Thriller Codes and Conventions

Codes and Conventions differ depending on what type of genre the film falls into; the thriller genre has a main focus on shadows and lighting, using a variety of effects including fade to black, artificial lighting,filters and natural lighting. These are all used to create tension and suspense which is extremely important within the thriller genre. Black and white are the main colours used in thriller films as this helps it seem mysterious and is usually used to represent the past and the dead, however when colour is used in thriller films, it will usually represent the present and the action.

Editing and sound would also be two main types of  codes and conventions within the thriller genre. These help create an atmosphere for the storyline in the film, for example if someone is getting chased, fast paced music would be added for effect, and if an explosion was added to the storyline they would add sound to create realism and to create a more effective response from the viewers.

The camera angle is generally moved at a fast pace in thriller films, as this helps create mystery for the viewers, with them not having a lot of time to see what is going on. Thrillers usually add action to the film, created by landscapes or cityscapes being added in the background; this demonstrates danger.

Props such as mirrors and stairs are regularly added to thriller films, as they can be used for various things whether this being to create confusion or to create action. The image below is a shot from a thriller film through a mirror. Mise-en-scene is extremely important within thriller films. This is because it helps the viewers identify what genre the film falls into within the first few seconds.

Music is essential within a thriller film, as it helps create the atmosphere and helps create suspense. A good example of this would be in the last scene of seven, when Detective Mills is about to shoot the killer (John). The tempo, pitch and dynamic of the music increases and decreases, this allows the audience to be more engaged with what is happening in the storyline.this is because it is allowing the audience to be more engaged and to feel the tension that is being shown.