Conventions of a Thriller

All genres carry there own expectations of what the audience want and expect to see, the genre of a Thriller is no different. A Thriller is obviously expected to thrill people– hence the title Thriller– with this in mind there are several different components that must be considered when producing one. For example people imagine a dark, dull setting that makes them un-easy as their has to be an element of suspense. The feeling of isolation is also another commonly used element within a thriller as it creates the feeling of being out of control and trapped.



Another commonly used tool when creating a Thriller is the use of enigmas. An enigma is something that leaves the audience asking questions. It is often used within Thrillers and Horror as it brings about suspicion and doubt within the viewers mind.

The sound within in a Thriller plays a vital role as it can set the whole tone of the scene. When asking people what music they would expect people often say a quiet, creepy song that sounds sad however a lot of Thrillers use the technique of contrapuntal music, which is when the music represents the opposite of what is going on within the scene, For example playing a happy soundtrack whilst someone is being stabbed on the screen. The effect of this is great, as it freaks the audience out which is ultimately succeeding the Thriller element of a Thriller.