Task 3 - Conventions of Thriller films

Titling 
Most thriller films I have studied seemed to have their titles/credits over a black screen with non-diegetic music in the background to set the eery scene. They either gradually appear on the screen, matching the tempo of the music or suddenly appear, jumping onto the screen, both of which fortells what is going to happen later in the film. 




Framing of a Shot
The most typical shot used in thriller films seems to be a close up usually used to build suspense or to concentrate on the character's emotions. It can also be used to engage the audience as if it where in the film - making the audience loose concentration of the whole area surrounding the character, to only surprise the audience later with a stab in the back (quite literally, seen in Scream 3) . 



Mise en Scene
The set and therefore location depends on the sub genre and plot of the film. Although, busy atmospheres such as urban areas or busy streets are commonly used which creates a busy establishing idea for the audience. Lighting in most thriller films seems to be dull for the majority of on screen time. Shadow is used to create an eerie atmosphere or to represent evil or/and darkness within someone.

Editing

Jump shots are commonly used during a thriller film to convey multiple actions that are happening at a fast pace. This allows the audience to assume events and actions but also create a tense atmosphere, especially when used dramatically after a slow or paused shot. Awkward shots (such as underneath a person) are used also. 

Sound

The majority of thriller films have non-diegetic music playing in the background creating a sound bridge to create the intended atmosphere. The use of silence also plays a key part in adding suspense and mystery. Sharp, loud noises are also used and paired with jump shots to scare the audience. 

Key Elements of Plot

• Suspense
• Attack
• Murder
• Monotone drone
• Good vs Evil
• Red herrings
• Isolation
• Dramatic irony

Characters

The villain usually seeks a form of power, is willing to endanger large numbers of people or to just break the law, usually relentless, powerful or fuelled by revenge. Villains as such are often features in spy thrillers such as James Bond. In other films, the villain is quiet, fits into society and aloof. In these types of films, the villain is usually more sadistic, creepy and evil - worse if you ask me. 

The hero/protagonist may be unsuspected by the audience and/or other characters such as in 'Children of Men'. The film usually concentrates on these two character's relationship. 

The damsel in distress usually does not occur as a secondary person to the hero/protagonist and is instead, merged with the hero/protagonist. 

In some cases, such as that in the movie 'The Silence of the Lambs' and the Tv show 'The Blacklist', the main villain is not always prominent. In 'The Blacklist', Raymond "Red" Reddington holds all the characteristics to clarify himself as the villain. He is on the FBI's most wanted list, he withholds information for his personal gain, has murdered several people as well as under the watch of the FBI and still perform illegal actions. Yet, due to the circumstances of the plot, he is seen more as the hero, saving the day at the last minute and helping to catch the criminal.

Enigma  & Red Herrings

The enigma, in other terms is the puzzle either one or more characters seek to solve. The enigma drives the plot forward and is essential in this genre. Red herrings are intentionally used to develop characters- usually the villain. They are false clues in the form of common sense (think crime thriller), used to confuse the audience and keep their engagement in the mystery of the plot.