Thriller Research

1. THRILLER
FILM
RESEARCH
MARINA IPARRAGUIRRE ALONSO

2. What is a thriller?
• Thriller is a genre of fiction, having
numerous, often overlapping
subgenres. Thrillers are characterized
and defined by the moods they elicit,
giving viewers heightened feelings
of suspense, excitement, surprise, an
ticipation and .A thriller is usually a
villain-driven plot, whereby they
present obstacles that
the protagonist must overcome.

3. What is genre?
The genre is the type or style of film. In this case we are
talking about thrillers.
Subgenres of thrillers:
• Science fiction thriller -usually it will incorporate heroes, villains, unexplored
locations, fantastical quests and advanced technology. This could help on thriller
films to create anticipation and suspense. This will explore the future-gone-bad
theme including aliens invasions or super diseases. E.g.district 9
• Crime thriller- incorporates suspensful aspects of a thriller. It ususally centers on
a serial killer, murderer, robbery or manhunt. The storyline will focus on the
protagonist and the criminal. They use action and phychological aspects to build
tension and suspense. E.g. The fugitive
• Film noir- stylistic type of crime-drama. Popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Its
characterized by the black and white style with stark lighting effects. It relies on
narrative voice and flashbacks to explain the intricate pot. E.g sweet smell of
success
• Religious thriller- it includes religious themes with religious questions,
ceremonies and objects. These are usually around churchs etc. E.g. The rite
• Action thriller- Uses psychological action to create suspense. It usually has
motion and action which means for example chases, fights, battles and races
which let us sense the danger the protagonist has. E.g. Die hard
• Psychological thriller- will have elements of the drama and mystery films. They
come from the mind not from a physical treat. The protagonist must rely on their
mental resources. E.g. Taxi driver.

4. • Extreme close up
• Contrast between lights and shadows
• Fading out faces
• Lack of movements
• Wides shots
• Lonely places
• Calm music/ tension music
• Low key lightinhg
• Quick cuts
Convections of thrillers
Convection is
typical features
of the genre.

5. Technical codes
Camerawork:
• Positioning- where the actor stands.
• Movement- movement of the camara.
• Framing
• Exposure- how much light goes into the camera.
• Lens- The type of lens you are using.
Editing:
• Graphical- match shapes in two different shots.
• Rhythmic- control the pace of the film.
• Spacial- how shots relate in terms of space.
• Temporal- show how shots relate in terms of time.
Audio: this can be diegetic or non diegetic
• Dialogue- conversation between actors.
• Sound effects
• Music
lighting:
• Quality- type of light / bright
• Source- where is the light coming from? The sorce e.g. the sun
• Direction- where does the light come from. Down/up/sides etc.
• colour
Technical codes are codes that are specific to a
media form and do not live outside of them. This
includes camerawork, editing, audio and lighting.

6. Symbolic codes
• Setting- Its the time and place of the narrative.
• Mise en scene- the description of all the objects within the
frame. It includes :
1.Set design
2.Costume
3. Props
4. Staging and composition
• Acting- they create the tension or the narrative. The actor
portrays a character through:
1.Body language
2. Facial expression
3. Movement
4.Body contact
5.Vocal qualities
• Colour-
1. Dominant colour
2. colour symbolism
3. contasting foils