2. OVERVIEW! Thriller is a Genre that includes excitement, suspense, and anticipation. The main aim of a Thriller is to keep audience on the edge of there seats in suspense, entrapped by the film and the excitement it offers.

4. Setting Conventionally Thriller settings are busy, and safe places. Such as the city/urban environment, or your home or school. On the other hand when it comes to typical Thrillers, at some point Thriller films conventionally include horrible unpleasant, dark places such as dark shaded urban locations, night time, schools, alleyways, apartments, sewers etc. In which most likely leads to death or murder/crime at one point. Examples: In ‘Blade Runner’ (Even though sci-fi, set in a different world). All locations a run down, urban dark environments. Creates a really dystopian feel to the movie, keeping the audience constantly weary and on alert.

5. Lighting Lighting is conventionally low key in Thriller. It is dark, and mostly natural and shadowy, which creates the grim mood for Thrillers. But typically, colours are added to the dim mood. These are de-saturated shots that include tints typically of Blues, and yellows. It is all interpreted differently by different viewers, but is used to effect the moods and feel of the film. Example: Within ‘Brick’ de-saturated shots are used to create a much more dull mood to the film, effecting audiences watching.

6. Props Props conventional to Thrillers are most likely weapons, which usually play a role in typical Thriller narratives. They provide the main source of crime/killing and are seen as Guns, Knives and most other stereotypical weapons. Other forms of props could be props linked to characters, such as sun glasses to hide identity, or bags/cases which usually contain some sort of significance in the film. Example: The suitcase used by the hitman in ‘Collateral’. Important to the character and the narrative. Seen as a plot device, that drives the plot forward.

10. Conventional Thriller: Antagonists (Villains) who disrupt the equilibrium. Archetype’s of Antagonists are: Convicts, Criminals, stalkers, assassins, serial killers, etc. Usually very intelligent and often are hidden for most of the narrative. They appear as very hard to stop. Protagonists (Hero’s) who resolves the problems and stops the Antagonist/Archetype’s are: Everyday/ordinary people, sometimes have dark pasts, law enforcement officers, detectives/police, innocent people. Often everyday people. Usually in the wrong place at the wrong time, and gets into a situation, or trouble. Protagonists usually have ‘flaws’ which are exploited by Antagonists.

11. Mise-en-scene Mise-en-scene is everything within the scene. Props, Costumes, Lighting, Makeup, Facial/figure expression, setting etc. PROPS: Props usually play big parts in Thriller narratives, and usually hold an important purpose, that is linked to the events or characters in the narrative. Most commonly, props are seen and used to show information about characters, such as their status, profession, role, personality, etc. Examples of some props in Thrillers could be phones, bags, possessions, weapons. They can also hold clues or sometimes even be used as a decoy/false clue to the viewers, twisting the story and leave questions. Showing the purpose of props usually relies heavily on the camerawork and how the director/producer chooses to portray them. Example: ‘James Bond’s’ classic, weapon. The gun with silencer, was one of his key main weapons throughout films he used in action.

12. COSTUMES/MAKEUP: Costumes can portray so much to audiences. Costumes can be used to identify, many factors about the characters, but also other elements of the narrative, such as the period of narrative, or the situation of characters in the scene. It also is used to emphasise many attributes of the character such as social class, status, personality, profession, etc. Costumes also are important conventionally as well, as costumes can be seen as Iconic. For example they are typically stereotypical/ordinary, or either dark, and very unusual. Make up always realistic, really tells the viewers of the characters situation in the current scene. It can also link to backgrounds of characters. Such as a Villain might stereotypically have a face disfiguration. Example: The Joker from ‘The Dark Knight’ has excellent makeup. Clown like face pain, even though he is not a clown, relates to how he wants to be seen. It also tells audience he possibly has mental health problems, as it is out of the ordinary. His facial scars also account for the facial disfiguration, which stereotypically, is commonly used on Villain characters.

13. LIGHTING: Lightings’ obvious function in a scene is to tell viewers the time of day or location/setting. It is often also used in a certain way to portray mood and have an effect on the audience’s judgement of the scene. Low key lighting, (dark/dull lighting) is used in Thrillers, as it usually reflects a much more grim mood, which is often linked to crime, suspense and other things linked to the Thriller narrative. Colours also are used, such as de-saturation, which give usually blue, yellow, or grey tints to the scene, altering the mood also. Example: In ‘Brick’, colours/lighting is de-saturated giving a blue tint. It makes the location seem far more dull and dim that it is, and it is used to alter moods of the film.

14. FACIAL/FIGURE EXPRESSION/BODY LANGUAGE: These things tell us a lot about the character, and the situation/setting/events they have been put in. You can tell much about a character through things such as eye contact, posture, gestures, tension etc. This especially useful when showing proxemics/relationships between characters. It enables things such as seeing a characters personality, profession, status, age, there power/weakness etc. Typically in Thriller it is obvious where characters fit under as expressions are realistic and similar to real life reactions of certain characters. Example: Things such as close up’s of fear are commonly used in Thrillers to really show emotions.

