2. What is a thriller?
A thriller usually consists of a battle between the
protagonist character and the antagonist, when there is a
disruption in the equilibrium. Then the story shows a
chain of bad events building tension and suspense for the
climax. The aim of the protagonist is to restore justice,
while the antagonist seeks to destroy it.
3. Conventions of a Thriller
Low key lighting
Quick cuts
Shadows
Tension music
Changes in the angle of shots
Diegetic sound of breathing
Black and white shots
Montage of shots
Protagonist is in the mercy of the Antagonist
4. Characters
The protagonist is often a brave male who seeks to
restore the equilibrium
The antagonist will have a hidden identity that the
audience will uncover as the film progresses. Often the
antagonist goes out for revenge from a past event.
5. Themes of Thriller
The storyline will be designed so the audience will think
that it can happen to them, which will make them feel
scared.
6. Cinematography of a thriller
There will be a lot of close ups and extreme close
ups of the protagonist character, this is often to
show their emotions, also it can be used to focus on
props to aid the narrative.
The shots of the antagonistic character will be cut
quickly and will aim to hide their identity, e.g. A shot
of the back of them, a low key shot, the silhouette,
or shadow of the character
7. Editing of a Thriller
The director will include lots of jump cuts because there
will be things happening that the audience is unaware of
but is essential for the film to make sense. Cross cutting
is a key point in editing as it is used to build suspense
which is essential for a thriller. Continues editing is used
to help the audience understand the film better.
8. Sound in a Thriller
Music is essential in any film to understand the mood of
the characters and hint at a significant part in the film. In
a thriller it adds suspense and tension. It will often start
at a slow paves and the then build up to make the shots
more dramatic for the audience.
9. Mise en scene
The location is important for the film because it help the
audience establish the theme.
Lighting is often low key
Costumes- antagonist will be in dark clothes if you see
them. Protagonist will be in ordinary everyday clothes
Composition
Make up and hair styles
Acting
Filmstoke (Black & White, or colour, Fine-grain or grainy
