Thriller Conventions

When we watch a thriller we are able to identify that it is a thriller from recognising its conventions. These conventions can be broken down into four catergories iconography, narratives, themes and characters.

Iconography -
"symbolic representation, esp. the conventional meanings attached to an image or images."

Iconography includes:

• mise-en -scene
• lighting
• camera
• setting
• editing
• props
• colours
• dress

Narratives -

"n.

1. A narrated account; a story.
2. The art, technique, or process of narrating.

adj.

1. Consisting of or characterized by the telling of a story: narrative poetry.
2. Of or relating to narration: narrative skill. "

Narrative includes:

• plot
• structure
• events
• sound effects
• dialogue
• mood

Themes -

1. A topic of discourse or discussion. See Synonyms at subject.
2. A subject of artistic representation.
3. An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif: a theme of powerlessness that runs through the diary; a party with a tropical island theme.

Themes include:

• reactions/ responses
• what the film is about
• what the film makes us think about
• what it makes us question/think
• the 'idea' of the film, what underpins the narrative

Characters -

1. The combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another.
2. A description of a person's attributes, traits, or abilities.

Characters include:

• characters/ the roles they play
• charcacteristics/ features
• behaviour/ action/ motivation

Each of these catergories link to each other in one way or another such as iconography and characters or themes links with narratives.