Task 2.2 Thriller genre research

Thriller Genre Research

Conventions of the genre

The thriller genre uses several different key features which are called conventions and they can be found in a variety of different sub-genres, this includes:

·         Dark colour schemes and low key lighting to create the mystery and the suspense

·         Themes of isolation to the character in comparison to the antagonist

·         Props such as guns and knife are used as weapons so that people can feel the tension that is created

·         Distressed appearance

·         Usually have the protagonist vs. the antagonist with the antagonist usually in control then the protagonist rising with power

·         The films usually shoot from the protagonist’s point of view so that people can understand the problem they must overcome and what characteristics they have.

Conventions of the genre trailer

Film trailers are usually specifically designed to take snap shots of the film so that the film reaches out to the target audience. Within the trailer key elements are shown in the film but they don’t reveal too much of the film plot because it will give away the storyline of the film. This then means that it leaves the audience wondering and thinking what will happen during the film so they will be attracted to watch it. Overall conventions of a film trailer consist of:

·         Production and information credits in order to provide the audience with additional information so they know the background of the film.

·         There are sometimes little captions within the trailer so that it makes the film look professional however it an also in a way add suspense and tension.

·         The main characters and actors are shown on the trailer along with the film producer and director so that the audience can see what to expect from the film because of their previous work.

·         A voice over can be use within a trailer as it plays in the background this also adds to the tension and suspense

·         By showing the producing label it instantly allows the audience and public to recognise the producing cast

Technical elements-the camera shots

Thriller films often adapt to the shots that they use throughout the film this is so they can reach out to the audience in order to grab their attention by showing the different situations and scenes that are happening. A good example of a film that uses these different shots is the thriller film Inception. These shots are as shown below:

The canted angle shot

 This shot is to represent a situation that is confused and to show that something has happened previously which is why the shot is taken at a weird angle. This is usually to show distress of some sort which is a key feature in the thriller genre.

The close up shot

This is a close up shot of the character within the film this shot shows us the expression on their face and with these we can then tell the emotion that they are feeling and the audience can feel this emotion as well.

The two-shot

the two – shot allows the audience to see the relationship between the characters at any given point I the film. In this scene it shows the audience the similarity of the situation that they are in. however the scene can also show their differences such as their sex, age and personalities.

The wide angle shot

The wide angle shot shows the audience of the scene that they are in and the situation that is happening in the surrounding area.

The mid-shot 

This is a mid shot and this allows the audience to see the type of character that the person is. This is shown through their facia expression, the clothing that they are wearing and the props that they have such as the gun in this shot.

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Technical element-editing

Thriller films consistently use the editing technique in order to real capture what us happening in the scene. They show the tension and suspense in the scene, they can do this by showing the reaction time of the character once they are approached by the antagonist. Alternatively they use cut scenes to show different areas and scene in the film, this then emphasises the tension within a single scene. The cut scenes are usually quick and very snappy this then shows the speed of one scene but then the cut scene can then switch to a nice calm area to show the comparison of one place to another.

Technical element-Mise-en-scene

Costumes – usually within a thriller the main character is seen to have a smart and professional appearance, this is to suggest that they are sophisticated and reveals their role in the film. However costumes can be good to see the difference in people and the status that they have. Two different characters can be shown through their costume if someone is older they look like this from the fashion of clothing they are wearing compare to someone who is younger they would wear fashion that is a lot more casual and smart.

Props and setting – thrillers are set is an everyday environment such as a city, a house or the streets etc. this can be helpful to show the disturbance that the antagonist will bring upon them. In thrillers there is usually a chase on some sort such as on foot or in a car, they confine the space available within the chase so that it looks more intensified, as well as this it also relates back to the thought of isolation and seclusion. Props within the film or scenes in the film can identify what a character is like. Guns are a well-known prop within thrillers because they represent the sense of danger and wrong doing.

Lighting – thrillers conventionally use low key lighting. This is to create a dark and disturbed atmosphere. This then creates suspense and unstable awareness within the audience because they do not know what could happen next within the scene. The low key lighting can change the mood of the scene instantly from a happy and cheerful area to a suspicious and worrying environment.

Technical element – sound 

Thrillers involve the use of ambient sounds to increase the level of intensity and suspense within a scene. They can add sound to the titles and captions when they appear on the scene, a film that has done this is the film scream, asynchronous background was included into the title sequence of the girls screaming and this straight away gives the audience a feel of what the film I going o be like throughout.

Thriller films

Thriller films are aimed at a target audience from the age of around 15/16 and above, this is because the content it contains can be disturbing for younger children. However with the sub genres coming into the thriller genre it is possible for older and younger people to watch the genre of film because it has content that is appropriate for their age group. A thriller film usually contains technology because it has to fit In with the modern day world, the genre reaches out to a target audience of both males and females

The sub genres of a thriller

·         Action Thriller - Take any other thriller subgenre, give it’s defining elements a back seat, and focus on the action, and you have an action-thriller. This is more common in movies than novels because of the visual appeal of explosions and violence.

·         Crime Thriller - This subgenre focuses on crime, and is usually from the criminal’s point of view. Physical action and eluding the police take the place of gathering evidence and trying to discover the criminal.

·         Disaster Thriller - In this subgenre a (usually) natural disaster is taking place, and the antagonist is either trying to stop the disaster, the extent of the disaster, or just save themselves before time runs out and the disaster has run its course.

·         Forensic Thriller - In this subgenre the protagonist(s) are forensic scientists whose involvement in an unsolved crime threatens their lives.

·         Psychological Thriller - A personal favourite. In this subgenre a lot of the conflict is mental, rather than physical. The protagonist has become involved in a dangerous situation which literally threatens their sanity. They must use mental prowess to overcome their opponent, whether the battle is inside their own head or it a battle of wits.

·         Romantic Thriller - This is a subgenre of both thrillers and romantic novels. The plot line follows a typical thriller’s tension, suspense, and excitement, but a main element is the growing relationship between two characters.

·         Spy Thriller - It’s hard to call this a genre mash-up when spy novels almost have to be thrillers. At any rate, this subgenre focuses on the high adventures of field agents. It is usually set against the backdrop of some war.

·         Supernatural Thriller - In this subgenre otherworldly elements are introduced, usually as an antagonistic force, but just as in the romantic thriller, the plot line and feel or distinctly that of thrillers. Some characters may have psychic abilities and other supernatural novel elements may be present.