Introduction to Thrillers

Thrillers in Film

Here I made a mind-map of the research I did about Thrillers before I begin researching the thrillers' opening sequences. I used a website called bubbl.us and the mind map I made is below.

Below, I have also provided notes on my research for opening sequence conventions:

•Thriller opening sequence conventions almost always contain a ‘dip’ into action. This is not usually fast paced, but the audience quickly gains a quick idea of the narrative enigma. An example of a real text is Drive by Nicolas Winding Refn (2011) where characters in cars are introduced. They appear to be thinking and the audience presumes that they have a destination to get to. 

–Sometimes, this convention is specifically broken when the characters appear to be performing daily, routine tasks, however, the enigma created, strikes a an anxiety of posing threats to the characters involved. An example is in Split by M. Night Shyamalan (2017) where the film opens with a father finishing up his daughter’s birthday party (this is soon turned into action where his daughter and her friends are abducted).

•The audience will also gain an introduction of characters and it is likely that they will meet or hear of the antagonistic character(s) in the first three minutes of the film. This helps form representations and encourages the audience to begin thinking about the nature of the characters. We can find an example in Jack Reacher by Christopher McQuarrie (2012) where a character (with conventionally mysterious/ suspicious props such as a firearm, sun glasses and latex gloves) is introduced.

•A dilemma or mystery is usually introduced which sets up the narrative of the film; this helps create enigma and immediately encourages the audience to form interpretations of the situation taking place. An example can be found in Fargo by the Coenn brothers (1996) where an obvious deal is being made.