1. By Tara Smith

2. The genre of a film dictates how the film will be presented, the cast involved, and the overall storyline. When creating a thriller film the essential micro features that have to be focussed on are editing, Mise-en- scene, sound and cinematography. These often are used to create intense or suspenseful situations. Genre

3. The Thriller conventions (opening sequence)

4. Editing conventions within the thriller genre are often focused around creating an uncomfortable or suspenseful atmosphere as quick cuts and changing camera angles are often used which disorientates the spectator and creates an on screen tension. Tension is vital in the thriller genre as it sets a steady pace throughout the film and then it is able to explode with catastrophe or an unexpected resolution. Editing

5. Mise-en-scene conventions are also very important to the thriller genre as many props, sets or locations can have sinister or tense connotations. A technique often used within mise-en-scene is the use of mirrors which might connotate how the characters have to reflect on what they have done or might do and also show how they look at themselves and the many different ‘faces’ they have.. Another technique is the use of stairs which might show how characters might have higher or lower ground showing the use of power some characters have over others and also the use of climbing up/ falling down stairs which might connotate how a character is rising to a challenge or falling from their powerful state. All of these techniques relate to the iconography of the thriller genre such as confined spaces, bars on windows or street lamps. Blacks and whites are also used as a convention of thrillers as it shows the sinister side of the film and the cold harshness which many thrillers portray For example Frank Millers ‘Sin City’ shows extensive use of black and white to portray the harsh narrative. Mise-en-scene

6. Sound is used to create tension with eerie or intense music being played either as diegetic or non-diegetic material within the scene. High pitched sound is often used as it makes the spectator uncomfortable and anticipates the unexpected. Many other uses of sound are used in thrillers and even within dialogue is usually unique to other genres as inner monologues or perhaps narrators can be found in many thriller films which create a more direct tension to the spectator making it seem as if they are experiencing the film from the characters point of view. Sound

7. These shots and angles are used in greater doses and with faster transitions from one to the next in thrillers. In conventional thriller films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ 1960 camera angles are used more excessively such as within the scene where Master Norman Bates is having a discussion within Marion Crane. Cinematography

8. Audiences watch thrillers for the excitement and the fear. The protagonist is usually faced with dangers which help create excitement that eliminates a small amount of tension until a suspenseful scene takes over. This is then followed with the greatest danger of the film at the end with the antagonist, which could result in resolution…or catastrophe. Thrills

9. Techniques such as the use of shadows and bars can be found to be used more excessively within film noir thrillers and as a result of this tension and suspense has a greater effect. The effect is heightened because of the film has been edited in black and white or grey scale to enhance the suspense. Film noir

10. Thriller characters can be found to have darker or sinister motives than others, they usually have been trapped in a situation and might feel they have hit rock bottom. These characters are used to portray the ‘Underdog’ which is conventionally used for the main male role who might not be the ideal hero or traditional protagonist but proves himself throughout the film to be kinder and more good willed than initially thought. Also the most conventional character of the thriller genre is the ‘Femme fatale’ theory which is usually used to portray the main female role. The femme fatale is usually shown to be a lot stronger and independent than most female roles, she is also shown to be colder and not as innocent than females are usually portrayed. Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ 1994 shows the most conventional Femme Fatale through Uma Thurman’s portrayal of the character Mrs Mia Wallace. Characters

11. In conclusion the thriller genre has many codes and conventions which may portray sinister motives and dark characters. Mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound are used in thrillers to show these conventions and are important to generate tension and keep the spectators in suspense. Conclusion