulnerability in the shower scene
against the mystery male antagonist.
• The hero in the film is usually an outsider.
• Popular institutions such as the Police and government often
have an input.

4. Technical Elements-
• Tension non-diegetic music.
• Low key lighting
• Jump Cuts
• Eye-line match
• Diegetic sounds of breathing
• Cross cutting – (often used to build suspense)
• Close up’s/Extreme close up’s (used to show emotion
on characters face)