Conventions of a Thriller

In our Media lessons we have learning about the different conventions of thrillers, and in every lesson we have identified that:

• There are extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations
• A protagonist who is systematically, disempowered and drawn into a complex web of intrigue by an antagonist
• There is a complex narrative structure, with false paths, clues and resolutions
• A narrative pattern of establishing enigmas which the viewer expects to be resolved
• The protagonist has a flaw that is exploited by the antagonist
• There is a crime at the core of the narrative which is often murder but not always
• There are themes of Identity, Mirroring and Voyeurism
• There is often a scene near the end of the film in which the protagonist is in peril

• Jeopardy and violent confrontations are standard plot elements
• Time is an enemy- race against time
• Moral choices are often faced by the protagonist
• Other characters may doubt the main characters beliefs and motives
  

Enigmas

A problem created by disruption. In thriller it is commonly something the protagonist has to try to find out or solve before the film finishes and the narrative resolved.

Red Herring

Used to divert the audiences attention from the truth and often creates suspense.

Cliffhanger
This is when the main character is in a precarius situation or has been confronted with a shocking revelation, this is used to entice the audience to keep them watching so they can