Thriller Codes and Conventions

Content

NARRATIVE
STORYLINE

Psychological twists

Characters - Protagonist
                  - Antagonist
                  - False Hero

Troubled

Certain job roles: Military/Police/Detectives

Showdown - Action/reveals twists

Plot twits

- Race/Time limit


Form

Sub Genre
Layout & Structure

- Technical Aspects
- Camera/Lighting


Close up - facial expressions

Shot, reverse shot - Adds suspense


Sci-Fi Thriller - e.g. X Files/Legion/Independence Day

Comedy Thriller -  Ladykillers/Clue

Crimes Thriller - Bourne Trilogy/Se7en

Action Thriller - Green Zone/Kill Bill/Speed

Horror Thriller - Sixth Sense/The Others


Characterisation

Antagonist

- Costume - Smart but dark colours/Hat
- Passengers in cars
- Has a gang
- Wealthy
- Dark/Dimly lit/Shadows
- Underground
- A face that has history/Scars
- Male (most of the time)


Protagonist

- Disguise/hides identity
- Emotionally troubled - has something to prove
- Good looking/attractive/rough and ready (and looking good doing it)
- Street Smart/Rebel/Charming


Female

Love Interest/Sidekick/Inferior

- Can stand up for her
- Can be the antagonist
- Used by the antagonist


Narrative

Action
Script/dialogue

Enigma - mystery/puzzle

Thought provoking
Twist and turns

Cliffhanger

Disposal of evidence

Race against time/time and location/24 hr clock