Forms and Conventions

We watched and analysed a number of films relating to the thriller genre, believing this would be beneficial, enabling us to get an idea of what the typical forms and conventions of successful thrillers are. The films we watched included; seven, taking lives, pscho and one hour photo. I also looked at some at home such as Law Abiding Citizens, the Orphan and Eden Lake. The key elements that were visible in these were looked at:

• Music: non diagetic music is used very frequently in which usually begins slow, gradually quickening its pace causing a more dramatic climax. The music could also take on a happy tune, using binary oppositions to effect the audience. This allows a build up of tension and can have a huge effect on the audience.


• The pace of shots is usually quick with lots of action. These action scenes are emphasized a lot, making the scene more entertaining and dramatic.


• There are often twists used within a thriller, creating the audience to become shocked. This keeps them interested and more involved within the story if something happens in which they are not expecting. This is particularly seen in 'Taking lives', proving to be a very good technique.


• Stereotypically, a mail character usually plays the antagonist. it is also apparent that the villain must not attract failed expectations as they must seem emperor most of the time, failing this would reduce the reaction from the audience as they will not find him as scary.


• There was some kind of victim seen in all of these films in which the audience are made to feel sympathetic towards. This proved to be effective as in doing this, the audience are much more involved with the story, pleading that this person is okay. In Law Abiding Citizens, this sense of sympathy is used extremely well to confuse the audience - a man who is initially the villain kills another mans wife and child. The man who lost his family, goes on to kill in remorse so although he was originally the victim, the tragedy he faced turned him into the villain, confusing the audience as they are unsure what their feelings are towards him.


• lighting was used to effect the mood efficiently in most of these, tending to exaggerate the lighting in one direction - either low key or high key. This adds mystery as it makes the room or environment a little unclear.


• psychological elements are looked at, allowing the audience to get an idea of what the characters motives and actions are, due to clues and facial expressions.


• Either the audience or a further character is often included, who give the film a slightly detective feel, aiming to figure out the crime that has been committed, if there has been one.

Looking at and observing these films helped dramatically when thinking about our plot and the filming and editing we would be doing, giving us further ideas and adding to the understanding of the thriller genre.