More Conventions of a Thriller

I have researched further, on thriller conventions, and have identified more conventions, which identify the fact that the film is a thriller film.

• These are the conventions -
  Usually non-diegetic music is used in the beginning of the movie e.g. seven, vertigo, the inside man etc.


• The opening titles, editing cuts are quick e.g se7en.


• The use of colour suggests the themes of the film e.g. red can represent murder/danger.
  


• A crime usually takes place in the narrative.


• Enigmas, Cliff hangers and Red Herrings are used to create more suspense for the audience.


• The film usually starts from the point of view of the protagonist or antagonist.


• The antagonist and protagonist are usually binary of opposition, e.g. In Hannibal there was an inspector and a serial killer.


• Usually identity is questioned e.g North by North West, Bourne Identity etc.


• Usually an innocent protagonist is drawn into a violent, criminal world by the antagonist, or police to go undercover and tackle the evil schemes of the protagonist.


• The protagonist is empowered by the antagonist with weapons and his henchmen - hit man, gangsters etc.


• Voyeurism - watching something when your not supposed to.


• Protagonist has a weakness which the antagonist takes the advantage of.


• Complex dilemma.


• Dramatic irony.


• There is a mystery.

• The editing is quick during the action but slow during the suspense of the film.
  

• The music fits with the scene, in action thriller scenes the music would be upbeat but in suspense scenes the music will be slow and deep.

• If the film was a noir film then the lighting would be dark, there would not be many bright lights or colours. The lighting depends on what effect the director wants to create. Low key lighting contrast dark and light areas known as chiaroscuro, this creates an atmosphere of danger and builds up tension. Back lighting creates silhouettes it gives a mysterious vibe, especially if it is used behind a character. It makes the character look powerful, he can see us (the audience) but we can not see him properly.
  

• The camera work depends on the situation, if car chases are taking place in thriller films then tracking shots are used to follow the action. During fighting scenes the camera usually pans. Point of view shot is effective during running scenes, it builds up tension.
  

Most people ask what are the difference between a murder mystery and a thriller, in a thriller you mostly know who the antagonist is, and you have to tackle obstacles to take him down. But in a murder mystery you do not know who the killer is until the protagonist unravels it.

The narrative of a thriller goes through 4 steps.

In the beginning of a thriller everything is Equilibrium - everything is normal and balanced, then a Disequilibrium occurs - events or actions that occur, to disrupt the balance and normality. Then a Resolution takes place - the problem is solved. Finally a new Equilibrium is established - where everything is normal and balanced again but it is different from the Equilibrium in the beginning.
In North By North West, Equilibrium - Thornhill's life is balanced and normal, Disequilibrium- he is mistaken for his identity, Resolution - he saves Eve, New Equilibrium - his life is normal and balanced but is married to Eve.