Conventions of thriller films- Miss Miller

Conventions; in the context of media, generally refers to a aspect of film with is particular within a certain area or genre. For example typical conventions of a action genre include explosions, lots of special effects and weapons (iconography).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LRQBTIo9o8

Firstly the main convention that we are immediately made aware of and our attentions are draw towards are the mystery antagonists. Their concealed identity helps to build mystery and tension as we, the viewers, are unaware of the killer, suggesting that to the viewers that anyone in there everyday life's has the potential to become a killer as long as their identity is concealed. The mysterious identity concept also creates an enigma; a common feature within the thriller genre as it is attractive to the audience and helps build tension and suspense within a narrative as the audience is scared of the unknown. The effect on hidden identity keeps the audience guessing as to whom the antagonist is keeping them engrossed in the narrative. This is relatable to the thriller genre as the feeling of mystery is what Thriller directors hope to achieve, making the film as relatable as possible to make it feel as though it could happen to the viewers is what really helps to build suspense and make a thriller film excellent. 

Next is low key lighting which is prominent in many, if not all Thriller films. Used in effect with a low angle in the screen shot above it creates a sinister, frightful effect as dark colors and lighting connote death and fear, the primary themes explored in the thriller genre as they help to build tension. This clever use of lighting subliminally makes the attacker appear more dangerous and scary to the audience making them feel more scared towards the antagonist and therefore increase the tension within the film. Low key lighting is used in many thriller films as it creates the effect that many thriller directions are looking to achieve, mystery being the primary one as the darkness that the low key lighting gives obscures the killers identity, which again promotes the earlier mentioned convention of hidden identity. 

The antagonist moves at a slow pace to present the idea that they are confident that they will kill the character in the end. The slow walking pace builds tension as the killer (in this case, the 'animal man' climbing through the window) gets closer to the victim. Tension is built as the viewers begin to question whether the killer will get the victim. The convention connotes a sense of insanity within our antagonist. He is so mentally deluded he believes he doesn't even need to run to catch the victim and remains confident that he will kill them if not now then eventually. This furthers the tension within the clip as if the audience believe the killer is more mentally unstable he is then more, dangerous and unpredictable, keeping them at the edge of their seats guessing what he will do next. The speed at which the antagonists move is a generic thriller concept that is more unique to the thriller genre particularly than any other, we see the effect used in many other thriller films including the opening of the Halloween clip which can be seen bellow.

25th - 30th second into the clip 

Sound is also a key aspect of thrillers however specific sounds used in my chosen clip are conventions of the thriller genre in particular. My clips choice of music is a common choice within most thrillers as it helps build tension. As the music frequency increases as to does the tension as the high frequency invokes a sense of excitement and panic which is exactly what thriller films are looking to do as amongst the 'shell shock' effect that the non diegetic music is creating tension is building. The tense, eerie music helps promote a sense of confusion and panic amongst the audience as well as they where completely unaware that that was about to happen as the sounds leading up to that clip where contrapuntal to the sound we hear in the 25-30th second. The music is relatable to what the audience is seeing on screen and so it helps to further the suspense as the antagonist makes his presence known. 

Although all modern films feature sound the effect that the sound creates, whether it be diegetic or non-diegetic varies between the different genres of film. While action will look to use more exciting, fast paced music soundtrack e.g. Monty Norman's iconic 'James Bond theme' in the James Bond films. Thriller films will look to use a more suspenseful piece with pauses such as "Ironsides" by Quincy Jones, which was in the Kill Bill films.

The research I have carried out today has helped in the future preparation of my thriller film as I am now able to correctly identify the conventions of a thriller film and take inspiration from what I have seen and learnt and apply these conventions effectively to my thriller opening, making it a more generic thriller opening and therefore achieve a higher mark.