Codes and convenions of the Thriller genre

Mise-en-scene
1. Hair and make-up
2. The location choice is important
3. Low key lighting is often used to create tension
4. The antagonist is often in a dark clothing, this enables them to creep around, in the low light. The protagonist would usually be in normal clothes
Conventions of a Thriller
1. Low key lighting
2. Music which builds the tension. The music creates an engaging atmosphere in a Thriller, and keeps the audience guessing.
3. Shadows
Editing
1. Quick cuts, this keeps the audience on edge as it increases the
2. Panning shot
3. Tracking shot
Sound
1. Diegetic heavy breathing, this indicates to the view/audience that the character is scare, nervous or feeling uncomfortable.
2. The music, builds tension and is an important part to any film. It helps the viewer/audience understand the mood of the character.
3. Fast paced music
Characters
1. The protagonist tends to be a brave male character, who is trying to restore equilibrium.
2. The antagonist usually has a hidden identity which the audience don't see until the narrative develops.

Resource summary

	Created by Jemma Ward about 8 years ago