What makes a thriller thrilling?

About Thrillers

Conventions of a thriller:

The editing is usually fast there are lots of quick cuts from shot to shot to give more of a thrilling atmosphere and more action. It keeps the audience on edge with anticipation. Music is used in moments of a thriller when there is tension or action. It makes the scene seem much more exciting. Flashbacks are used in thrillers to piece together stories and also to make the audience wonder what the flashback means before it is explained.

• Suspense
• Dark lighting
• Excitement
• Jumpy scenes
• Sense of mystery
• Gripping story lines
• Twists in the plot
• Weapons
• Violence
• Tension
• Crime
• Cliff hangers

Mise-en-scene expected in thrillers:

• The camera shots in a thriller will be fast paced, things like cross cutting will be used when there is action going on. Fast paced camera shots are used to add more excitement with shots going back and forth, it keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. 
• Camera angles are also something that adds effect to scenes. For example and low angled shot may show that someone has power, and a high angled shot shows someone may be vulnerable.
• This links with action sequences. Thriller films need action sequences to make them thrilling. They add the excitement and tension to the film if done well, using the correct editing and camera work.
• Sound is a big thing in thriller films. Dramatic music and sound effects work well to add more excitement and make the film more thrilling.
• Costume is a big part of a movie. Character's costumes need to fit with their character's persona. If someone is playing a person of high authority, say a detective, their costume needs to look professional and organised. If there is someone playing a villain then their costume may be scruffy looking, although it could look professional too depending on what kind of villain they are. The costume says a lot about the character.
• Props are a big part of a film. Weapons are a popular prop from thriller films, but props can be anything that fit with the story. 

Conventions Shown in Shutter Island:

Camera work/costume/props
This still from Shutter Island shows a low angled shot and three men dressed in smart clothing/uniform. This lets the audience know that they have authority and power. The middle character has a notebook and appears to be taking notes as the man on the right describes something to him, possibly a crime scene. This makes the middle character seem important. From the middle character's facial expression the audience may feel a sense of tension.

Special FX

In this still special effects have been used to add effect. The character his holding a woman while she turns to rubble in his arms. It shows she is a figment of his imagination but she was once a part of his life. The use of SFX here may disturb the audience because of the way the woman falls to dust. It also may sadden the audience as the man holds her lovingly as she dissappears. The aim here is for the audience to feel some of the emotion that the character feels because the audience is then engaged with the film.

Lighting and Props
In this still there is a good use of lighting and props. The lighting is very dark and this creates an eerie and creepy atmosphere for the audience. It makes the audience feel uneasy because they do not know what is lurking in the darkness. Another thing that also fills this still with tension is the character's face. He looks scared as he looks before him but we cannot see what he is looking at. This creates a sense of mystery filled with tension. The match he holds before him is his only light. This makes him looks vulnerable because the match could easily go out and he would be left in complete darkness.

Feelings when watching Shutter Island:

      

Types of characters:

The protagonist: This is the person who does something heroic. They are the one to fight the evil.

The antagonist: This is the person for is evil and causes the crime in a thriller.

 

 

Themes:

Action Thriller:

In action thrillers, there is obviously a lot more action and there is much more fighting than in the other themes. It focuses more on fighting and weapons. 

 

Psychological:

This is the type of thriller that confuses the audience with strange story lines. Usually it includes either the antagonist or protagonist on. 

Religious:

These types of thrillers usually include a devil or something being possessed. This links with religion obviously and a vulnerable being or child is usually the one to end up possessed or in danger.

Sci-Fi:

This usually features things that are out of this world. Almost all Sci-Fi films are about aliens. 

Crime Thriller:

In crime thrillers it focuses on killing, whether it be murder or suicide. It may also focus on different types crime too. The story line usually includes the protagonist trying to defeat the antagonist. 

Film Noir:
This type of film started just after WW2. It was influenced by the dark period that people went through after the war. It is black and white, as the title probably shows. Film Noir is French for 'Black Film'.