Narrative in Thriller films

Today in Media we practiced using jellybaby sweets to set out different scenes and shots of different Thriller narrative perspectives. The important things we have learnt that are important of setting  a Thriller narrative are :

Binary opposition : Protagonist/Antagonist or Male/Female , opposites are normally used in Thrillers. This can be mixed up sometimes by having a good guy turn out to be the bad guy.

Open or Close : Thriller films tend to follow an Open narrative which keeps the audience guessing.

Enigma Code : Where the audience asks questions which aren't answered until later.

Location : This is important in Thrillers as it can hint towards different possible plots. For example a

Time : Some Thriller films can use Flashbacks , Flashforwards , dream sequences etc. to confuse the audience and keep them guessing. We have decided as a group that Flashforwards are too complicated and Flashbacks are more appropriate.

 Jellybaby Narrative :

This shot shows the main character alone in a woods. This is typical as it is mysterious and keeps the audience guessing where he is or why he is there.

 

This next scene shows a crime scene with the investigators surrounding an impaled dead body. This establishing shot sets the mood and tells the audience it's a Crime/Thriller

 

One key part of a crime scene is when the main guy finds some evidence which changes opinions on who is the murderer.

 

This shot is a close up of the main characters face. We normally get close up on facial expressions in Thriller films. As we can see in the picture the guy is disturbed by what he has found.

 

After realising who the killer is, a chase scene erupts. We thought that action is a typical Thriller feature and mostly the baddies are chasing the good guys as we can see here.

 

Sometimes in Thrillers extreme methods and stunts are used as we can see the character parachuting out of helicopter. This adds to the tension and danger of the movie.

 

In every Thriller film there is a stand off between a Protagonist and Antagonist. It is normally in this scene when the villain is revealed. Also it is in extreme situations as we can see here elevated on a skyscraper.

 

Danger is a typical Thriller feature used to keep the audience on edge, as we can see here the two main characters have fought and fallen off the building.

 

Gore and violence can sometimes be a typical Thriller movie. Here we see the Antagonist killed in extreme circumstances.

 

Since crime is a big feature of Thrillers, a trip down to the station for the villains is normal. Here we see the co-conspirators of the murder being identified.

 

A sense of heroism and accomplishment is typical for the Protagonist in Thriller movies. Here we see the police investigator getting an award for his services. However not all ends well.....