Codes and Conventions ( Rebecca Ogunmola)

 The codes and conventions of a production allow the audience to identify what genre the film is. Within our opening sequence we aim to apply thriller codes and conventions to give it the characteristic which our film requires to make it effective. With the use of elements of sound and editing such as quick cuts, different camera angles as well as many changes and with music that delivers the feeling of tension as well as an upbeat racy sound to match the action etc. also the use of lighting elements such as shadow, mirrors and stairs as they are also conventions of thriller movies that can possibly be implemented in.

 The narrative of a thriller convention usually show what is happening from two points of view one being of the protagonist which involves the audience more in events and creates empathy for the character and the other of the antagonist. A thriller must also have a sense of reality in realistic locations and realistic situations, and also have everyman qualities which allow the audience to relate to the character.

 Enigmas are usually created at the opening sequence of a thriller and then as the film proceeds on questions are answered but mostly at the end of the film. Enigmas are created in a way in which the audience is drawn towards the film which makes them want to watch more.

 Mise-en-scene is a form of convention, elements of Mise-en scene which are normally used in thrillers are mostly dim lighting hiding parts to a character, large threatening weapons for props e.g. large knives, guns etc. Camera shots are normally point of view shots, frames within frames, or close ups. Often there is also a lot of camera movement. Colors are also used to signify different emotions like red connotes blood or danger, blue cold mystery or death.

 Themes that are usually associated in thrillers are mostly themes of manipulation, of perspective, doppelgangers. Isolation and entrapment are commonly used themes as well. Murder and terrorism are themes that are mainly associated within society which gives it more of a realistic feeling.