Generic conventions of a thriller film:
Lighting – Dark, noir lighting is used a lot in thriller films. It is used to place the audience in the same positions as the characters. It creates uncertainty, confusion, mystery, enigma, suspense and aspects of evil. Chiaroscuro lighting reinforces the sense of the nightmare illusion. It is also aesthetically pleasing and adds to the visual pleasure of the audience. It sometimes uses ambient (natural lighting) and non ambient (artificial lighting). There are many common lighting features to the thriller film such as dimly lit places and car headlights. Also the effect of the ambient lighting used to create big shadows making the character seem very eerie and maybe have two sides to their personality.
Sound – Diegetic (natural sounds in the film) and non diegetic sounds (un-natural sounds such as the film’s soundtrack). These sounds are used to create suspense and sometimes portray the characters emotions. Common diegetic sounds are normally the sound of the character’s footsteps, a car pulling up and braking and the character’s breathing.
Location – Isolated areas or claustrophobic space such as dark alleways, coffins (such as the scene in 'Kill Bill 2' where the bride is trapped in a coffin) and sewers like in 'The Third Man', where Harry Lime is trapped down in the sewers, making it seem like everything in his life is closing in on him.
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| This screen shot from the noir-film 'The Third Man' portrays the aspects of the Thriller genre because it is shot in black and white and has dark, chiaroscuro lighting. The gothic railings also gives reference to the genre, by putting a twist on a seemingly respectable house, portraying that there may be something strange going on or something is about to happen, which puts an edge on normality. The large shadow gives reference to the character 'Harry Lime' and the question that 'Holly Martins' is dealing with, whether he is good or evil. Also it shows that 'Holly' could have a spilt personality and that maybe he has a dark side as well. |
You've made some useful points about the conventions of the thriller genre but you references to research remain limited.
ReplyDeleteYour comments re Holly Martins on the stairs are confusing indicating you haven't re-watched this clip on youtube and done any research on "The Third Man".
Focusing in class and watching thriller films at home will develop your knowledge and understanding of the genre.
At present your analysis thus far is not at A Level standard in that it lacks coherence and commitment to research.
On re-reading your post I think you illustrate some of the conventions of the thriller genre thoughtfully. Thus reflecting your growing confidence with understanding aspects of the thriller genre.
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