Conventions of a Thriller Film

A thriller is a genre that follows specific conventions in order to build an effect on the audience. When the film has an effect on the audience this means that the film has been successful and has achieved its goal, as within a thriller film the audience expect to be thriller so therefore the expectations have been met.

A thriller film will often have a few main characters this engages the audience and creates different story lines to follow. The characters create the narrative. With any film there is a beginning, middle and end. The aim of a thriller film is to get the audience thinking of the ending and a solution to the disrupted equilibrium. A thriller film has many different plots in a thriller film this will create suspense.

The editing in thriller films are usually fast past this it to keep the audience engaged as there is always something happening, this also builds up tension and suspense. Once again this meets the conventions and the expectations in thriller films. Low-key lighting is usually used to engage the audience so they can focuses on what is going to happen next. Contrast is often used this gives off the same effect.

The main colours used in thriller films are black and use contrast. This creates shadows building on suspense and tension, as the audience doesn’t know what is going to happen next seeing as it is dark.  The shadows exaggerate the contrast creating mystery

Wide ranges of camera angles are used in thriller films.  Close ups are often used to show the characters facial expressions and emotions. A wide shot is commonly used so that the audience can see the surroundings and what its going on in the scene. Over the shoulder shot is effective as the audience feel as if they are a part of the action and can see it from the characters point of view.  All these camera angles alongside a lot more are all used to have an effect on the audience and make the film more interesting.

The music that is used has a big effect on the audience. Most of the time the music is non-dialect. The sound effect build on tension and mystery. There are times when the volume of the sound track increase this often makes the audience jump. When this happens the audience feel a sense of satisfaction, as this is what they expect in a thriller film.  The music can also create the atmosphere.