Thriller Codes and Conventions: Iconography.

Thriller Codes and Conventions: Iconography

 

What is Iconography? 

Iconography is anything that conventionally and symbolically represents the genre. These can be things such as objects, locations of certain images. To be iconic the certain 'thing' must be easily recognisable and associative with the genre.

 

A confined space is an enclosed area with limited space and accessibility. An example is the interior of a storage tank, which may be occasionally entered by workers for maintenance but is otherwise not a habitable space. Being trapped in a confined space will often cause the character to begin breathing heavily and crying to present to the audience the intensity of the situation. It also often introduces the start of their struggle as they try to break free and escape danger. Elevator is a good example when looking into confined spaces within thrillers. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1728975/) 

The woods are often seen as a great location when trying to imply the thriller genre as they create suspense due to the emptiness and darkness. Woods are often an isolated location that creates a sense of vulnerability and more often than not there is a feeling that the characters in danger may never find a way out, making them panic which builds up tension during a thriller film. An example of this would be The Blair Witch Project. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185937/) 

Shadows are closely related with low key lighting and are used as a convention of a thriller film. They are used to represent the inner darkness within beings, and can also add to tension and eeriness that is created.  In many cases, the protagonist is usually unaware of shadows and they become something that passes by unnoticed by everyone but the audience. (www.imdb.com/title/tt1179904) 

Street Lights are also used in thrillers. This can be iconic as the surrounding dark can represent the struggles of the protagonist. Furthermore, the fact that there is plainly a spotlight on the protagonist could show isolation. This is effective for the audience as it could engage them too, making them also feel alone as there isn't much else more on screen to focus on as a safety barrier. This creates a sense of mystery and tension for the audience as they are anticipating a possible jump scare or something to happen to the protagonist. Stranger Things uses street lights in their show, showing isolation of characters. (www.imdb.com/title/tt4574334)