COVENTIONS OF THRILLERS
Task 1
Google 'top thrillers of 2021' select 4 and watch the trailers. Then
embed the trailers into your blog and slides and answer the following:
- What do these films have in common?
- What are the differences?
This trailer for the movie "Rushed" contains many typical Thriller
conventions. A lot of these can be identified in the plot, such as an
investigation and a murder plot. There are also other recognizable features of
thrillers, such as low key and coloured lighting, and dramatic camera angles.
This Thriller is also very effective, as it incorporates common fears that
people have into the film, such as heights and being trapped in a fire. This
makes the overall effect of the movie successful, and this technique is often
used in Thrillers.
At first the trailer doesn't seem to reveal the genre of "House of Gucci",
however it soon reveals a murder plot which is commonly associated with the
Thriller genre. There are also clips including some violence, combined
with fast pace music, suggesting an element of action and exitement.
The trailer of "Last Night in Soho" presents the movie as a very conventional
Thriller. There is dramatic coloured lighting, and hints at the use of knives
and other violent props. These elements of mise-en-scene, as well as the
music, sound effects of a flickering bulb, the style of text displayed and the
creepy element of reflection represents the exciting aspects of a Thriller
movie.
Similarities
The trailers have many aspects in common, as most Thrillers contain similar
elements of mise-en-scene, sound, camera work, editing and storylines. For
example, all these films have a murder plot within them. This is quite common
in the Thriller genre as the aim of these movies are to excite the audience,
and this is often generated by a threat. Thrillers also use a lot of low key
lighting, as it adds a dramatic element to the film. During tense scenes the
shots are normally a longer length to build suspense, however they become
faster cuts during periods of action. As seen in all four trailers, there are
short cuts that allude to a fast paced storyline and a build of tension
resulting in the climax of the storyline. This is usually presented as an
action sequence or the moment when the threat to the character is the
greatest. The music can also reflect the situation in the scene. The trailers
all use music with a powerful beat to reflect the exciting aspects of the
movie and to mirror the building tension. Another similarity is the camera
shots used in the films. Thriller tend to use a lot of close up shots, to
capture emotions on characters face (such as fear, anger or remorse), as well
as extreme angles. These can be seen in the four movie trailers, and you can
also see how the shot types change to best capture moments of suspense or
action.
Differences
The trailers have many similarities, however some aspects do vary. All
Thriller films have conventions that are associated with the genre, such as
the protagonist being victimised, having to race against time to save someone
or stop the antagonists intentions. However, in order to maintain tension,
each movie has to create a plot that isn't predictable. Although certain
storylines may be reused, such as the common murder plot, conspiracies or acts
of terrorism, the context and circumstances change in each movie. This
maintains the 'thrilling' aspect of the genre.
Task 2
Find 2/3 definitions of the Thriller film genre. Cite them, then summarise what they have in common and answer the following question:
- Why is it hard to define a Thriller film?
"Thriller film, also known as suspense film or suspense thriller, is a broad film genre that evokes excitement and suspense in the audience. The suspense element found in most films' plots is particularly exploited by the filmmaker in this genre."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_film
"The thriller genre movie and TV show definition is characterized
by the moods it elicits. Thrillers are about the feeling of
thrills! They are movies and TV shows that keep you wondering what
will happen next. They give viewers heightened feelings of
suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation, and anxiety.
Thrillers also usually have a main character who is slowly
isolated from the people they once trusted and relied on. The
betrayal might thrust the protagonist into a new worldview. They
have to work alone to prove their innocence or take down the
people trying to kill them. Here's the most important part of the thriller genre... what's
happening on screen can be explained by the natural
world."
https://nofilmschool.com/thriller-genre-in-movies-and-tv-shows
If the genre is to be defined strictly, a genuine thriller is a
film that rentlessly pursues a single-minded goal - to provide
thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the 'edge of
their seats' as the plot builds towards a climax.
https://www.filmsite.org/thrillerfilms.html
Similarities
The definitions all seem to state the importance of
creating "excitement and suspense in the audience", as well as
feelings of anticipation and anxiety. One definition also
includes the importance of keeping the audience "cliff-hanging
at the 'edge of their seats'". Despite the different
terminology, they all convey the same message, using the codes
and conventions associated with the Thriller genre while
changing the plot enough to surprise the audience and keep
audience engagement.
Why is it hard to define a Thriller film?
Thrillers can be hard to define, as they have elements of Horror, Crime, Action and Mystery. This means it can include conventions similar to these genres, to evoke the same feelings of fear, tension and excitement. Despite being hard to define, it is still very recognisable by the rising tension throughout the movie, following the progression of the storyline.
Task 3
Research the different types of sub-genres of Thriller. Choose four you would like to explore, find definition, conventions and examples.
Task 4
Try to find the difference between a Horror and a Thriller film. Explain the difference with examples.
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