Thriller films typically have tense music that builds suspense, with mysteries that are answered at the climax. They maintain a quick pace during action scenes but slow down when protagonists problem solve. Cities are common settings that feel realistic to audiences. Costumes are casual so characters blend in. Props are often clues or weapons used by agents or killers. Common themes include isolation, obsession, and troubled pasts. Antagonists are typically intelligent male schemers, while protagonists include both men and women working as a team.

1. Forms and Conventions: AS Media CourseworkWhat are the conventions of a thriller film? Music: Usually tense, starting off slow and then quickening the pace to become dramatic at the climax of the shot. Or the music will take on an opposite tone, of a lively, or even happy mood, whilst the shot is of people being murdered or something– however this usually happens in a more original, edgy or independent film. Mystery: There will most probably be an enigma present which will run throughout the thriller film, and it will be answered right at the end, and usually by the antagonist (Serial Killer?) or by the detective (protagonist) which has been clever enough to work out the plot. Pace: The pace is quick when action is taking pace, but slower when protagonists are trying to work out what to do, the end scene is open to much interpretation though. Mise-en-scene: Cities, where lots of action happens, there is culture and diversity, and a high population. Making the place where the crime happens a ‘normal’ place where the audience themselves are likely to live, so they can relate. Costumes yet again usually represent the ‘casual’ clothes of people, travelling to work, walking in the park, the antagonists is likely to fit in with the rest of the people around him, to he is undistinguishable. The protagonist also, will be either an everyday person who has been thrown into the story unwillingly, or an agent, so the costumes are standard. Props are nearly always used in Thriller films, they could come in the form of clues, murder weapons or guns used by the agents. Themes: Isolation, vulnerability, loneliness, betrayal, revenge, love/passion, jealousy, troubled childhood, outcast, obsession... Gender: Stereotypically a male character plays the main antagonist maybe with an entourage or on his own. The protagonists are usually a mixture of male and female characters. Characters: The antagonist is usually intelligent and scheming and there is usually a relationship between the protagonists too, like a partnership between two agents.