What is a Thriller Film?

 

The thriller genre is full of specific conventions that the director and editors need to follow in order to create the right atmosphere. These have to be followed for a thriller to be considered a to have the right conventions. I am going to compare these conventions with another thriller  to see how the themes of saw compare to another highly rated thriller. All thriller conventions can also be based or changed depending on the director and editors used as they have their own opinions on how the conventions should be displayed to the audience.

The narrative is common to a thriller as an unknown man is in an abandoned room with low key lighting. To the audience, the opening scene is just as expected but the introduction of two key characters sets an enigma. Antagonistic music is played on and off during the clip to help increase the tension the film displays to the audience. The element of surprise this clip has increases in effectiveness as it goes on. The unexpected introduction of a second character is uncommon and throws the audience off guard. then the introduction of a third character (even though he's 'dead') was almost unseen in this type of scene. 

The opening to scream is completely different and more common sight in thrillers but i think that variation intrigues the audience more than similarities. Its far more effective to see something new than to see something that (maybe in a different form) but is basically the same. Common - one victim and on villain fight and the victim loses and dies. However Saw - three seemingly unlinked victims in a room, one of them dead, and are given clues on how to get out. 

I am going to use specific characteristics from this film in the making of my own thriller film. I want to use a similar soundtrack this film has used but also want to take the diegetic sounds from 'the strangers' to add a different type of effect. The Enigma as well as the narrative of SAW is twisted and clever so I would like to use the techniques used in this film but not necessarily a similar plot.

Enigma- a mystery is always set to entertain the audience.

Victim- a typical female victim is found to generate more horror and suspense.

Out of the 'norm'- a child can be used to fuel the genre and mess with the watchers head.

Antagonistic music- a slow beat witch gradually increases in pace. (can be associated with a heart beat).

Setting- dark secluded place with a link to the narrative.