Codes and Conventions of a thriller. pptx
- 2. Thriller Genre There are many types of Thrillers: Psychological Thrillers, Horror Thrillers, Romantic Thrillers and Action Thrillers. “What gives the variety of Thrillers a common ground is the intensity of emotions they create, particularly those of apprehension and exhilaration, of excitement and breathlessness all designed to give that all important thrill” – James Patterson The films by Alfred Hitchcock have influenced many of the modern thrillers and the codes and conventions that are now commonly seen. His films have an ability to play with the audiences' emotions, whilst hinting at some terrible future event whilst building tension along the way. This successful formula has been used in many of his films such as The Birds, and Psycho As part of my research into Thrillers I researched the codes and Conventions commonly used in the Thriller Genre
- 3. Thriller Genre Codes and Conventions In Thrillers visual and technical codes are key to creating the atmosphere. Low angle shots are used to present the protagonist or antagonist to show they have power within the current situation. Low key lighting is used in many thriller trailers for example Seven and Batman movies, this creates an atmosphere of foreboding, likewise foggy settings or rain also contribute to creating a sombre mood.
- 4. Thriller Conventions The Protagonist is often vulnerable, weakened or disempowered in some way. Often an everyday character the audience can relate to. The key conventions of a Thriller are a plot with suspense, hope, fear, tension. Many follow the narrative suggested by Todorov, a state of realization, a problem to be solved, a return to a state normality and equilibrium regained In his Theory of Characters, Propp suggested that in every film there are certain conventions of character roles such as hero, villain, dispatcher. Although this is true of many films, often in Thrillers, the Antagonist/Protagonist can often be an Enigma for much of the film, and the roles are sometimes not revealed until the end of the film creating tension and Characters The Antagonist is often a loner, a criminal, a stalker, paranoid and a outcast.
- 5. Thriller Conventions Production / Post production Various techniques are used with in the Thriller genre to create tension. Mise-en-scene. The environment and surroundings are generally places of seclusion that are derelict as well as dark and gloomy. Quick cuts: Used to increase the pace of the film increasing suspense, playing with emotions of the audience. Flashbacks: Used to show the audience past experiences, memories helping to build the plot. Close ups: Used to magnify characters emotions distress
- 6. Thriller Conventions Sound: can be used in many different ways within the Thriller genre to build tension or create fear and emotion enhancing the impact of the scene. Music : A good example of this is the famous haunting Jaws music or the screeching violins in Psycho, these audible additions take the audience on a journey subconsciously. Sound Effects:: Heart beats, footsteps, discordant sounds make audience feel uncomfortable and on edge. Dialogue: Important in adding detail to the film, but often secondary to the action and music. Silence: Silence is a very effective tool to build up tension before the big shock. Sound
- 7. Thriller Conventions In thrillers the most common props are weapons, this is because often the story revolves around death and/or violence. Props are also used to help foreshadow events that will take place later on in the film and so build up tension within the scenes leading up to the event. Props
- 8. Influence Thriller Codes and Conventions Studying the many codes and conventions that many Thrillers employ, has inspired many of my decisions I made when planning the trailer with regards to location and techniques. For example; I plan to use the location of the wooded area and the dark, secluded areas. Similarly, whilst producing the film I plan to use low angled lowly lit shots, plus close up shots to add dimension to the Trailer. The addition of diegetic sounds and cutting techniques when editing will also be used. By using these accepted conventions the audience should identify the genre of the film these recognized codes giving them a “Shortcut” to the type of film they will consume.