15. Cinematography Typically there are many shots/angles/movements commonly used in Thriller. Shot used usually include, Close Ups, APOV’s, two shots, wide shots and mid shots. Close Ups: CU/ECU are commonly used for detail. In Thriller detail can be used especially to put across feelings and emotions, and really get the audience to picture and scope in on details enabling them to get more attached, and pushing their emotions/feelings. E.g. An extreme close up of someone’s sad crying, red, droopy eyes would really make the audience see the distress the character is going through and see how the character really feels in regards to tension from their eyes. They also can also leave out things in the scene, making it linked to things such as hidden identity, or missing details, leaving suspense and a restricted narrative. Mid Shots: Mid shots are used mostly to show detail and emotion of a subject, and also shows some of the surrounding around. It is mostly used to show characters, are gestures and facial expressions and shows detail but not too much so that some of the content is not hidden.

16. Over the Shoulder Shot: This is mostly used to show either where a character is situated, where they are looking, or most commonly, for dialogue between two characters, still showing reactions and facial expressions of one another. It also shows the proxemics between the two and is a clear way of showing dialogue and who each one is talking to. It also allows audiences to be in the action. Can be used to build suspense and feel the tension. Which is key to Thriller’s as it is vital to get a real detailed attachment to the action/events taking place, especially between characters. Two Shots: Similar to the Shoulder Shot, this one is most commonly used to show the relationship between two characters, or an object still showing you their clear body/facial expressions. Yet again as characters are very important to driving Thriller narrative, it is key to see character conflict, reactions, interaction, etc. Wide Shots: These shots are often good as they allow you too see what is happening in the full scene, and allows you too see all possible action taking place in detail. It shows the surrounding, characters but is not too drawn back and far away so that detail is missed. Used to show what the whole body is doing, as well as seeing the basic features of a character and the situation they are in. Yet again key for Thrillers to be able to show action clearly, as well as characters response to surroundings, or just events taking place that will effect the narrative.

17. POV/APOV Shots: Point Of View shots/Associated Point Of View shots are used a lot to often show the audience where the character is looking or where he is in regards to the scene, and what he/she could be seeing. It is often used to put the viewers in the position more of the character, to see and feel what they are. Thriller really is character led, meaning its important to put audiences in characters’ situations and in the action, to enable the audience to feel more attached and understand characters and their roles in the film. Establishing Shots are used not so much in Thrillers, mainly to hide parts of the narrative and the setting making it more of a restricted narrative, which enables audiences to have questions and makes them think. Angles used typically in Thriller are many High and Low angles, Aerial Views are used occasionally in some Thrillers to create different levels, and a mixture of angles/shot types.

18. Low Angles: Low angles and high angles are used rather a lot. They are mostly used to shoot power and status usually of a character/subject. Showing power struggle between two sides. Typically Protagonist, (Good) side, and the antagonist (evil) side. Low Angles are from below a subject. This usually presents the idea of the subject having power, and dominance. Often Low angles are used to show characters such as the Antagonist, to show they have dominance and that they are to be feared. High Angles: High angles do the opposite to Low, and look at the character/subject from above making the subject seem weak. High angles are used mostly on characters such as victims, that maybe have been exposed to a negative event or action of some sort. Tracking Shot: Tracking shot/movement, is very typical of Thriller, as it really tracks the action, allowing audiences to really follow and get in on action in detail while still being able to clearly see what's happening.

19. Editing There are many typical editing techniques in Thriller which are used to inflict moods, or a feel alongside the narrative on audiences. Continuity Editing (Invisible Editing): This is used in most films. The purpose is to allow viewers to focus on the narrative and action, and really focus in detail on the plot, characters and events that occur, as these are most important in Thrillers. It is done by making the cuts link together smoothly, giving the idea that audiences should not even recognise the editing. This form of editing encourages viewers to feel the possible reality of a film, but also be then gripped to what's taking place and have an attachment to the narrative and how it twists, instead of being intrigued by certain moods and emotions inflicted by abstract editing.

20. Match on Action: This is extremely common in Thrillers, as the action that occurs in Thrillers is something that really can grip audiences and give it the typical Thrilling suspense and excitement. It is key to include action that revolves around the narrative, and match on action is used to follow action from a use of different shots that link an action together in a flowing and exciting manor. It allows viewers to see all that is taking place, but usually is done by using the range of shots at a fast pace to match typical Thriller action and build suspense. Example: In ‘Taken’ Liam Neeson’s character takes a man by the neck and throws him into a car in a brawl. This is shown through a number of different shots following the action. 180 Degree Rule: The 180 degree rule is usually obeyed in most successful films, unless used for a dramatic effect on the narrative. The camera is kept to one side of an invisible line, and can not cross over. It is used when shooting a scene that involves audiences to see and have a feel of the spatial awareness. It is very important also for showing dialogue between characters, as in Thriller it is key to show communication as characters are important. This is a rule in which shot reverse shot comes under and is used for, It also applies for most shots showing location in relation to a subject. E.g. If one character in a hat is first seen on the left and a plain character on the right, the camera should always show that the character with the hat is too the left of the other person, or else audiences could be confused on their positions in regards to each other and who is who.

