Thriller
Conventions of a Thriller:
- The protagonist faces death
- The antagonist will often start of in a much stronger position than the protagonist
- Main protagonist storyline is a 'quest' or 'journey'
- Main plotline focuses on a mystery
- Often follows the protagonist's point of view
- All action and Characters must be somewhat realistic
- Themes of desire for justice and morality underpin the genre
- Presence of innocence in what seems as an essentially corrupt world
- Protagonist and antagonist battle themselves and each other on a physical and mental level
- Main character is dragged into a dangerous conflict or situation that they are not prepared for
- Music is tense, heavy breathing shows his fear
- An element of mystery is introduced
- Pathetic fallacy of the storm helps show danger
- Very little light keeps up mystery
- Close-ups of cuts and dead bodies emphasise danger
- Protagonist starts in a weak position
- Near death experience
- Protagonist's point of view
- Subverts power of protagobist he is very much in control
- There is presence of both a physical battle and a battle of wits between him and the villain
- Fast cuts, canted angles, shaky cam, etc. heightens action and suspense
- Protagonist's point of view
- Subverts idea of innocence in protagonist, James bond is NOT innocent
- Protagonist is looking for justice
Thriller Mock Opening
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
- Slow motion, jump cuts and close ups is used effectively to heighten tension
- The low angle on the antagonist as he runs is a particular favourite shot, as it provides a real sense of panic and speed which other shots do not
- Quite an effective cliffhanger
Weaknesses:
- A few continuity errors
- Narrative doesn't completely make sense (a few extra scenes are needed
- The running sequence is not quite as effective as we hoped, the running speed is often too slow to portray the panic during and importance of the chase