Research into Conventions - Miss Miller

Conventions of a thriller films

A convention of a thriller means to conforming or adhering to accepted standards. In a film, elements that are common within different film genre patterns that can be seen or used in different films from the same category. Convention of thriller films are used to create the main elements of shock, surprise and suspense for the audience, making the film more effective. By having these elements creates a relationship with the audience as it seems almost realistic. Some examples of conventions within a thriller film are:

• Female victim (usually young, attractive and clueless, making the audience sympathise for her when she is in danger)
• Iconography (weapons, representing a dangeorus situation)
• Antagonist/Protagonist
• Diegetic/Non-Diegetic sound- gets louder when the victim/protagonist is in danger.
• Low Key lighting
• Slow editing
• Enigma which creates mystery to the audience, leaving them with tension and ending up with shock.
• Eerie music (creates tension to the audience)
• Abandoned setting/dark/isolated
• Chase scenes, showing typical thriller content, antagonist after the protagonist.
• Hand held camera/POV
• Timing of shots- slow(creates suspense) or fast (informs the audience that a character is trying to get away or run away from something)

Re-do choose scene from Halloween 2

Individual narrative ideas- Miss Georgiou

A narrative is important because it is what the story is about within a thriller film, something that has happened in a story. This is the factor in the genre of a thriller which makes films so effective. Without a narrative, there would be no point to watch the film as there would be no storyline, the most important aspect within any type of film.

A narrative for a new thriller film

Creating my own thriller film; I was thinking of having the typical female victim in danger while the antagonist has specifically chosen to go after her. By doing this, would make the audience sympathise for her as she is powerless within the opening sequence. For the cinematography part of the scene, use a low angle when the antagonist is on the screen, this would then make the audience feel smaller than the villain and feel the same level of intimidation as the victim, making it relatable. To also make my own narrative effective, use slow editing and fast editing, this would make the audience sense panic and safety within the sequence. As it is going to be an opening sequence, the antagonist could capture/kill the victim, as she is captured away or killed with the antagonist running away. By having this as the end of the scene, would make the audience want to see what happens next and who else is going to be in danger.