Thriller (Main Characteristics and Conventions)

Some of the primary elements of a thriller film are:

• The film's narrative is always mainly through the eyes of the protagonist and follow's their journey. This is prioritised over the narrative being based through the eye's of the antagonist although parts of a thriller film can majorly revolve around the antagonist.
• The initial force/motive of the antagonist is much more superior to the protagonist. This is normally resolved through the protagonist training and requiring the help of other protagonist to help them overcome the antagonist and become superior. The training/preparation for the confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist is also a vital part of this in order for the protagonist to become superior and this normally occurs during the middle section of the film (this can be seen during the three act structure post I have already posted).
• The main structure/storyline of the film is the protagonist's quest to overcome the antagonist. On this journey, they typically experience death and danger to ensure that they become stronger and more motivated to eradicate the antagonist. Either by accident or purpose, a character must be put into a dangerous situation which either they or with the help of other protagonists have to overcome. The danger/death is normally produced by the antagonist to 'get the ball rolling' and get a reaction from the protagonist(s).
• The protagonist's quest is typically for justice, freedom, retribution or morality. This quest cannot be stricken and put down as it is the main bulk of a thriller film.
• There has to be an element of innocence and faultlessness during the film as it contrasts with the main idiosyncrasy of death/danger and corruption. The innocence which is portrayed during the film is typically for the protagonist as they have a motive (or another motive alongside another reason) to overcome the antagonist and restore order. But, what can sometimes happen is that the innocence which is shown isn't always what we think and the protagonist can sometimes come under danger from this innocence (innocence is normally in the form of a woman - femme fatale).
• A huge element of thrillers is suspense. This elaborates onto mystery, and things that are unpredictable. Thriller have to intrigue the audience into being fascinated with the narrative, and features such as suspense, tension, uncertainty promotes this particular fascination and audience pleasure. In addition, the element of suspense makes the audience feel on-edge as they are unsure of what to expect (uncertainty) and it also makes them want to watch further on because they wan to find out what happens. Suspense in a thriller film is normally portrayed during the protagonist's quest to overcome the antagonist as they may come across obstacles which produce danger, confusion and may hold them back from reaching their goal, ultimately arousing suspense for the audience. There are two types of suspense - the desire for everything to come to a successful and positive conclusion for the protagonist(s) and the uncertainty of what we actually know is going on and what we anticipate is going to happen.
• Protagonists in thriller films are mainly (but not always) ordinary people who have been introduced to danger and a situation unintentionally. But, this is not always the case as some protagonists in thrillers are actually already 'hard men' and have the abilities and skills needed to overcome the antagonist and the dangerous situation presented. Although these particular protagonists still normally go through a stage of training and preparation in order to defeat the antagonist, they have already originally acquired these skills whereas protagonists who have unintentionally entered a situation and are faced with danger (ultimately leading them to having to overcome the antagonist of the film) have to train and acquire the specific skills and abilities needed to restore order.