This presentation outlines the key conventions of the thriller genre. It discusses typical elements such as storylines involving protagonists facing dangers or mysteries to solve, with antagonists posing stronger threats. Characters usually include those supporting the protagonist or antagonist. Settings are often ordinary cities where danger arises. Themes revolve around justice and morality, while editing and sound are used to build tension and suspense for audiences.

1. Conventions of Thriller
{
Joseph.M.Toyer

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This is a presentation featuring the conventions
of the genre ‘Thriller’.
I will mention the typical elements such as
storylines, themes, characters and the use of
editing.
Introduction

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Your protagonist is set up against a problem,
whether it be a mission, escape or a mystery.
The danger of this problem will always be
emphasised.
There are often going to be chases and/or
fights.
The main question in a thriller is usually not
who did it but can they be stopped before they
strike again?
Typical Storylines

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The Protagonist faces death, either theirs or
someone else’s.
The Antagonist has a stronger force than the
Protagonist.
There will be characters supporting the
Antagonist and sometimes characters
supporting the Protagonist.
Typical Characters

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Ordinary suburbs and cities are where these
normally take place.
Sometimes there is the appearance or the whole
film being in a foreign city, deserts and polar
regions.
Settings

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The main storyline for the Protagonist is that there is
either a quest or a character can’t be put down.
The main plotline focuses on a mystery that must be
solved.
The film’s narrative is mostly in the possession of the
Protagonist.
All actions and characteristic are realistic or natural.
Two themes that underpin the Thriller genre are the
desire for justice and morality of individuals.
Themes

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Music composed or used has to build up
tension or be eerie so as to maintain the
suspense in the audience.
Use of Sound

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Visual alterations can involve low key lighting
for the mystery factor.
Trimming edits can involve quick cuts.
Changing camera angles, not too much but
quite a bit will keep the audience interested.
Also adding your music to complete the piece
helps.
Use of Editing

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(genre)
http://www.slideshare.net/lewisharland/conven
tions-of-the-thriller-genre-11373344
References

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I have learnt about more conventions in the thriller
genre that I at first did not know of.
I used to believe thriller was very much like horror
but it actually turns out their main conventions don’t
relate to fear but relate to action, mystery and
missions.
These will help me with the production of my
thriller opening sequence that I am soon to create.
I think thriller are more like Metz’s theory for genre
because Thriller can easily be depicted in many
ways, particularly with the deconstruction part.
Conclusion