Some Thriller Film Key Conventions and Techniques...

Here are just a few key conventions that are often used in thriller films.
1) Binary Opposites - used to show who is who and the 'divide' between characters in the film. These will quite often be hero/villain, cop/robber, girl/boy etc. For example; in World War Z, the hero was Brad Pitt's character and the villian (bad guys) were the zombies.

2) Femme Fatal -  a woman who is often the reason for the downfall of the men in the film, for example; Annie in 'Collateral', she comes between Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise's characters in the ending, when Tom Cruise dies. Also, most of the 'Bond' girls turn out to be in on the killing of Bond somehow,which is found out towards the ending. The femme fatal is often a seductive and dangerous character which disguises herself with innocence.

3) Mise en Scene (Props)- many props are used in thriller films, quite often mysterious and suspicious props such as briefcases and objects that seem innocent and play a big part in the story of the film. For example; the briefcase in Pulp Fiction, no one ever finds out what is inside but throughout the film it causes suspense and suspicion amongst the audience. Other props often include weapons and police props (such as handcuffs or inspector badges).

4) Low Key Lighting - low key lighting is often used as it creates eary atmospheres and gives the audience the feeling that something is going to happen. It raises tension and sets a dark and gloomy backround to the storyline. For example; the lighting in Shutter Island is always quite dark and bleak surrounding, especially as the inspectors are coming onto the island on the boat.

5) Close Up Shot - quite often used to show key features and facial expression of the characters. In thriller film, the close up of an object or a person may not seem important but soon the detail that was shown will play a big part in the conclusion of the story. For example; the close up of Marions's face in the shower as he is stabbed in Psycho. This shows the fear in great detail on her face, which is used to shock the audience even further.

6) Over the Shoulder Shot - used to give the feeling of someone being behind you or to put the main focus on the opposite character. These shots are often used whilst engaging in conversation with another character. This helps the audience get the feel for what the other character is seeing and experiencing. For example; an over the shoulder shot is used in Shutter Island when Teddy is engaging in conversation with the Deputy Warden.