Conventions of Thrillers

• A thriller lies on a plot to create fear and tension.
• It should involve puzzles to make the audience think.
• The hero/heroine is seen in a situation that means they are in danger.
• Narrative (the plot) builds tension for the audience.
• They must have an ordinary location with extraordinary event and behaviour.
• The killer or villain ensnares hero/heroine through a series of intricate moves.
• Thrillers are usually centered around crime, and often horror.
• The hero/heroine is fallible.
• The audience are put in position of voyeurs.
• There is often a mistake of identity.
• Mirrors may be included to make it suspicious, and give a theme of reflections.
• Mazes and labyrinths are often used (real or psychological)
• Women are seen through a male gaze.
• There must be a build up to the action, which creates fear and a doubt over the characters.
• Dark, dull, shadowy atmospheres are ideal.
• Delay in showing the face of the main characters.
• Suspense using a soundtrack that fits well into the film.
• Flashbacks.
• Twists and unexpected things that might happen to create mystery for the audience.
• Realistic settings.
  
• Other types of thrillers can be; spy, science fiction, crime, action, supernatural, horror, psychological, animal, fish, birds and romantic/comedy.