Conventions of a Thriller B

Thriller Movies

Thriller Movie Conventions

  • The atmosphere of the film is portrayed in considerable detail, becoming alive and immediately threatening.
  • The crime and action in the thriller must contain a clue about the Villain's objective and/or object of desire.
  • The antagonist makes their actions personal to the protagonist.
  • There is limited time for the protagonist to act.
  • The story contains elements of suspense.
  • The protagonist actively investigates and chases clues (including false leads/red herrings) in order to find or trap the antagonist.
  • There is a clear threat of escalating danger

And so on.


Thriller Facts

  • Has a clear antagonist/villain- always a person who appears normal on the outside, but is deeply flawed on the inside. Quite often a murderer or some other type of criminal
  • Aims to keep audience in suspense- on the edge of their seat with thrills.  Not like a horror which is scary or gross- thrillers are creepy and disturbing.
  • Often set in a normal, urban (or sometimes rural) location. Adds to the feeling of suspense for the audience as surroundings are familiar.
  • Violent content is frequent
  • The enigma has a rational rather than supernatural  or extra-terrestrial explanation. 
  • There is often a link between the protagonist & antagonist which the viewer finds out during the film. Quite often, the protagonist will not know the link either.
  • Stories almost always focus on a serious crime or espionage.




The Usual Suspects

What is the Enigma: Finding the 'true' suspect and figure out which one of the suspects did the actual crime.

Who is the Protagonist: McManus,Keaton,Fenster,Hockney,Verbal and Dave Kujan

How is Suspense Built: Has a slow Build up, has Red herrings, No clear culprit, Action-Packed,etc.

Any other signs of a thriller: No Clear culprit (the audience is left clueless), Dark lighting, Urban area, Shadows, Cut-outs, etc.


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