Representation In Our Film And Stereotyping:

In thriller films you always expect to see something stereotypical to a thriller whether it's car chasing, gun shooting or massive explosions.

CONVENTIONS IN THRILLER:

Low lighting

Flashes of black and white

Protagonist and Antagonist 

Music with tension and beat drops

Combination of shots

Quick and cross cuts

Diegetic sound of breathing and heart beats

Non-diegetic sound of eerie music

Shadows and movements

CHARACTERS:

In a thriller there is usually always a protagonist(main guy, hero) and an antagonist(bad guy, evil villain). 

The protagonist is often a brave song male who tries to make things better in the city and stop the evil antagonist destroying everything.

The antagonist is usually hard to visualise as they have a hidden identity. For example the Joker in Dark Knight hides his identity with face paint. The act they are taking part in is usually for revenge from something which happened in their childhood or indecent events. 

WHAT IS A THRILLER?

A thriller is a film which includes action and eerie events. It would usually consist of a battle between the protagonist and antagonist throughout the film. The story will include past events which where bad and build tension and suspense. The protagonist is there to restore order and justice, the antagonist is there to destroy it and destroy the city. 

THEMES:

The story line of a thriller aims to position the audience to feel the same could happen to them. It should make the audience feel scared and realise the possibilities of what can happen to you. It's created to look realistic, unlike horrors which have mysterious creatures which aren't real (zombies, vampires and devils). Thrillers appear scary as events such as gun shooting, kidnapping and murders are real and can unfortunately happen to anyone. 

SHOTS IN THRILLERS:

Close ups and extreme close ups of the protagonist which show his facial expressions which express emotions and feelings. There is also close ups of weapons which help show the audience which sort of battle it may be. 

As the antagonist hides their identity, there will be lost of quick cuts, shadows, silhouettes and over the shoulder shots. 

EDITING:

Jump cuts- helps make sense of the film.

Cross cutting- builds suspense which is essential for a thriller. 

Quick cuts- show parts of an object which help engage the audience. 

SOUND:

Sound and non-diegetic sound is used to understand the mood of the film and and characters. It will add suspense and tension. When the protagonist is marching away from the battle scene there is usually engaging/gripping music which has a drop in beat to keep the audience attached. The music will grow from slow to fast pace to make the shots more dramatic for the audience. 

MISE EN SCENE:

Location is important as it helps the audience establish the theme and understand what it going on. 

Costumes
-Antagonist will wear all black and usually a mask to help hide their identity.                                          
-Protagonist will either be in ordinary day clothes or a suit if the protagonist is a spy and agent like James Bond.

The setting is usually in a city which can involve massive explosions and car chases. 

Make up for antagonist can be dramatic to hide their identity. 

EXAMPLES OF THRILLER:

Hunger Games

James Bond

The Purge

American Psycho 

The Beach

Anatomy

Mission Impossible

Fast And Furious 

Children Of Man

Disturbia

War Of The Worlds

Taken

Vengeance