Conventions: Thrillers...

- “By definition, if a thriller doesn't thrill, it's not doing its job”.

In order for a thriller film to “thrill”, certain conventions are usually followed.  The most basic of these are things such as atmosphere. Thriller atmospheres are usually menacing, violent and mysterious. Through atmosphere comes tension, which is vital in a thriller film. Atmosphere can do many things, such as make society look like a corrupt and dangerous place to live in, and it can manipulate emotions and mood.

The way in which mood and emotion is manipulated is very important, and can be what ultimately defines the film as a thriller. A thriller must cause arousal, and make the viewers adrenaline rush. The viewer should be anticipating the next big twist in the plot, and must be kept at the edge of their seat. One way in which thrillers do this is by covering up important information from the viewers. This can create anxiety, high expectations, and even terror.

Moreover, different thriller sub-genres have various different conventions that they follow. For example, crime thrillers will consist of ransoms, heists and revenge. Psychological thrillers may contain mind games, stalking, and obsessions. A mystery thriller would usually have investigations, and the “whodunit” technique commonly used. There are many sub-genres in the thriller genre, and each one has their defining conventions.

Other features typical to thrillers are the type of characters in the film. Characters will usually be criminals, stalkers, innocent victim, psychopaths, police and more. Plus this depends on the sub-genre of the film too. Another thing worth noting is that thrillers typically take place in ordinary cities and environments. This is so that the viewer is easily able to relate to the area, therefore making the film more psychological.