CJ- Conventions of a Thriller

The Human Centipede (2010)

Conventions:

• A typical thriller introduction is by starting out with a lost person or group trying to find their way back. The location used is often dark, creepy and in the middle of nowhere. The clip of 'The Human Centipede' shows these typical conventions and how visuals are used to anchor the genre.
• Mise en scene is a big part of thriller films with props playing a key role. Establishing shots of sharp tools and weapons are often used to connote violence and gore. Thriller also contain alot of blood and dirt.
• Sound is used to reinforce the voilence and suffering in thrillers. Dialogue is the main sound used, with screming and crying being hugely popular. Another sound technique used is the sharp screatching sound track that is played over the top of visuals in order to build tension and bridge cuts.
• The prefered reading in a thriller film is that the main character is seen as sick and inhuman. The audience are supposed to see them as an alien type figure who does not have any morals or a conscience.
• Editing techniques used are, special effects and fast cutting rates. These are used to create tension and add confusion to the audiences mind. Special effects are used widely throughout thriller films due to their visuals containing alot gore, strange characters and weird locations.
• Thriller movies contain alot of different camera angles allowing for the many cuts. The audience often see alot of POV's and shot-reverse-shot's to see the reactions of the vunreable character.