Some Sub-genres of thriller include:
ACTION THRILLER
An action thriller makes use of physical action often between two characters in order to create suspense that a thriller has. Some of these physical action may include: Chasing, fights, battles or even physical stunts in order to achieve verisimilitude of action. within the film. Examples of action thrillers can be seen in these films:
The Dark Knight
Terminator 2
Codes & Conventions of an action thriller involve:
Camera shots - This is a key part of thrillers, different camera angles are used to portray the emotions, thinking and body language of a particular character to the audience. In doing this the audience is able to capture every reaction and response of the character and are able to understand the thinking and out workings of the characters. Camera shots can be used to show disorientation or can add to the dysfunction of the situation being displayed. For example in the movie 'Bourne Identity' at the very beginning, the first scene is of a boat on the seas while there is a storm outside. The camera shot is unsteady and moves as if it was part of the furniture in the boat. The audience are able to experience the storm and also will relate to how the characters may be feeling on the boat.
Fast pace music - Music involved in a movie adds a more dramatic feel within a particular situation, especially in a action thriller. For example making use of loud drumming when a chase is going on, it builds suspense within an audience and keeps them 'on edge'. Music can exaggerate a scene or it can belittle the importance of a scene.
Enigma - Enigma in a thriller movie is one of the key codes and conventions as this is what entices an audience into wanting to know how the story will unfold. The audience may not understand a concept used in the film but that unexpectancy and unfamiliarity will draw an audience in and create tension as well as mystery to what the movie will reveal next.
CRIME THRILLER
This sub-genre of thriller usually forms on a serial killer or murderer who has committed something that is lawfully wrong in the eyes of a particular community or opinion. Pure crime films focus on a particular crime,the mystery and suspense is created in how the crime is solved or being solved.
Codes and Conventions of a crime thriller include:
Low-key Lighting - Low key lighting adds much meaning when used within a film especially a thriller; as it sets the dark atmosphere that the directors would be trying to create. In doing this it gives selective lighting to objects or characters leaving others in the darkness for a specific reason creating mystery for the audience. In a crime thriller low-key lighting is a major aspect as physically it leaves objects 'in the dark' this reflects the film as all the characters involved are 'in the dark' about what has happened and is continuing to happen, but this is soon resolved as the story unfolds. It gives a more dramatic feel, this develops representation. As it tries to portray the situation as reality experienced by the audience.
This shot is an example of low-key lighting from the movie Night crawler. The director has purposely used one headlight in order to emphasize the situation. It puts one focus on the character and his feeling towards what is happening.
Slow-paced music - Compared to other genres Crime thrillers use a level of slow-paced music, in doing this it timing is prolonged. Most crime thrillers aim for the event to be prolonged as it would take time in order for the details to be uncovered, the timing for the issue to be resolved is what gives the audience a level of suspense and builds tension. The slow-paced music reflects the timing of the film but also creates a more developed focus on the thinking process of the investigators or policemen. There is use of both digetic and non-digetic sounds involved which will suit the situation.
Flashbacks - Flashbacks are usually used mainly in this type of genre film, as it either shows new details of an investigation or it shows flashbacks of previous information linking to the new information found and from this further creating a relevant solution to the crime. The use of flashbacks is helpful for the audience as it tracks them along with the unfolding of the plot as if they were the playing the role of the character in the movie themselves.
PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
A psychological thriller emphasises the psychology of its characters rather than a particular plot. It focuses on the ways and workings of either a particular character or characters. This is a thriller genre that not only involves a physical battle between the protagonist and antagonist but also a mental battle. Major Codes and Conventions of this genre involve:
Mirrors - Mirrors used in this form of film doesn't only just reflect a persons image but reflects ones soul and inner self. It foreshadows the darkness of a particular character. The mirror can show a darker version of the protagonist. In doing this it creates a double-sided personality of the character that the audience are forced to follow. The audience are so involved with the character it's creates tension and suspense with how the protagonist deals with the antagonist which is themselves. Using mirrors, the audience are able to make comparisons between the 'good' and 'evil' nature of the protagonist/antagonist.
Shadows - Shadows in a psychological thriller adds tension for the audience as they are unaware of who or what the shadow is. The audience is 'in the dark' just like the shadow, creating an inner fear of not knowing what will happen next. Shadows look more distinct in black and white than they do in colour, it evokes feelings of the audience by the daunting colours. Us as the audience are not aware of what we see in the shadows making us feel scared and emphasising the situation seen, in our minds we view it as a lot worse than what it would be if they just plainly showed it to us. We would think it is a villain but really could be a shadow of their 'darker side' haunting the character.
This shot is take from the movie 'Black Swan', the director Darren Aronofsky has purposely used the mirror to depict fear of the protagonist as the antagonist stares and haunts her.
This is a video from the same film portraying the effective use of mirrors in 'Black Swan'.
RELIGIOUS THRILLERS
Religious thrillers incorporate religious themes, including religious questions, ceremonies and objects. Religious thrillers include supernatural experiences not pertaining to a certain religion. Demon possession and church cover-ups are typical themes of Religious thrillers. This sub genre uses the history and myths of religion. Usually a religious artefact or historical secret is discovered, and different people and groups vie for control. Some icon Religious thrillers confronts the audience on a spiritual level and creates fear and curiosity for the audience.
Codes and Conventions of a Religious thriller include:
Sound/Silence - There is a lot of digetic and non-digetic sound and usually a soundtrack that sets the mood of the film. Although sound is used, silence is used widely throughout religious thrillers and other thrillers. In doing so, silence creates suspense and fear as the audience expect the next scene to be loud and 'scary'. The use of silence is a powerful tool to suggest fear or menace. The sound to a thriller movie would be incidental sound where the movie fits with the plot developing. Usually in a religious thriller there is loud screaming to evoke feelings from the audience and creating more mystery as to what will happen next.
Editing - In a religious thriller there is a vast amount of jump cuts and close-ups used, this causes audiences to get frightened easily by the quick cuts and extreme close-ups of either a face or a object. With quick cuts it creates an uncomfortable and suspenseful atmosphere, it often disorientates the spectator and creates on screen tension.
Annamarie-
ReplyDeleteStrong examples and indepth look at the factors that distinguish each sub-genre as their own individual film style. I’m pretty sure I asked for at least 6 of these and you’ve done 4. Still, the work that is here reflects solid research and awareness of how technical elements are employed for particular effects. Well done.
OVERALL: 8/10
- T. Marcus