Genre conventions-content: A thriller film is based on an exciting plot. Most of the times the story line
consists and revolves around anticipation, suspense, and tension. With the purpose to create certain
emotions to its audience such as fear, laughter, surprise, and sadness. Aiming to keep the audience on the
emotions to its audience such as fear, laughter, surprise, and sadness. Aiming to keep the audience on the
edge of their seats.
Genre conventions- production techniques: These films consist of very specific lighting to portray
their intended message. For example, by using low key lighting (a lighting effect that uses one light
source to enhance shadows in a scene) creates a very dark scene, and based where the light is placed
can cover half of an object; therefore, leaving the rest in the darkness. This creates disturbances and
gives an effect of mystery. In addition, thriller films generally use very dark filters to keep the idea of
confusion or mystery. Mysterious locations are also used often. Also, camera placement is essential for the story telling of a thriller movie. To bring out a specific emotion in the audience such as surprise, a sudden cut from wide to close-up will give that effect. Furthermore, a strange angle above an actor will also enhance a feeling of confusion used by many thriller films. These variations are a way of controlling when the audience, and makes them feel the intensity.
Institutional conventions – how is genre marketed: Most thriller films have been seen to be
preferred by men due to all the action involved. For that reason, and to keep the theme of suspension,
logos and commercials for these films are aggressive and dark. Further demonstrating the intensity of
the movie, and attracting more viewers.
Film sample #1: Black Swan directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film starts with frames that are pitch
black with white font showing the title ‘Black Swan’, which the color black of the frame implies the
dark theme. Creates suspension and anticipation. Accompanying with the Swan Lake music that is
soft and slow This creates anticipation emphasizing the feeling of mystery, which is essential to the
thriller genre. As the movie continues, the color effects stay very dark and opaque maintaining the idea
of suspense. In addition these characteristics demonstrate the main character’s mental health, as Vincent
Cassel goes crazy toward the end of the film.
Film sample #2: Get Out directed by Jordan Peele. This film embodies the genre social-thriller as the
plot of the story is about a group of people hurting another. The film starts as a normal film, then the
climax of the plot develops during the night time. This allows for a natural way to darken the
atmosphere of the movie, achieving the goal of suspense and tension, which is what a thriller film is
composed of.
More examples of thriller movies: Split, Jaws,Vertigo, American Psycho, and A Quiet Place.
Institutional conventions – how is genre marketed: Most thriller films have been seen to be
preferred by men due to all the action involved. For that reason, and to keep the theme of suspension,
logos and commercials for these films are aggressive and dark. Further demonstrating the intensity of
the movie, and attracting more viewers.
Film sample #1: Black Swan directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film starts with frames that are pitch
black with white font showing the title ‘Black Swan’, which the color black of the frame implies the
dark theme. Creates suspension and anticipation. Accompanying with the Swan Lake music that is
soft and slow This creates anticipation emphasizing the feeling of mystery, which is essential to the
thriller genre. As the movie continues, the color effects stay very dark and opaque maintaining the idea
of suspense. In addition these characteristics demonstrate the main character’s mental health, as Vincent
Cassel goes crazy toward the end of the film.
Film sample #2: Get Out directed by Jordan Peele. This film embodies the genre social-thriller as the
plot of the story is about a group of people hurting another. The film starts as a normal film, then the
climax of the plot develops during the night time. This allows for a natural way to darken the
atmosphere of the movie, achieving the goal of suspense and tension, which is what a thriller film is
composed of.
More examples of thriller movies: Split, Jaws,Vertigo, American Psycho, and A Quiet Place.
