Conventions of Thrillers

The thriller genre includes a wide range of films but it is possible to include some specific characteristics. The aim of the thriller is to create suspense and excitement for the audience. A thriller film often uses busy streets and environment of is usually urban or suburban areas. The narrative resolves around the investigation of an enigma or the hero is the only person able to solve the enigma and reveal the truth. Violence is often the main focus of the thriller. The hero often uncovers hidden societies that often controls the government or the police. They are often rational rather than supernatural. The hero and villain although on opposite sides, often share some characteristics. The hero is often an outsider, secretive but moral.
They also often have:

• Low-key lighting
• Quick cuts
• Tension music
• Changes in the angle of shots
• Diegetic sound of breathing
• Black and white shots
• Montage of shots
• Protagonist is in the mercy of the Antagonist

The protagonist is often a brave male who seeks to restore order.
The Antagonist will have a secret identity but will have met the protagonist at some point which has fuelled his need to go after the protagonist to begin with.
The Thriller storyline will also make the audience feel like it could happen to them and make them scared.
There is also lots of close ups of the protagonist.
The location is often important to the thriller and will set the scene to how it all begins.