By Liridona Hoxha

THRILLER CONVENTIONS

What makes a thriller...

Characters Plot/narrative (how is the enigma set up) Themes Camera work/editing Use of sound

Subgenres of thriller films...

Mystery Crime Drama Horror Psychological

Conventions of thrillers....

Micro elements combine in a build up of suspense. Mistaken identity Doppelgangers/doubling Audience of a thriller is placed in the ambiguous position of voyeur. A series of enigmas are set up in the opening sequence of the film. Death Mystery Narrative presents ordinary situations in which extraordinary things happen. Antagonist and Protagonist (usually male) Antagonist is usually seen in peril in one or more scenes Loud Music playing Violins, pianos (they help to build up suspense) Theft

Keeping an audience engaged...

Thrillers usually keep the audience engaged as they revolve around mystery and oblige the audience to think deeply about the plot and try

to work out whats happening for themselves because of the enigmatic aura that is always present. This is done through a narrative structure, clues and hints throughout the film.

Antagonist and Protagonist

There is always a protagonist in every film but

in thrillers, they often have a hidden identity embedded within their character. Their role is often to be in a brawl with the antagonist and this is usually set up from the start as this makes the viewer more engaged as suspense is created.