Research Into Generic Codes & Conventions

Thriller movies create response through provoking the audience through the psychological experiences of the protagonist.

The first initial thing which creates an atmosphere is usually the credits which are also enhanced with sound, they are usually appropriate to the genre by being a particular colour or scary style. However some are normal but have a suggestive background.

The setting of the scenes enable the audience to sometimes b aware when something will happen and provokes a response to be more significant as they are already scared by the setting.

Sound is a huge factor for thriller films as it can be daunting which creates an atmosphere which is appropriate and enhances the terror within the audience. Loud sudden sounds are usually used to provoke response along with the mysterious/creepy soft sounds which indicates a lurking nature.

Characters are usually young teenagers who are vulnerable and somewhat considered less wise. Many teenagers are interested in thrillers and enjoy watching them for the thrills, this makes the films more scary as they can identify themselves within the characters.

Cinematography is used intelligently and usually creates lots of background space to enable room for unexpected happenings. However, extreme close ups are also used to limit the audiences view and allow a sense of an unknown surrounding. Establishing shots are also advantageous as they identify isolation in many thrillers.

We are going to focus on the teenage girls and the terror they face whilst being followed instead of the teacher for our opening sequence. This will make it a thriller and enhance the effect of it onto the audience because the victims emotions and reactions will be centralised through extreme close ups whilst intimidating non-diegetic music is playing. The characters will be casually dressed to show they are normal and makes the audience feel endangered as it could be them. Camera shots from both the girls and the teacher will give the audience a heads up for all situations and make them feel more involved but also create more suspense as they know what may happen. This is used in Final Destination (2000) where the director (James Wong) focuses on the victims and there deaths are centralised throughout. This creates tension within the audience and puts them in suspense as they are waiting for something to do but not sure who, what, where or when it will happen.