Charlie Taylor
Defining the Genre
It can be hard to define the thriller genre as it covers such a wide range of other
genres. There are many sub-genres of Thriller, some of these include action
thriller, conspiracy thriller, crime thriller, drama thriller and erotic thriller.
Genre gives a film a focus market. It
also gives the producers, directors
ect. a set of guidelines to follow
which will make a film the specific
genre they are aiming for.
Sub-Genres and Hybrid Genres
Sub Genres
Hybrid Action Thriller
There are many sub-genres of Thriller, some Die Hard
of these include action thriller, conspiracy
Conspiracy Thriller
thriller, crime thriller, drama thriller and JFK
erotic thriller. These are sometimes also
known as hybrid genres. Crime Thriller
Sin City
Collateral
Genre is useful for film
Disaster Thriller
makers as they have a set of Final Destination
guidelines to follow, and The Day After Tomorrow
generic conventions which Cloverfield
are to be used. It allows them Religious Thriller
clearly see what they need to The Da Vinci Code
make a film part of any
Spy Thriller
genre.
Mission Impossible
The Bourne Identity
Conventions
Generic conventions are certain rules/guidelines which are followed by any genre
of film or television. The Thriller Genre is no different.
One convention which a vast majority of Thrillers will have is the film will take
place on an ordinary day, at an ordinary location, with an ordinary person. As the
film continues something extraordinary will happen, turning the plot upside-
down. An example is Arlington Road, the man is going to work when he comes
across the boy with a ravaged arm.
Another group of conventions is to do with editing. This includes quick cutting,
which is pretty self explanatory. It’s quickly switching shots in order to build or
create suspense. Over the shoulder shots are commonly used as they create
suspense and usually the audience knows something the character doesn’t
because of this technique.
Other conventions can be grouped with lighting. Lighting is used purposefully to
create atmosphere, it may be positioned so that a particular feature on for
example someone's face is highlighted or hidden. Lighting creates shadows which
are often used in Thrillers to elongate tension or heighten suspense.
Conventions
Frequent use of mirrors are also common in creating tension, the audience may
be able to see something that the character can not. This gives the audience a
prime outlook on what is to come. It can make the audience empathise with the
victim. However often mirrors may be used to create false ideas, the audience may
think that someone is going to be standing behind the character when actually
they aren’t.
Perhaps one of the most important conventions of Thriller is sound and music.
Many different genre’s of music can be used to create an atmosphere and tension
or suspense. The most common music used is classical or opera. It lulls the
audience into a false sense of security, however still gives an eerie feel which can
be very uncomforting. Voiceovers are commonly used, adding to the narrative. It
tells the story from the
Conventions in use
In the opening sequence of ‘Seven’, the mirror technique is used. It shows Morgan
Freeman adjusting his tie. Due to the use of mirrors in the Thriller genre, the
audience could expect there to be another character behind Freeman as he steps
away, however there isn’t. This is an example of the Thriller genre creating tension
through the use of the mirror technique.
Also in the opening sequence of ‘Seven’, several extreme close-ups of what is
presumably the protagonist are used, showing him
Props
Thrillers use everyday objects which would usually go by unrecognised, focuses on
them and brings attention to them. They are used in a way which creates a high
level of anticipation, anxiety and nerve-wracking tension.
An example of this is in the opening sequence of the film ‘Seven’. The protagonist
is shown creating what appears to be a scrapbook of his victims. Extreme close-
ups of tools used such as scissors cutting a camera film connotate
Pen
Sharpening blade
We aim to use props in our group production to the same effect as they are used in
Thriller films.
Camera Techniques
In Thriller films, there are a significant amount more of close-ups and extreme
close-ups than in other genres.
A simple tracking shot of an extreme close-up of footsteps can be very effective as
illustrated in . It’s time and again used in thrillers. The audience are shown so
little that they are none the wiser whether this is the victim or the protagonist.
Tilting of the camera may be used to show hierarchy ; one character is more
important than another, or could be used in effect for example tilting up as
someone walks up a staircase.
Similarities and Differences
Many films of the Thriller genre are often crime centred. Whether this be to do with drugs, murder, kidnap or another criminal activity. The
clips I have watched include Collateral, Casino, The Sixth Sense, The Lost Boys, Donnie Darko and The Day After Tomorrow. All apart from
The Sixth Sense and The Day After Tomorrow abide by this.
There aren’t many vibrant colours, the lighting is quite dark Time of day differs, in Donnie Darko
and natural lighting is used frequently it’s dawn whereas in Collateral it’s
midday
The focus is usually on one or two characters, this indicates
they are primary characters to the plot Everything about characters
including social class, age, and
The characters are usually living their day to day life, it’s an gender will differ
ordinary day to begin with
There may only be one setting in one
Highlights usually unnoticed aspects of day to day life sequence, but many in another
Apart from maybe an establishing shot, most shots are The location of one is outside
medium shots, medium close-ups, close ups or extreme whereas in another it’s partially
close ups, this captures emotion on characters face which outside and in others could all be
could give the audience an insight to the sort of person the inside
character is
The tone of voice differs between
Main character is usually surrounded by many extras film, the opening of Sixth Sense sees
the boy’s mother shouting whereas
Everyday background noises are predominant, there’s not a in Seven it’s just conversation
lot of dialogue volume
Quick cutting between shots, building suspense Split scenes in one shows the actions
of two characters
Preparing the audience for what’s to come, various hints are
given to the audience from the beginning
There aren’t usually many special effects
Special Effects within Thriller
Unlike other genres such as Action, the Thriller genre doesn’t heavily rely on
special effects. Its uncommon to see special effects in Thriller films, as these aren’t
what create the suspense and tension. Instead it’s created by carefully
implemented editing techniques, music and camera techniques including camera
shots and movement. Due to this Thriller films can cost a significant amount less
than producing an Action film would.
Titles
An effective opening sequence needs visually appealing titles. They must be un-
intrusive and the typeface must be a
Target Audience
Unlike Horrors, Thrillers don’t usually contain a lot of violence and adult content.
This is why Thrillers and usually rated 12, and sometimes 15 by the BBFC (British
Board of Film Classification.