This document analyzes the author's thriller coursework and how it utilizes common thriller conventions. Some conventions used include McGuffins, enigma codes, cliffhangers, and stereotypical characters. The coursework introduces characters like Tariq, a detective, Andrew, dressed in dark colors implying secrecy, and Mohibur, who passes an important parcel and has a matching tattoo with Andrew. It establishes these characters and a plot through the use of these conventions similarly to other thriller works. It ends on a cliffhanger to intrigue viewers and continue the storyline.

1. By Claire Misselbrook

2. 
A convention is the way in which something is
usually done, typically. Therefore media
conventions within Thrillers include things
such as various shots being used, a suspenseful
soundtrack, cinematography, costume,
intriguing characters, McGuffins, enigma
codes, redherrings and so on. In this powerpoint I will be analysing my own media
product in comparison to real medias picking
out the similarities and differences.

3. 
Within my Thriller coursework conventions of
Thriller are used. There is the use of enigma
codes, McGuffins and cliffhangers. As well as
the use of stereotypical character and costumes.

4. 
MacGuffins are devices used to set up the plot, this could be money or a
parcel, however most of the time the MacGuffin is not necessarily relevant
to the rest of the movie. Within my Thriller coursework the MacGufifn we
used was the handing over of a parcel. You do not see the parcel for the rest
of the movie or find out what the parcel is. It allows us too establish the 2
characters and understand that they are in some form of partnership. We
can also establish that they are up to no good. Without this meeting and
exchange we would not be able to establish the characters or imply that they
are up to no good. This convention is similar to the film Pulp Fiction. We
witness a case but remain unaware as to what could be in the case.

5. 
Within my coursework we also used enigma codes. Enigma codes are
aspects that make you question what is going on or what is the purpose
of that being there? We showed shots of the tattoo on multiple occasions.
First during the hand shake, second on the Tariqs desk and third on the
hand of the mysterious hit man. The use of the tattoo strengthens the plot
as we become aware that they are being investigated and that they are
attached to some form of cult or group. This is similar to the use of
tattoos within the thriller/horror ‘Hostel’. Below is a screen shot from
our coursework and a shot from Hostel where the tattoo is being done.

6. 
Redherrings are similar to cliffhangers. They keep the viewer intrigued and aim to make
the audience continue watching. We decided to use a cliffhanger at the end of our
opening as to keep the audience interested. We see Tariq at work in his office when
suddenly a mysterious person appears. We don no see their face nor their body just their
hands with the tattoo. This continues the idea that the men at the beginning are up to no
good and a part of an intelligent group. We see a struggle between Tariq and the
intruder, we do not see the end result. Does Tariq die? Does he simply pass out and
wake up in captivity? Is he forced to work for this powerful group? What does he know?
I feel the cliffhanger works best here because we needed to end the opening scene in a
way that the audience would be willing to continue watching. This is similar to all sorts
of Thriller media. However to have a cliffhanger at the beginning is not as common as
towards the end. Therefore to some extent it could be seen that we have challenged the
conventions. Within the Italian job there is a cliffhanger at the end where the audience
remain unaware as to whether or not the men will reach the gold bars without plunging
to their deaths.

7. 
Our opening also has the typical Thriller characters. We have
Tariq-the educated detective. He is typically dressed in a shirt
and tie, we also see him emerge from a car and come through a
gate which clearly needs some form of special access,
highlighting Tariq’s authority. We also see an office door with
a sigh reading ‘detective J Oscar’. Here we are establishing his
character. Tairq is stereotypically then represented as ‘the
good guy’. The protagonist, typical of a Thriller movie. (For
example Liam Nesson in Taken)

8. 
Andrew is also a very stereotypical character. Andrew is the person who
we see walking to meet someone. Andrews character is an antagonist
who is involved in some form of terrorist threat. He is a very typical
character. He is dressed all in black with a hooded jacket. This implies
that he is trying not to be seen. He is also wearing gloves and holding a
glass bottle of alcohol in broad daylight suggesting that he is not as well
educated as Tariq and may not share the same morals and norms to
everyone else. The way in which he speaks is also very typical. His tone is
very common and his words simple. He is an antagonist, he is not the
lead antagonist, more like a scapegoat, the one who is done as he is told.
This is typical as the one in charge in most Thrillers never deals with
illegitimate work first hand. Andrew, I feel is very typical.

9. 
Mohibur is our third character. He plays a similar role to Andrew. He is
the man used to pass on the important, top secret macGufifn. He is also
dressed in dark colours portraying that he too does not want to draw
attention to himself, his hood is also up. We also see that he has a
matching tattoo to Andrew highlighting that they work for the same
organisation. He also fits the negative stereotype that ethnic minorities are
terrorists. This was not done purposely as all of our actors are from
different ethnic backgrounds. I feel that the way Mohibur talks to
Andrew, with a tone of authority and the fact that Andrew apologises to
Mohibur shows that Mohiburs character has a little more importance than
Andrews and that in fact Mohibur may be higher up within the
organisation.

10. 
We do not have many location settings within our opening but the ones
that we do follow Thriller conventions. The setting where Andrew and
Mohibur meet is very run down and quiet secluded. There are no people
around. This is a typical Thriller setting. The office and the entrance to the
office building are typical of Thrillers, meeting places tend to be secluded
or in a very highly populated area to avoid suspicion We chose a
secluded setting as the macGuffin needs to be seen as highly important
and should be shielded from the public eye. Within investigations that do
occur in Thrillers there are usually scenes of the office with pictures up on
the wall with maps and documents. We tried to create this feel for Tariqs
office. We took photos of Andrew and Mohibur from a distance in a way
that would make it look like they were taken from a far. We also had
images of the tattoo’s on the desk. The entrance is gated indicating high
importance and confidentiality. We feel this adds to the idea that Tariq is
a very important detective.