What is a Thriller Film?

Code and Conventions

 

There are many codes and conventions that make up a thriller film, and these are the features that puts a film into a particular category. Codes and conventions create numerous effects and play with the audiences emotions. Common, well known conventions of a thriller film consist of; enigma, this is the mystery that is always set within a thriller. Representation of characters, always good and evil and for how the victims are being presented as being weak or at a disadvantage, for example in Cabin in the Woods they're in a remote area with a disadvantage of being able unable to escape, at the same time as being chased by strange creatures that are out to kill them all. Low key lighting, this is to create distant shadows and silhouettes to portray mystery within characters.The well known setting of abandoned, dark places where victims can never be heard. Types of editing such as slow editing in order to match up with the themes of shock, surprise and suspense that should be portrayed within the film. Iconography plays a big part as there is always going to be the murder weaponry used in the killing scene, with the typical ones being a knife, gun or some form of metal. The use of color usually through clothing; victim dressed in white to show innocence and venerability, killer dressed in either brown or black to keep their identity hidden and show dominance, an example of this is in Prom Night.

Saw 1 Opening Scene Analysis

Through watching the opening scene of Saw 1, the audience are able to understand that it is a thriller due to the codes and conventions, but also crosses over with the category of horror due to the blood and gore.

There is a clear venerability through representation of characters, but not the typical female victim, instead two male victims, although at the disadvantage of being chained by the foot, restricting movement and any chance of escape, due to the two characters being chained, this creates an enigma as the audience may question 'why are they tied up?'. This also relates to the plot that the abandoned bathroom in the unknown building is assuming the place of their death. These four conventions; setting, enigma, plot and representation of characters closely link and give clear understanding to the audience, enough to create dramatic irony of what will happen to the characters next with the mystery from the enigma. Representation of characters show specifically their role, on whether they play the victim or the killer, at an advantage or disadvantage.

From the very beginning of the opening scene it is low key lighting, in order to show minimal detail of the character that awakens in the bath. This creates an enigma as the audience wonder who it is. In panic the man begins to shout for help, and parallel as well as non-diegetic sound is heard. From the dramatic irony of the opening, the audience are able to see roughly the environment and setting that he is in from the blue back lighting, more of which he can see. The fact that the lighting is blue creates an atmosphere of confusion, this itself relates to the reality of the scene. The parallel and non-diegetic sound combines well as it builds tension within the audience. Off-screen sound then follows by the second but unknown character in the room as he speaks, which creates mystery for the audience as well as to the seen victim. When the key lighting is turned on in the bathroom, the contrast from dark to almost a strobe light effect, with the blurred camera effect also portrays confusion; this lighting is followed by a jump cut editing style. This jump cut focuses on a supposedly dead body in the middle of the room. This editing style is immediately followed by a reaction shot, focusing on the shock of the two victims. This creates understanding for the audience of the characters emotions. Sound, editing, colour and lighting are key conventions of a thriller film in order to create a specific atmosphere and building of emotions. These elements created relate exactly to conventions of a thriller film.

This opening scene helps to define the genre as it ticks all the boxes on conventions of a thriller film; the enigma, setting, sound and so on. By watching this opening scene helps me as I begin to plan my own thriller. I plan to follow the conventional guideline that Saw has followed productively, and use elements I feel have been portrayed well in my own thriller opening.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Watching the basement scene in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ the audience are able to identify through codes and conventions that it is a mystery thriller; continuous suspense is built up throughout, with the mystery finally revealed towards the end of the film.

There is a clear differentiation between the victim and the villain just by looking at the positioning of characters. Even though it has not got the commonly used women/child, Bloomvist is placed in a restricting movement device, also being under the influence of drugs making him extremely drowsy, therefore being unable to escape or defend himself. This portrays to the audience that he is the victim due to his vulnerability. Whereas Martin sits comfortably on a chair, with no restrictions. This also portrays to the audience that he is the villain, holding Bloomvist captive. The idea of how much the characters are able to move gives a clear understanding of who is the dominating character. Why Bloomvist is tied up creates an enigma as the audience begin to question ‘why has Martin tied Bloomvist up if he’s trying to help his family?’. Positioning of character is very important when trying to differentiating what role is played by the characters, but within this scene it is very clear who the victim and villain are.

The setting of the scene gives the impression of an isolated area, where Bloomvist cannot be heard; this follows the common plot of someone dying at the end of the film. The fact that he is placed against a plainly tiled, white wall with high key lighting verifies that Bloomvist is the victim and at this point of time his life is in great danger. Martin contrasts, as he is sat in black clothing in a low key light area of the room, which portrays his power. The setting plays a big part of a film as it can give a sense of danger, as it does within this particular scene. Lighting and colour also do this, as well as making the characters emotions clear, portraying dominance and vulnerability.

The dominating diegetic sound of Martin’s dialogue voicing his story of the truth; explaining his character and his importance in Bloomvist’s investigation, revealing that he is the killer. Non-diegetic eary sound is also included to help build tension, as the audience are eager to find out what’s going to happen next. Whilst Martin begin to mention about his father he begins to scratch his hand; this is a sign of weakness as he becomes nervous. As he gets up and moves around the room the audience can notice that is face is never shown against the same, white wall as Bloomvist. His body passes it but his face is always cropped off. This shows that he does not want his identity shown in such a clear lighting. This is conventional as villains never like to reveal their identity, they always like to create a mystery, this is done through the shadows created on his face whilst against a dark background. Sound is vital within a film as within a film it is what helps to build the most suspense and tension, keeping the audience on their toes.

This scene consists of many deep focus and mid shots, making the character seem as if their in the lime light, with the background blurred. This helps to portray the characters emotions clearly to create a better understanding for the audience. The audience become aware that Martin is filming Bloomvist whilst at his worst, this shows that Martins character is extremely unstable. Although him doing so clearly show his plan of action for what he does in the story that he explains to Bloomvist. The use of different editing styles is important as it’s what puts the film together to create meaning and make the film run smoothly. The editing styles used within this scene focus on the characters and their emotions to give the audience a greater understanding.

This basement scene is the scene that reveals the truth of the enigma that is created throughout. It connects to all thriller conventions; sound, enigma, lighting, positioning of characters and so on. Watching this scene helps me to understand what aspects I need to focus on when creating my own 2 minute thriller opening.