This document discusses narrative conventions and structure in psychological thriller trailers. It notes that trailers for these films typically use mid shots, close ups, fast pacing and montage editing to build mystery and tension without revealing much information. They also employ slow pacing and volume control to create suspense. The structure is usually non-linear with flashbacks. Trailers introduce the basic plot but avoid showing a resolution to generate intrigue. Both restricted and unrestricted narratives are used to expose audiences to the mystery without fully solving it.

1. Narrative Enigmas in Trailers
Tayla Humphris

2. Psychological Thrillers

3. What are the narrative conventions?
Mystery
There is usually a lot of mid shots and close up shots so that not
a lot of information is revealed and that tension is being built up.
Fast pace and montage editing is used as montaging parts from
the film almost creates a puzzle and creates a mystery.
In order to reach a climatic point slow pace editing and an
increase in volume control so that there is suspense and enigmas
left.

4. What is the narrative structure?
Generally non-linear
Flashbacks
Like most trailers there will be:
• Equilibrium
• Disequilibrium
But no New Equilibrium because this is where the enigma lies
and makes audiences think.
By using this structure, audiences are introduced to the basis of
the plot.

5. What unrestricted narrative is there?
In a Psychological Thriller the narrative is only unrestricted when there is enough
information to be revealed and audiences are allowed to know what to expect.
In ‘The Butterfly Effect’ titles and a voiceover are used so that audiences can understand
what the main character must do in order to help people and just enough information is
given away for audiences to be intrigued to go watch the film.

6. What restricted narrative is there?
In a Psychological Thriller there is a lot of restricted narrative used. As it based on the
mystery, audiences are also exposed to this so that limited information is given away.
By doing this they are creating enigmas
In ‘Memento’ audiences are taken on the journey with the main character and re tracking
his footsteps to what his tattoos mean to him personally. At the same time, this creates
enigma for the audiences because:
• Why is he tattooing himself?
• What are ‘The Facts’?

7. What are the enigmas the audience is
left with?
• Who is the killer?
• Do they find the killer?
• What are the codes for?
• Why can’t he remember?
• What makes the character have a certain
mind-set?