21. Graphic Match: This is used in Thrillers to make an interesting and fluent change in shot, which usually represents a linkage between the two but possibly has a change in time, setting, location, etc. This clever way of shooting is done by matching one object/shape/direction/image etc, to another that is similar. The effect made is that one shot smoothly transitions to another showing a relationship between the two. Example: In ‘Brick’ a brilliant graphic match is used to make a transition into a new time frame and location. Graphic Contrast: Like Graphic Match this is used at the end of one shot and tied to another, but the next shot totally contrasts and opposes the other, whether its by shape, image, moods, events etc. This contrast can be used to show clear changes in the narrative, or can be used to really create a dramatic effect on the scene and the audience, sometimes making it uncomfortable for the audience to watch. This works well in Thrillers as Thrillers usually aim to create an attachment to audiences, making them really feel emotions and feels for situations that occur and character that are in them.

22. Sound When it comes to sound, usually there are two types overall, in which other forms of sounds used, come under. Diagetic Sound: This sound is found within the frame whether it is visible or not and is recorded as the frame is. E.g. A group of people cheering. Non Diagetic Sound: This sound is added in over. And is added usually for some sort of effect. E.g. Music. Dialogue: This is usually Diagetic, but sometimes enhanced, and is literally dialogue spoken by actors in the frame. This is very important in Thrillers as it tells us much about characters as character tend to drive the narrative. Ambient Sound: This is natural produced sound, heard within the background of a frame, usually in a certain location. This is important as it tells us of the environment and background location which is conventionally Urban in Thrillers Example: Bustling noises from crowds of people.

23. SFX: Sound Effects are added in (Non Diagetic Sound), usually to emphasize something or give it a real authenticity, giving something an effect or mood. This is typically used in a Thriller action scene to really create an extra desired effect. E.g. A building crumbling down. Pleonastic Sound: This is typically used in some Thrillers to create added effect on action taking place. It usually imitates and is linked to the action going on. E.g. Music sound track which really typically is fast paced, low pitched to match action and emphasise the suspense. Example: Psycho shower scene where music fits in with violence and action taking place. Contrapuntal Sound: The opposite of Pleonastic sound, it involves sound that completely contrasts and opposes what's seen on screen. It creates a strange disharmony effect seen as sometimes inappropriate.

24. Target Audience Typically Thriller is targeted towards both gender’s, but it could be argued that it could be slightly more towards male audiences. Stereotypically the main protagonist is usually male, but the film will include female characters. Thriller’s are usually classified and aimed at ages 15, (sometimes 12 or 18 due to content). This is because it is the widest audience group, in which films are still able to include forms of explicit content revolved around more mature themes, and audience are more likely to understand what is occurring. Class is a little more complicated, but is usually swayed towards to working/middle class, as it is argued that most ordinary people with everyday jobs are within this class, and they are able to identify with the ordinary protagonist characters and events within Thrillers. It is also holds the most widest audience. Thriller audiences are usually normal people with an interest in escapism from the world, and a liking for action, usually they have a liking to other genre's such as crime and action, as Thriller’s stereotypically contain both as a convention.

25. Taken (2008) – Action, Crime, Thriller – Age 15 certification BBFC Classification Guidelines: Language There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable. Taken - Contains some fowl language, nothing major or too bad. Sex Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Nudity Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. Taken contains many references to Sex, prostitution, and nudity, using explicit terms and graphic terminology, but no real strong scenes. Violence Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification. Taken does contain high levels of violence, such as torture scenes, but is justified by the fact that it is used for the right purposes, (Of getting his daughter back from the corrupted people that took her). But it is not shockingly graphic. Drugs Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable. No drug use is shown, but it is referenced, and implied that there is much serious use of drugs, but it is shown in a very grim way, showing the horrible outcomes of people forced to take drugs.

26. The Dark Knight (2008) – Action, Crime, Thriller, Drama – 12A Certificate BBFC Classification Guidelines: Language Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent. TDK: There is very minor use of language, and only moderate language is used, (For example, ‘shit’), but even so, not very often. Nudity Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet. Sex Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable. Virtually no sexual content, only a scene which implies that a couple had possibly just got down to, or was about to perform a sexual act, (However still not crude). Violence Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification. Contains many references to violence, and a strong nature of violence, but does not display much at all due to play on camera work and effects. Drugs Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail. Only minor use of alcohol and one dealer scene is shown, but even still, no use of major drugs is shown.

27. By Brandon Jewell