Crime Thriller Research: Storylines

Thriller films have many sub genres for example, action thriller, crime thriller, film noir, psychological thriller and science fiction thriller. Although, I will be focusing on the sub genre of crime thriller and the conventions used within this genre in order to produce our film as a thriller. Crime thriller storylines suggest that dramas tend to focus on the kinds of crime and that create the most exciting and anxious feelings towards the viewers for example, murders, serial killing and assassins. This is beneficial for myself, as our film focuses upon an assassin who has to destroy victims. 

Crime thriller films contain many conventions which are portrayed towards a specific certificate rating for example our crime thriller film targets towards a rating of 12 and above. Typically this is due to the voilent scenes and the use of the gun in the ending scene. Usually crime thriller storylines present an exciting and intense narrative that revolve around a crime in order to, create tension and suspense upon the audience, to ensure they are kept on the edge of their seats. Although, thriller storylines are significant as there main purpose is to entertain the audience and keep them on a high alert therefore, creating anticipation towards the audience as they are unsure what it going to occur later within the film.

Many crime thriller storylines will focus upon two contrasting characters one of which is the protagonist aiming to resolve the situation in contrast, to the antagonist who destroys culture or focuses upon victims.Thriller films contain an aspect of mise - en scene through the use of low key lighting to create a dark and warm atmopshere to focus upon the main perspective shown on the screen. Furthermore, this lighting is significant as it adds mystery due to the fact that it creates a main focus on the characters facial expression to represent their sense of emotion. The lighting also conveys that the character could be hiding something therefore, this follows conventions of crime thriller as it creates mystery and suggests the innocence and guilt from the character. In thriller films at the beggining it reflects the characters everyday normal life then, the climax of the narrative is reached in which this engages the viewers and something happens in which this will connect with the sub genre in order to follow certain conventions in which causes a disturbance to the storyline. Although, the ending of a thriller film always ends with a resolution to the situation in order to resolve what has happened and questions morality. All thriller stoylines plays the audience as it engages them and manipulates their emotions as they could experience some form of this in their life. 

An example of a crime thriller film would be The Dark Knight which was released within the year of 2008. The narrative displays that when the menace which is the antagonist in the film (The Joker represented as the villain) emerges from his mysterious past he causes chaos upon the people who live in Gotham. Although, the protagonist, The Dark Knight mustn accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.This film follows conventions of crime thriller storylines as the protagonist has to solve problem and kill the menace. 

Another example of a crime thriller film is Silence of the Lambs produced within 1991 and directed by Jonathon Demme. The storyline portrays that a young, female FBI agent is in need of help to find a missing woman to save her from a manipulative and psychopathic serial killer. This film produces a thrilling and interesting appeal to an audience in order to keep them on the edge of their seats throughout as it builds up tension and suspense throughout the narrative therefore, following conventions of a thriller film.