Bobbie goods coloring book 81 pag_240127_163802.pdf
Thriller conventions
1. What is a thriller?
A thriller usually consists of a battle between the
protagonist character and the antagonist, when there is
a disruption in the equilibrium. Then the story shows a
chain of bad events building tension and suspense for
the climax. The aim of the protagonist is to restore
justice, while the antagonist seeks to destroy it.
3. Conventions of thrillers
Low-key lighting
Quick cuts
Shadows
Suspenseful music
Protagonist is at the mercy of the antagonist
Eery/mysterious locations
4. Characters
The main protagonist is often a brave hero-
type character who seek to restore the
equilibrium.
The main antagonist usually has a hidden
identity from the audience, making us guess
throughout the film while it is being slowly
revealed, ie the serial killer in Se7en.
5. Themes
The storyline is usually designed so that the
audience feel like it could happen to them,
increasing the suspense and possibly fear.
6. Cinematography
Lots of close ups of characters' faces to show
emotion.
Harsh, high contrast lighting.
Lots of shadows.
Shots of the antagonist will usually hide their
identity – commonly find them in silhouette.
7. Editing
Editing techniques vary, from slow editing/cuts
to build suspense, to fast action edits.
Continuity editing is of course used to help the
audience understand the film.
Jump cuts are often used to compress time.
8. Sound
Sound in thrillers is primarily used to create
suspense, shock etc.
The music often begins at a slow pace and
tempo and gradually builds to create this
suspense.
9. Mise en scene
A location that helps to establish a theme,
such as a bank.
Antagonist in dark clothes, protagonist usually
in every-day clothes.
Placement of characters has semantic
connotations
Lots of weapons
10. Mise en scene
A location that helps to establish a theme,
such as a bank.
Antagonist in dark clothes, protagonist usually
in every-day clothes.
Placement of characters has semantic
connotations
Lots of weapons
