Thriller: Codes and Conventions

Thriller: Codes and Conventions 

what is a thriller?

A thriller usually consists of a battle between the protagonist character and the antagonist, when there is  a distribution in the equilibrium. Consequently, this is to create tension with a chain of bad event; which creates suspense for the climax. The aim of the protagonist is to restore justice, while the antagonist seeks to destroy it.

Mise en scene:

This creates the scene by the use of setting, props and costume. It must be carefully crafted to give the correct connotations and impressions to the audience. These are the aspects an audience expects to see within a thriller genre:

lighting-

Low key lighting is often used in a thriller, to set the scene and create a mysterious atmosphere. Also the lighting is to create a sense of realism and to make the audience fully engage in the plot of the film. However, this is dependent on the scenario, for example if its a scene where the protagonist is questioning in something or being put under pressure the lighting may change to a harsh white light to create tension. Also it would create a dramatic effect with the higher contrast between the shadows. 

Costume-

The use of costumes in a thriller genre may not be immediately obvious. However the closer the inspection shows there is a certain logic behind the clothing. Audience reliability is key to the effectiveness. Costumes in the thriller genre usually consists of everyday wear to create realism and make the audience feel it could happen to anybody. Therefore, the clothing for different people and their job types will be stereotypical, for example a man that works in an office would be wearing a suit.

Setting/props-

The setting is the location of where the scene is taken place or where it is set. Examples of typical thriller settings would be, dark alleys/ houses, urban city e.c.t. Usually a small range of colours is used; which can range  from blacks, whites, blues and greys. Consequently, this is to represent how normal and plain life is, contrasting with the villains in the films as they create a dramatic and fearful atmosphere. Props are moveable objects or articles on the set of the film. They often determine the narrative, identity of the characters and the genre. Typically in thrillers props such a mirrors are used, which might be connotative on how characters have to reflect on what they have done or might do.

There are other codes and conventions that create the thriller genre such as:

Editing-

Editing conventions within a thriller genre are often focused around creating a uncomfortable and suspenseful atmosphere. Therefore, quick cuts and changing camera angles are often used to do so, which disorientates the spectator, creating on screen tension. Tension in a thriller, is vital. It keeps vast suspense at a steady pace throughout the film and then is able to explode with a conclusion of action or of a overwhelming resolution which spectators may have not expected.

Sound-

Sound is also a micro feature and holds many conventions relating to the thriller genre. Like others it is also used to create tension with eerie or intense music being played either as diegetic or non dietetic material within the film. High pitched sound is often used to as it makes the spectator feel uncomfortable and shows the scene may not be pleasant as something unexpected may happen.