Conventions of Thrillers

Relatively Normal Settings

In thrillers, the setting is never somewhere completely out of the ordinary like a mystical island. The setting is normally in a place, which is accessible to the audience adding a sense of realism to the film, making the film more connected to its viewers. Examples of settings are cities, small towns or holiday locations. In numerous thrillers, the film is set in the suburban areas of America, which is similar to where the majority of the target audience live so they can identify easily with the film. For example, in the film Donnie Darko, the entire film is based in a small town in America. Rather than having the lead character going looking for adventure, instead the events and happenings are situated within the small town.

Relatively Normal Characters

Another stereotypical aspect of Thrillers is the type of characters found in them. Usually, they are middle class people; more often than not have some connection with the law. Either they are involved in crime solving, such as in Se7en where Morgan Freeman plays the part of a detective, or have some kind of run in with the law, like in The Usual Suspects. Characters are seen as relatively normal people in relation to other films. This is again to achieve a sense of realism.

However, characters often have a suspicious complex giving them some kind of unknown. This is usually kept unknown throughout the majority of the film. In Se7en, Morgan Freeman is kept distant from the audience, which raises suspicion with the audience, thus creating tension and suspense.

Twists

In thrillers the plots always consist of some kind of deception, be it through a Mcguffin, or deception of character. Psycho shows both of these conventions through the use of the money to motivate the plot and the character of Norman Bates turning out to be a schizophrenic. Due to the plot always having twists it keeps the audience focused and on edge. Also, it keeps the audience questioning what’s going on, often disorientating the viewer through the misleading hints throughout the film.

Music

Throughout every genre of film music is used to establish the tonality of films, thrillers are no different. Thrillers’ music often focuses around a singular melodic idea, which is either repeated for an indicator of suspense or developed into a full piece of music. They are often very simplistic melodies with clashing dischordal harmonies. These melodies are often what directors rely on to create the suspense rather that what’s going on in the film. A famous example of this is Psycho - throughout the entire film, the music is based around the sharp violins that go in time with the stabbing motion.

Suspense

This is vital in any thriller, whether it be a crime-thriller or a psychological thriller; there is always an air of suspense. Through keeping the audience on edge, the audience remain engrossed in the film. This suspense is often created through the various methods above. One film that is exceptionally successful at keeping suspense throughout the entire film is Funny Games. Throughout this entire film it managed to keep me on edge this was achieved through the named methods above as well as the lack of music. Usually the music allows the audience to predict whether or not something is going to happen. Since the director takes this key element away, it means the audience can no longer rely on the music to indicate when something significant is going to happen.

Lack of resolution

Another aspect that directors have recently adopted for thrillers is leave the film open ended, suggesting a hint that whatever is classed as the “villain” is still out there. Through keeping ideas unfinished, it makes the audience question whether or not they are still out there. The Usual Suspects does this magnificently, not only does it suggest that someone is still out there but also leaves the audience questioning whether the entire film is a lie made up by the lead character, who is the villain.