CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF CHOSEN GENRE

 Codes and Conventions of the Thriller Genre

As established before, we have chosen the Psychological Thriller Genre. So there are a few things that we should keep in mind. First of all, we should be using semiotics, to convey quirks. For example, we can show the character cleaning his hand repeatedly to show that he has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. 

There are a few technical elements to also cater for

1. Low key lighting
2. Quick cuts
3. Shadows
4. Tension music
5. Diegetic sound of breathing
6. Montage of shots

The character is usually a brave male standing bravely against all odds. The storyline is designed so the audience will think that it can happen to them, which makes them scared. There will be lots of close up shots of the protagonist, usually to show emotions and reactions. A lot of jump cuts are used because many things are happening at the same time. Continuity editing and cross cutting will also be a key feature throughout the film.

The music will be used primarily as a tool to add suspense in the film. It starts of slow and then builds up the drama for the audience. Eerie sounds and high tension music is also frequent. The mis en scene is very important. The costume design is to be meticulous. The antagonist is to wear dark clothes. Protagonist is in more colorful and in-fashion clothes. Common props include knives and guns. 

Low-level lighting is used generally as it creates suspense and tension. In some film it is used to create shadows which makes the audience feel fear and tension.

Some famous examples of psychological thrillers are Shutter Island, The Woman in the Window, The Girl on the Train, and Memento

We have understood the basic conventions of the thriller genre, and we'll be talking about different aspects of filmmaking in our next blog. So looking forward to see you. Cheers!