Plot:
Generally, thrillers show justice and injustice, or good and evil, fighting against each other, giving an overall feeling of suspense. Most often, the identity of the antagonist (The character who is seen to oppose and contend against another) is known and the protagonist (the central character who engages the audiences’ interest and empathy) must intervene with their plans. A thriller film usually has a growing sense of threat and danger and there is a clear sense of pursuit, although they sometimes begin with a sense of equilibrium between the characters and go on to show the deterioration of events.
Narrative:
Typically a thriller film is shown from the protagonist’s point of view and following the events that the ‘hero’ must overcome. Using this point of view allows the audience to become absorbed in the events of the film and feel a connection with certain characters through their reactions and dialogue in certain situations.
Flashbacks are often used within the thriller genre, showing the audience events form the past or sometimes even the future allowing them to engage and gain further understanding of the plot. The antagonist or villain is sometimes shown in a flashback which creates empathy among the audience allowing them to possibly understand the reasons for changes in personality. However flashbacks can also create a sense of guilt for the audience.
The motive of the villain and their relation to the hero is what ultimately creates the narrative of the entire film and is almost always revealed towards the end of the film, which allows the audience to gain an understanding into why characters have acted in certain ways and said certain things. If the motive was revealed closer to the beginning of the film it would cause the storyline to become predictable and tedious for the audience. The concealed nature of this motive allows a build up of suspense, and the room for the audience to have their own interpretation on the action.
Setting:
The setting/location of Thriller films differs according to the particular storyline and characters used, for example a film based around the Mafia or a gang is likely to be set in an urban, city location, whereas a storyline following the abduction of a child would be more likely to be based in a rural location. The use of ordinary everyday locations allows the audience to have an understanding but also relate to the action and empathise with the characters.
-Lucy Everitt
