Conventions of Films Linked to Thrillers - Horror

Horror films use things such as 'the supernatural' as a classic convention of its own genre. The use of things such as ghosts and zombies help create the horror within the film. The Conjuring (2013) is a perfect example of a horror film which uses the supernatural as the plot line shows :

'In 1970, paranormal investigators and demonologists Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed (Patrick Wilson) Warren are summoned to the home of Carolyn (Lili Taylor) and Roger (Ron Livingston) Perron. The Perrons and their five daughters have recently moved into a secluded farmhouse, where a supernatural presence has made itself known. Though the manifestations are relatively benign at first, events soon escalate in horrifying fashion, especially after the Warrens discover the house's macabre history.'

This gives clear indication that the film is a horror as it uses 'secluded' making it alone and away from society meaning that if something bad were to happen they would find it difficult to get away. This is a convention of the horror genre as it makes it easier for killers or supernatural beings to be involved and makes it also seem more realistic. The way in which they describe the ghost as a 'supernatural presence' gives a chilling connotation as it is not explicitly stated as to what it is.

Kill Bill - Opening - Improved

In the beginning of the film it uses a proverb which says "Revenge is a dish best served cold" -Old Klingon Proverb- The use of this sets the tone for the rest of the film and shows the audience that revenge is one of the key themes.

The beginning also uses a sound bridge of the character Beatrix/Black Mamba/The Bride breathing heavily and whimpering this gives connotations of worry and panic, conveying it to the audience as at this point the opening credits are still rolling so we as an audience are unable to see the character, or what is going on. The use of this diabetic sound is to create suspense and confusion to the audience.

The beginning of the film is a classic Noir thriller as it uses the black background and white text when the opening credits roll. It then has the whole beginning scene in black and white again being a classic convention of a Noir thriller. The use of the harsh black and white tones used in the opening scene also creates intensity to the audience as all you can see is the harsh black tones of the blood that are on the characters face.

Within this shot it also uses the rule of thirds to show that the characters facial expression should be the focus of the shot, however the veil is also important as it will make the audience feel empathy towards Beatrix. The use of shadow in this shot is also very important as it is very dark making it nearly impossible to see half of Beatrix's face; this creates confusion to the audience as it is hard to see the characters expression. The entire opening scene only uses two shots making it simple and therefore forces the audience to focus on simply two different things again creating suspense.

When considering the character types Beatrix is a classic femme fatale she is this archetype as she is mysterious and has a lot of power. Having a female protagonist in the film is challenging conventions as she is strong and a fighter, which is rarely seen within the thriller genre.

The only other character that we meet in the opening is Bob, we never see his face however his entrance is simply a tracking shot of his feet walking across the floor over to Beatrix. The first piece of dialogue in the entire film is 'Do you find me sadistic?'  as this is the first piece of dialogue it clearly shows the type of person that Bill is and his character archetype. It seems as though Bills character is a 'psychotic individual' as throughout the opening scene he doesn't try to help Beatrix, and then finally ends up shooting her. Even though we do not see Bills face his clothing gives a big clue about his personality, this is from the use of his statement jewellery and the handkerchief with his name on it. All these factors show that Bill is a very conceited person yet it also shows how he is extremely well off. The use of using Bill as a cultural reference also helps set where the film is, the fact he wears cowboy boots, is tanned and also has a American accent gives the clue as to where the film is set. Due to us being unable to see Bills face throughout also makes him an Enigma another stereotype of the thriller genre.

The use of location is claustrophobic and seems as though it is desolate. This is a convention of the thriller genre and then can create the enigma and mystery of the film early on.

The character of Beatrix being a non-conventional female character links to characters such as Rey from Star Wars Force Awakens. Although a very new film shows that women can be strong within themselves. However, still can be hyper-sexualised as for example, the costume that is worn by both characters is rather revealing.

On the other hand Bill also links to a female character also from Force Awakens called Captain Phasma. Captain Phasma is a female character who's face is never shown. She is constantly dressed in the classic Storm Trooper armour and is like all the others. This shows how within Force Awakens gender stereotypes were challenged.

Once Upon A Time In America (1984)

During 'Once Upon a Time in America' the character types included a 'femme fatale' 'is a stock character of a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. She is an archetype of literature and art.' Within Once Upon a Time in America Eve is the character that is seen at the beginning. She is also seen as the character type of a 'menaced woman' as she is sly and cunning when it comes to talking to the characters that have invaded her apartment.

The use of the formal costume such as the trilby hat worn by one of the police officers show the historical context of the film. In the time in which the film was set the trilby was seen as the 'rich man's favoured hat' The pearls that Eve wears are also a cultural signifier as it also shows that Eve must have been somewhat wealthy. 

The shadows used within the start of the film portray the different characters very effectively. When considering Eve in the screen shot above, her face is covered half by shadow half by light. This portrays her character type of a femme fatale perfectly as she is seen as an innocent character at the start but clearly brings her lover in to danger.

The use of the wet streets in the start of the film is a convention to the thriller genre. It casts of shadows darker creating mystery and worry, but also reflects light which can make it seem more ominous. Therefore becoming a convention of the thriller genre.