Thriller Signifiers

Analysing Film-Thriller Signifiers

Plot and Narrative

Mystery and intrigue
Spiralling narrative
A twisting and turning narrative
Narrated by male protagonist

Tone and atmosphere

A sinister of threatening atmosphere
Sexual
Sleaze
Claustrophobia

Mise-en-scene

Bleak settings
Urban
Rain lashed streets
Shadows
Night
Slatted blinds
Slanting Light
Staircases
Enclosed spaces
Chiaroscuro lighting

Characters

Femme fatales
Hardboiled detectives
Flawed heroes
Male protagonist
Women as sex objects
Police

Themes

Corruption
Mystery
Deceit
Sexuality
Women’s sexuality as dangerous and destructive
Moral ambiguity

Cinematography

Tilted camera angles
Use of vanishing points
High angle and low angle shots