Codes and Conventions of a Thriller

Codes and Conventions of a Thriller Film

Codes and Conventions of a thriller genre are conveyed through sound and editing to give a suspenseful effect. E.g quick cuts, camera angle changes and lighting. They often include numerous over – lapping of sub – genres and are characterised by fast pacing and frequent action. There are different kinds of sub – genre thrillers that incorporate other themes usually to heighten tension these include: action thriller, conspiracy thriller, crime thriller, disaster thriller, drama thriller, eco – thriller, erotic – thriller, horror thriller, legal thriller, medical thriller, political thriller, psychological thriller, spy thriller, supernatural thriller and techno – thriller.

o Credits title sequence that follow thriller theme – sinister credits, title movement, music that creates tension.
o Present day – dramatic event
o Insight into story of the film
o Story re – told through flashbacks and quick passed editing
o Villain partakes in deviant behaviour
o Usually 1 or 2 male protaganists e.g: detectives/police officers – represent heroes or saviour
o Heroes usually seen as “Hard Men”
o Villain’s identity hidden
o Story told from villains point of view
o Occasionally a psychological twist
o Use of shadow, mirrors and stairs – conventions
o Include a cliffhanger to continue sequels

Examples of Sub – Genres
Action Thriller – In which a time trial is often featured or a race against the clock. Contains lots of violence, an apparent antagonist, and large elaborate set pieces for action to take place. E.g: Transporter, James Bond films, etc.

Conspiracy Thriller – A hero usually confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent is only recognised by the person. E.g: The Chancellor Manuscript.

Crime Thriller – Hybrid of crime films and thrillers. They often focus on criminal behaviour or crimes rather than a policeman. Crime thrillers usually emphasize action over psychological aspects. E.g: Reservoir Dogs, Seven, etc.

Disaster Thriller – Main theme incorporated due to a natural disaster, a nuclear disaster or an artificial disaster. These include floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. E.g Volcano, Stormy Weather and Earthquake.

Drama Thriller - In which the story consists of elements of drama and thriller film. These films are usually slow paced and involves a great deal of character development along with plot twists. E.g: The Illusionist, The Prestige and The Interpreter.

Eco – Thriller – In which the protagonist must alert or rectify an enviromental or biological calamity often in addition to dealing with the unusual enemies or obstacles present in other thriller genres. This enviromental component often forms a central message or theme of the story. E.g: The Loop.

Horror Thriller – This includes conflict between the protaganists characters, it could mentally, emotionally or physically. Main character(s) are up against a superior force and soon become the victims themselves. E.g: Saw, 28 Days Later, etc.

Legal Thriller – Lawyer heroes confront enemies outside and inside the courtroom, danger of losing cases and lives. E.g The Innocent Man

Medical Thriller – Include doctors/medical personnel’s working to solve an expanding medical problem. E.g: The Hot Zone, Awake, etc.

Political Thriller – Main character must ensure the stability of the government. E.g: The Manchurian Candidate.

Psychological Thriller – Conflict between characters is mental or emotional (sometimes physical) E.g: Shadow of a Doubt.

Spy Thriller – This is also a subgenre of spy fiction, usually rival governments must take violent action against each other. E.g: Mission Impossible.

Supernatural Thriller – Conflict between main characters, usually one has
supernatural powers. This type of thriller combines tension from the
conventional thrillers with traces of horror elements e.g: ghosts.
E.g: Unbreakable.

Techno – Thriller – Focuses on military action, technology used to
understand the plot; it is also described in detail. E.g: The Hunt for Red
October.

Examples of Thriller Films
(1920’s)
o The Bat (1926)

(1930’s)
o The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) – Psychological
o Another Thin Man (1939) – Comedy

(1940’s)
o Among The Living (1941) – Crime

(1950’s)
o Dial M For Murder (1954)
o Vertigo (1958)

(1960’s)
o Psycho (1960)
o Cape Fear (1962)

(1970’s)
o Jaws (1975)
o Carrie (1976)
o Marathon Man (1976)

(1980’s)
o Thief (1981)
o Crimes Of Passion (1984) – Erotic
o Fatal Attraction (1987)
o Die Hard (1988)

(1990’s)
o The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
o Basic Instinct (1992)
o Bad Boys (1995) – Action
o Se7en (1995)

(2000’s)
o Vanilla Sky (2001)
o The Bourne Identity (2002) Action & Paranoid
o Phone Booth (2003)
o Sin City (2005)
o Eagle Eye (2008)
o Mirrors (2008) – Supernatural