2. Genre
The genre of a film dictates how
the film will be presented, the cast
involved (as some actors and
actresses are often repeatedly
used as audiences recognise them
and relate them to specific
genres) and the overall storyline.
The thriller genre has been widely
successful within cinema and has
many codes and conventions that
every writer and director follows
without question. When creating
a thriller film the essential micro
features that have to be focussed
on are editing, Mise-en-
scene, sound and
cinematography, these often are
used to create intense or
suspenseful situations.
4. Editing
Editing conventions within the thriller genre are often
focussed around creating an uncomfortable or
suspenseful atmosphere as quick cuts and changing
camera angles are often used which disorientates the
spectator and creates an on screen tension. Tension is
vital in the thriller genre as it is that which keeps the
vast suspense at a steady pace throughout the film
and then it is able to explode with a conclusion of
action or an overwhelming resolution which
spectators might not have expected.
5. Mise-en-scene
Mise-en-scene conventions are also very important to the
thriller genre as many props, sets or locations can have
sinister or tense connotations. A technique often used
within mise-en-scene is the use of mirrors which might
connotate how the characters have to reflect on what they
have done or might do and also show how they look at
themselves and the many different ‘faces’ they have..
Another technique is the use of stairs which might show
how characters might have higher or lower ground
showing the use of power some characters have over
others and also the use of climbing up/ falling down stairs
which might connotate how a character is rising to a
challenge or falling from their powerful state. All of these
techniques relate to the iconography of the thriller genre
such as confined spaces, bars on windows or street lamps.
Blacks and whites are also used as a convention of thrillers
as it shows the sinister side of the film and the cold
harshness which many thrillers portray For example Frank
Millers ‘Sin City’ shows extensive use of black and white to
portray the harsh narrative.
6. Sound
Sound is also an important micro feature and as well as the others it
holds many conventions relating to the thriller genre. Sound is used
to create tension with eerie or intense music being played either as
diegetic or non-diegetic material within the scene. High pitched
sound is often used as it makes the spectator uncomfortable and
shows how the scene might not be pleasant or something
unexpected might happen. Many other uses of sound are used in
thrillers and even within dialogue is usually unique to other genres as
inner monologues or perhaps narrators can be found in many thriller
films which create a more direct tension to the spectator making it
seem as if they are experiencing the film from the characters point of
view.
For example, Steven Spielberg's ‘Jaws’ uses sound to create
suspenseful atmosphere and since then the motif of the shark has
become a widely known sound for a suspenseful atmosphere.
7. Cinematography
Another micro feature which holds many important conventions which help elaborate and create a
thriller genre film is cinematography. Cinematography depicts the different camera shots and angles
and when the thriller genre is concerned these shots and angles are used in greater doses and with
faster transitions from one to the next. In conventional thriller films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s
‘Psycho’ 1960 camera angles are used more excessively such as within the scene where Master
Norman Bates is having a discussion within Marion Crane.
Within this scene fact
changing camera shots are
used to show disorientation
and low camera angles are
used on, the murderer-to-be,
Master Norman Bates to
show the power he has over
the female before him which
also links to the
mise-en-scene used within
the sequence as birds of prey
hang from the wall to show Norman
Bates’ intension to prey upon Marion
Crane. This is just one example of
the conventions of cinematography
in the thriller genre and how they
are used to create tension.
8. Thrills
The thriller genre could be defined as something which thrills the audience.
Audiences visit the cinema to experience feelings they wouldn’t get from
normal day activities so the thriller genre contributes by making audiences’
heart race, audiences watch thrillers for the excitement and the fear, the
protagonist is usually faced with dangers which help create a good quantity
of excitement that eliminates a small amount of tension until a suspenseful
scene takes over. This is then followed with the greatest danger of the film
at the end with the antagonist, which could result in the resolution of the
film.
9. Film noir
Thrillers are often shown in a film noir style, this means that they would be
filmed or shown in black and white and using typical conventions of the film
noir thriller genres used together. Techniques such as the use of shadows
and the bars can be found to be used more excessively within film noir
thrillers and as a result of this the tension and suspense has a greater effect.
The effect is heightened because of the film noir as the techniques enhance
the suspense, the use of cliff hangers create a greater sense of tension and
make the audience crave more from the film.
10. Characters
The characters in thriller films are not similar to ones that will be portrayed in other genres.
Thriller characters can be found to have darker or sinister motives than others, they usually have
been trapped in a situation and might feel they have hit rock bottom. These characters are used
to portray the ‘Underdog’ which is conventionally used for the main male role who might not be
the ideal hero or traditional protagonist but proves himself throughout the film to be kinder and
more good willed than initially thought. Also the most conventional character of the thriller genre
is the ‘Femme fatale’ theory which is usually used to portray the main female role. The femme
fatale is usually shown to be a lot stronger and independent than most female roles, she is also
shown to be colder and not as innocent than females are usually portrayed. Quentin Tarantino’s
‘Pulp Fiction’ 1994 shows the most conventional Femme Fatale through Uma Thurman’s portrayal
of the character Mrs Mia Wallace.
Mia Wallace is shown to wear dark or black
clothing with black hair; she smokes
cigarettes and introduces drugs into her
system. This is not the traditional role a
female would be playing in other genres as
females are conventionally shown as being
innocent and the male roles tend to focus
more on being independent.
11. Conclusion
In conclusion the thriller genre has many codes and conventions which may portray
sinister motives and dark characters. All mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing
and sound are used in thrillers to show these conventions and all are important as
they each create different aspects that generate tension and keep the spectators in
suspense. The use of criminals and danger are often used within thrillers as the
majority of the audience will not be seeing criminal or dangerous activities on a
daily basis so they will be frightened and intrigued by the characters, they want to
become spectators into their lives and get excited by the danger on screen.
