Research into conventions of the thriller genre - Miss Miller

In this essay I will research and discuss the typical conventions used in the thriller genre. Conventions are many different techniques that often appear in genres to create some sort of effect.

I will be exploring the different conventions that  are used in the following clip:

Blonde female victim:

This first noticeable convention in this clip from Disturbia is a blonde attractive female victim, this is put in place as the audience can easily relate to her as she is a very normal person and this makes it seem like it could happen to anyone. The fact she is also a woman portrays her being much more vulnerable as a victim. A blonde attractive female is very desirable to the audience and the male viewers may find her attractive; this makes the audience want her to be saved and when she is in danger they may feel more nervous. This convention is often used in thriller films as it creates a relationship between the character and the audience as they can relate to the female victim and put themself in the same situation as them, and furthermore it builds tension when the victim is in danger.

Tense music:

Tense music is also used in this clip when Shia LaBeouf is looking out the window. The effect of using tense music here is that suspense is created as the audience are waiting to see if the antagonist is going to find them. There is also an absence of music when Shia LaBeouf unties himself, this again creates suspense as there is silence and the audience are waiting to see what is going to break the silence. The convention of tense music is often used in thriller clips as it adds to the tension that is being portrayed visually. 

Low key lighting:

Low key lighting is a convention used in this clip, this is when the lights go off in the room. Low key lighting is used to create suspense as it hides objects and characters from the audience, and they are left to wonder what may be lurking in the shadows. This is relevant at this part of the clip as the two victims are being chased and the audience are therefore wondering if the antagonist is hiding.  Low key lighting is a strong convention of the thriller genre as it creates an enigma and also builds a scary setting. 

Weapons:

The convention of weapons is used in this clip, we see this through the use of a knife, which both the antagonist and protagonist has. This convention is used in the thriller genre as a symbol of confrontation; it informs the audience that a fight is taking place. The use of a weapon is used also to build tension, the audience are concerned that the protagonist may get hurt, but at the same time they are urging the protagonist to fight the antagonist off with the weapon. The weapon in this clip also changes hands a lot, this creates further suspense as the audience are hoping that the knife does not end up in the hands of the antagonist. The use of a knife makes the scene seem more realistic as a knife is an everyday object that may be used, where as if a gun for example was used it would seem less realistic. The idea of killing someone with a knife is also another way of building suspense, it would be a long drawn out death compared to a gun. The convention of a knife is often used in the thriller genre as they create tension and show that someone is going to get hurt. 

Family home:

This scene is set in a family home, this is a convention that is used in a lot of thriller films. The fact that what is happening is in a ordinary location makes it seem much more realistic to the audience as it is a location that they can relate to. This also means that they will be much more scared as they will feel although this could happen in their family home. This is a convention that we are seeing used much more frequently in modern day thrillers, this is because its an alternative way of building suspense and is a change from the usual deserted locations which we used to see in thriller films. 

To conclude, a lot of the usual conventions are used in this thriller clip, this is what makes it such a tense scene. Analysing the conventions that have been used in this thriller have allowed me to see why each convention is used and what type of effect it has on the audience, this will enable me to chose the relevant conventions that I need to use in my opening sequence. I have also noticed the significance of a female victim, they allow the audience to relate to the victim, thus building much more tension when the victim is in trouble. For this reason I plan to use this convention in my opening sequence.