A thriller is a genre of film that uses techniques like tension, suspense and plot twists to keep audiences feeling anxious and on edge. The main goal is to stimulate the mind and build anticipation through challenges faced by main characters, usually involving danger and threats that create high tension culminating in an explosive climax.

1. What is a ‘Thriller’?
A thriller is a genre of film. It includes various elements, such as tension, excitement
and suspense. Which stimulate the viewers state of mind, giving them a high level of
anticipation, anxiety and uncertainty.
The main aim for a thriller is to keep the audience on the edge on their seats
throughout the whole film, by using differing techniques such as plot twists,
cliffhangers and red herrings.
The main character(s) of any thriller film is usually faced with a challenge/problem –
such as an rescue ,stereotypically of a loved one. Thrillers always emphasize the
amount of danger, therefore building high amounts of tension which eventually leads
to an explosive climax.
By Daniel Veale

2. Themes/Conventions
 Terrorism  Mise-en-scene
 Politics  Setting
 Conspiracy's  Actors
 Diegetic/ Non-diegetic
 Pursuit
Sounds
 Ransoms  Panning
 Heists  Pacing
 Revenge  Narratives
 Kidnapping  Special Effects
 Low key lighting
 Investigation
 Jump Cuts
 Fast paced editing

3. Taken
A retired CIA agent embarks on a dangerous exhibition around Europe, on
the quest to save his daughter who was abducted within a human trafficking
scheme whilst accompanying her friend on a week long trip to Paris.
This classic thriller is constructed around an in-humane crime which sets the
basis for lots of action and affection.
The surroundings of Paris is not familiar to the audience, therefore
stimulating the audience’s mood to become uncertain and aware of the
situation.
Lastly Throughout the film various themes are included such as suspense,
which is frequently used when the retired CIA agent is extremely close to
finding his missing daughter, and is snatched from his grip.

4. Season of the Witch
Crusading knights Behmen and Felson in a bid to save humanity.
Commanded by the moribund Cardinal to deliver a suspected witch to the
abbey where her powers can be abolished. They quickly realize that their
suspect is something more than human.
The setting(s) used throughout are isolated and rural. This convention adds
to the anxiety, this also provokes emotion of the audience.
There are plot twists; when the girl catches a fully grown man with one arm.
This effect reveals the truth and identity of the ‘girl’.
Several scenes build high amounts of tension which eventually leads to an
explosive climax.

5. The Dark Knight Rises
 A new terrorist leader ,Bane gains full control of Gotham. He threatens to
destroy the city. When this masked foe Bane proves too much for Gordon
to handle batman rises. He then claim his rightful place as the true Savior
of Gotham.
 There are several fight scene between Bane and Batman, this creates a
sense of of anticipation. Thought these scenes Batman is overpowered
countless times by Bane, this makes the viewers feel uncertainty. Tension
constantly builds off these encounters, which eventually leads to an
explosive climax.
 Bane destroys all the bridges surrounding Gotham, which shows the
audience there’s nowhere to run, this adds to the tension.

6. Typical actors /actresses
Liam Neeson-
 Physical presence- 6’4
 Deep/croaky voice
 Stereotypical- looks
Matt Damon
 Physical presence- build
 Stereotypical- ‘pretty’ looks