Research into the 'Thriller' Genre (Part 2)

                                              Research into the 'Thriller' Genre (Part 2)


The Storylines/ Characters that are typical of the 'Thriller' Genre-

Typical Storyline:

Usually, typical 'Thriller' films show justice and injustice, (or if not, good and evil) who are battling against each other. This appeals to the audience as it creates a feel of suspense.

The majority of the time, the identity of the antagonist is known to the audience and it is common for
the protagonist to intervene with their plans.

Typically, a 'Thriller' film will have a growing sense of danger, (and/ or threat) which an obvious sense of pursuit is presented to the audience.

'Thrillers' are usually shown from the protagonists point of view and may follow a series a events that they must overcome.

This means that it gives the audience the opportunity to form empathy for the characters involved and allows an overall connection between audience and protagonist to be formed.

(Information sourced from http://www.slideshare.net/Cissnei/conventions-of-thriller-films-and-tables-of-analysis)

Typical Characters:

The two main characters in a 'Thriller' are usually the protagonist and antagonist.

In particular, men who are exposed to danger in their career, (for example, a fireman, police officer, detective) are usually the hero in the film.

The antagonist is also usually a male. However, they are known to have a shady sense about them and are usually tall and/or slender in order to create a creepy atmosphere. The antagonist usually works alone.

Any other supporting characters are usually on the side of the protagonist.

In 'Thrillers', females are generally portrayed as innocent and/ or vulnerable until the protagonist requires her help.

Typical Clothing: 

Usually the antagonist will be dressed in a formal suit or form-fitting clothing, (such as a leather ensemble, for example). This is to emphasise their lean build and, in most cases, power.

This contrasts with the protagonists outfit which is usually casual, (a baggy shirt or loose fitting items, for example). They may also appear scruffy and/ or dirty after their journey which presents a sense of desperation for their plan to be resolved.

Typically, the chosen colour for the characters clothing is to draw parallels with their personality, (for example, villains usually appear in dark colours whilst protagonists are dressed in light/ pastel colours). This is to emphasise certain aspects of their personality.

Mostly, females are usually portrayed as being a 'dumb blonde' and, as a result of this, will be mainly dressed in revealing clothing that plays along with this stereotype.