Thriller Conventions - James Presland

Thriller Conventions

What makes a thriller?

The thriller genre is all about keeping the audience in suspense and for them to feel uncomfortable and alert the whole film. The usual base for thriller films is that the protagonist is set against a issue/problem e.g. solving a mystery or maybe a rescue mission. The reason why thrillers create so much tension and suspense is because they emphasize the danger and harm that the protagonist is in this also helps to keep the audience intrigued and alert.

An example of this protagonists mission would be The silence of the lambs - An FBI agent develops a relationship with the notorious serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lector, in order to gain Lector's assistance in the hunt for another serial killer (the mission).

The Silence of the Lambs (Demme, 1991).

Thriller conventions:

1. Protagonist is vulnerable to the antagonist.
2. Music which builds tension.
3. Fast jump cut editing.
4. Low lighting.
5. Psychological mind games .
6. Plot twists .
7. Cliff hangers.
8. Anticipation .
9. Menace.
10. Flashbacks 

General view 

Thrillers aim to interact with their audiences greatly. Thrillers generate their immense tension and suspense by using sound, editing and camera angles/shots effectively. Sound is used by having long and drawn out notes which give a feeling of anxiety and discomfort. Fast paced editing is also used to create suspense and tension this is done to make the audience feel as though they do not know what will happen next.