What Are The Conventions Of A Thriller?

To deeply explain Thriller Openings, I have chosen to study two different openings for this genre, in order to show how Thriller's can change and perceive it's audiences, through the first five minutes.

1. The Shining- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiV3J_e977Q

In this opening clip, Pathetic Fallacy is not used, which is slightly abnormal particularly for this genre. When we think of Thrillers, we tend to think of a dark setting (maybe at night), low light levels, accompanied with an eery soundtrack. However only some of the typical conventions of a Thriller are used. As witnessed, the music is of a mysterious and nervous nature, along with the title 'The Shining'. Thrillers tend to have 'The' at the beginning (THE Exorcist, THE Sixth Sense, THE Silence Of The Lambs) to make it more general and potentially relatable. The colouring is of a particular interest, as it demonstrates luscious green landscapes, and crystal blue waters, which as we know is not typically found in Thriller openings.

3. The Silence Of The Lambs- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sx08_OSXlY

As seen, this time the opening does include pathetic fallacy! The depressed, hopeless weather reflects the mood (although she does not know it yet). The setting establishes the typical Thriller opening, and what any audience would expect to find. Of course, there is fog in this already constructed forrest, which is seen to move and cover the girls path. She is presented wearing a grey jumper, which then blends and mirrors the mood of the opening, as she is coordinated with the low lit scene. In the first instance, she is pictured running, which leave the audience to connote nervousness, as well as the use of background stringed instruments, which infer mystery.