• The Forms and Conventions of a Thriller

In media class, we have seen some of these conceptions of a thriller int he movies we have seen, for example in Alfred Hitchcocks movie, Veritgo, they use eerie music to keep the suspense of the film going, also he uses a flashback scene, which makes you ask questions about the story line and characters.

A build up to the action.

Creation of fear / apprehension / anticipation / unsettling feeling / confusion / doubt over a character.

Dark shadowy atmosphere (use of light and dark images).

Establishing mood and atmosphere throughout the film.

Delay in showing the face of a significant character, or the action of an important event by the first showing the hand of the character for instance or a reaction of someone watching the event.

Creation of suspense using soundtrack music - eerie innocent music?

Morally ambiguous central character - film noir (Seven)

Murder encouraging a suspecting audience.

Realistic settings to create a sense of 'the unusual' occurring within the normal setting.

Flashbacks.

Hero(ine) in situation of threat or struggle.

Red Herrings (Alfred Hitchcock movies)

Twists and unexpected turns (The Usual Suspects)

Making and keeping the audience tense and on the edge of our seats.

Cliff hangers.

Encourages us to ask questions.