Thriller Conventions

Camera Work -
Typical Shots - mid shots to show reactions and emotions. Close up involvement, concealment claustrophobia
Composition & framing - exclusion of objects to create tension
camera movement and angles - low/high angle shots to show power or authority
perspectives - empathy = 1st person

Editing -
typical transitions - dissolve = link events - fade to black/white = flashbacks - quick cuts = tension
editing used to structure narrative - non chronological = tension - dual narrative/victim


thriller opening conventions -
how do thrillers start? - titles - actors, directors, camera, idents - film company.
what should happen in the first two minutes - introduce key characters, atmosphere, plot introduction - key event


Sound -
how might diegetic/non diegetic sound be used? - music - atmosphere
how might dialogue/voice over/music be used? music enhance the plot, ambient style, voice over - better to avoid dialogue

mise en scene-
typical thriller setting, actors, costume, props, lighting -
props hint at plot - weapon
setting - realism, isolated
gender- males - authority/power/killer/hero
women - victim
costume - use of light and dark for atmosphere


Narrative - Revenge/ justice/crime
chronology- flash back-dual narrative to create psyhcological effect

sub genres -
techno, supernatural, psychological, film noir, sci fi, conspiracy, medical, political, mystery, spy, disaster, eco, action, crime, religious