Thriller Conventions

Thriller Conventions

Thriller films and TV dramas are very popular because they use a lot of techniques to keep their audience captivated so that they will want to watch the next episode/ sequel. Within a stereotypical thriller there will be a lot of anticipation, suspense, tension and uncertainty. There are usually a lot of enigma codes within a thriller film/TV programme which are used to throw the audience when they think they are in the know about who has committed the murder for instance. These films etc are usually filled with fast paced, adrenaline- rushing scenes that the audience love because it provides them with a sense of excitement when the film reaches its climax. 

Narrative Conventions

Usually thrillers have a strong focus on the two leading characters the protagonist and the antagonist. As the plot progressses the villain usually presents problems for the protagonist that they will have to overcome in order to get justice. Above we can see the notorious Hannibal Lecter who is the antagonist in the well known film Silence of the Lambs. This is the perfect archetype for a psychological thriller as a detective tries to find out where the kidnapped daughter of a U.S senator is being hidden by a serial killer who skins women alive to create himself a 'woman suit'. In order to capture him the detective asks for the help of renowned cannibalistic serial killer Lecter to give her an insight into 'Buffalo Bill's' mind.
   

Sub-Genres

• Psychological Thriller        
• Crime Thriller
• Mystery Thriller
• Supernatural Thriller
• Comedy Thriller

Above i have embedded the trailer for the crime thriller 'Taken' This is a really iconic modern crime thriller and it has all the stereotypical qualities of this sub-genre. It features a highly intellectual former CIA operative (Liam Neeson) who is looking for his daughter who has been kidnapped within the trafficking sexual slavery ring in France. Neeson plays the iconic crime thriller protagonist with his flaw being his loneliness, after separating from his wife. The colours in this film are very dark and shadowy reflecting the serious nature of the film. Examples of other crime thrillers would be Inception, Pulp Fiction and The Bourne Supremacy, these types of films all are very fast and intense with a lot of chase scenes etc.