Generic features ( media course work) as p

THRILLERS

GENERIC FEATURESThriller is a genre that involves anticipation and suspense. Thriller films aim to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats.

The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape , mission or a mystery.

No matter what subgenre a thriller film falls into it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces.

The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful climax.

Has to have a plot twist

CONVENTIONS OF THRILLER

Low key lighting

Quick cuts

Shadows

Tension music

Changes of angle shots

Diegetic sound of breathing

Black and white shots

Montage of shots

Protagonist in the mercy of the Antagonist

PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERS ThemesPsychological thrillers tend to follow certain themes which is the centre of the story. Some of them as follows are: •Death, Reality, Identity, Existence, Purpose

Conventions of a psychological thriller

The conventions of psychological thrillers will include things like:•Low level lighting- shadows to create fear/tension.•Quick edits & changes in camera angle- increase the feeling of fear and shock. Often used during significant scenes.•Music- high tension, eerie, silence.•Flashbacks- time disorientation confusing the audience or showing the past to give an insight into why the characters are the way they are. •Black and white colouring- increase effectiveness of shadows.•Claustrophobic spaces- entrapment of the mind, planes or house.•Font/colour of title- may be written in a certain way to emphasise the theme of the film.Directors of thrillers•Alfred Hitchcock - also known as the 'Master of suspense' uses these conventions to an extent that its so effective and really encapsulates the audience. You can find it in one of his best films 'Psycho' which does this really well.•David Lynch - is a surrealist director whose mysteries are usually puzzles of the mind. The audience and the characters themselves must figure out what is real and what isn't. E.g. Mulholland drive.•Martin Scorsese - director of 'The Departed' & 'Shutter island'.