Thrillers - research into genre

Thriller genre -
- Characteristics Thrillers often take place wholly or partly in exotic settings such as foreign cities, deserts, Polar Regions, or high seas. The heroes in most thrillers are frequently "hard men" accustomed to danger: law enforcement officers, spies, soldiers, seamen or aviators. Thrillers often overlap with mystery stories, but are distinguished by the structure of their plots. In a thriller, the hero must thwart the plans of an enemy, rather than uncover a crime that has already happened. Jeopardy and violent confrontations are standard plot elements. While a mystery climaxes when the mystery is solved, a thriller climaxes when the hero finally defeats the villain, saving his own life and often the lives of others. Codes and conventions Quick cuts Camera angle changes Music that creates tension Dark lighting, use of shadow Mirrors, stairs and corridors Thriller Films Psycho - Alfred Hitchcock Hannibal - Ridley Scott Jaws - Steven Spielberg The ring - Gore Verbinski The Boston Strangler - Richard Fleischer The strangers – Bryan Bertino

Codes and Conventions -
Quick cuts- Camera angle changes- Music that gives tension- Dark lighting; use of shadow- Mirrors, stairs and corridors

Sound -
- Thrillers often use a catchy yet creepy, catchy gory theme tune throughout the film.

Camera -
- The camera within thriller films often take on human qualities, handy cams are often used to create a sense that the viewer is there with the characters, it enables the camera crew to interact with the characters without being in the way. Tracking is often used to create a sense of being followed. Panning and tracking used together can also be used to create a sense of disarrangement or mental disturbance. High angle shots are often used for victims to display a sense of vulnerability. They can also be used to show that there is going to be action within the scene. These two purposes can tie together to show the victim in the moment that they become the victim. Low angle shots are most commonly used for the aggressor/villain. They make the character look powerful and/or intimidating. Both high angle and low angle shots were used within Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”.

Editing -
- Quick cuts are used to create a greater sense of action and suspense. While longer, panning shots are used to show a build up. Fading can be used to enhance the storyline and merge two pictures together. For example; within Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” in the end scene “Bates’” face is merged with the image of a skeletal skull.
Narrative The narrative is a good way of keeping the audience informed of what is happening, making them follow the role of a character as you follow them through their journey.

Narrative -
A good way of keeping the audience following the film is to use a narrative that shows the story from one of the character’s points of view. By following one individual character, the storyline is consistent and the audience is also able to relate to the character, meaning that it is easier to build up the tension within the film because the viewer is able to relate to the character with greater ease. Characters:Main characters within a thriller are usually kept to a minimum. They usually consist of the villain, the victim and the victim’s friends/family. There is usually a ‘hero’ within the thriller to counter balance the villain. The hero is almost always at the forefront of the film and almost always on camera. They are represented by the typical “hard man” while the villain, even if they appear strong end up having great weaknesses. When it comes to characters there are also stereotypes. The main kind of character types that are included in a thriller film are convicts, criminals, stalkers, the psychologically disturbed and assassins. Victims often include babysitters, women, people on the run or normal everyday people.

Thriller Films -
Psycho – Alfred Hitchcock
The Godfather – Francis Ford Coppola
Silence of the Lambs – Jonathan Demme
Se7en – David Fincher
The Shining – Stanley Kubrick
No Country for Old Men – Ethan and Joel Coen
Jaws – Stephen Spielberg
Basic Instinct – Paul Verhoeven

Films Ive Watched -
Creep - bouncy, live, part opening music. Camera shots - Tracking - makes it look like someone is following her. Setting - london underground. Music - strings - typical code and convention. Camera follows her - main character. Contrast between city and under city - the lower parts of town. Young girl in a man's world. Shot reverse shot to gauge someone's reaction. underground - "eery" setting. Vulnerable - young woman bu herself, locked in. Warning of Creep. Stairs and corridors are a typical code and convention. Lighting with the background music build tension.