Todorov's Theory of Narrative:
Starts at an equilibrium progresses onto a disequilibrium after a problem arrises, solving of the problem and then arrives back at a new equilibrium (very similar to the original equilibrium).
The Three Act Structure:
The three act structure, the beginning (introducing the characters setting the scenes), the middle (tension rising, a problem exists), ending (the climax of the story, can end as a happy ending, but is not generally the case with thriller films).
Levi Strauss:
French theorist, decided that every thriller film has to have a binary opposite, you can't have a hero without a villain.
Examples:
Man vs woman
White vs black
West vs east
Plot Twists and Turns:
Complex and isn't as simple as it first seems, makes the audience of the film have to pay attention and work to understand the film.
Flashbacks:
Dark past of the characters can be revealed, adds to the information we know about the characters, also confuses the audience.
Red Herrings:
Ploys throughout the film to try and confuse the audience and again make the audience work to understand the film and see through the lies.
Chases/Pursuits:
Adds to the tension throughout the film, and also it builds on the excitement and adrenaline.
Mysterious Characters:
Characters with a shady past, unsure of the intentions of the character, keeps the audience guessing.
Deadlines:
Bomb timer adds to the tension and pressure, random demands achieves the same and time keeping adds to this.
Morally Complex Characters:
Makes the audience work to understand the characters.
Misdirection:
Confuses the audience and makes them take the wrong path and makes them work to understand what is happening.
Enigma Codes:
Little hints thought a film that references something that is important for the film, or hints at story lines for future films (like the batman film trilogy).
Narrative Retardation:
Is the holding back of key information so that the audience is unsure what is happening and must continue to watch to find out.
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