The Forms and Conventions of the Thriller Genre

The Forms and Conventions of the Thriller Genre

Before we were to begin planning our final thriller scene we watched and studied several thriller films closely and watched out to see if there were any similarities between them and what would help to make the ‘perfect’ thriller.

Some films/openings we watched included; Psycho (1960), Se7en (1995), Taking Lives (2004), Saw (2004)

By watching these films/openings of films closely we were able to study what forms and conventions were included in the thriller genre;

-         There are usually several small twists and turns throughout the movie and one final big one that concludes at the end of the film.

-         There is usually a lot of violence and action throughout these films, it keeps the audience interested and emphasise the story and makes the film generally more exciting.

-         There is usually a more of a psychological depth in these films then some other genres. This allows the audience to understand more of the motives a character has rather then become an average slasher film.

-         Cliffhangers are often used to create an on-edge and tense feeling of the movie.

-         There is usually a hero/heroine that the audience is able to associate themselves or feel sympathy for.

-         Music helps keep the film fast paced or create a slower-tension filled moment.

-         Lighting is often used to add help define the mood of a certain scene or character which affects the following story.