To create a thriller, a certain set of rules and theories can be followed in order to impose impact upon the viewer in question. The theories relate to certain elements which are in most thrillers, and by following the aspects outlined in these theories, maximum enjoyment can be gained.
The Question Answer Model
We can identify questions within the narrative that the audience want to know the answer to - this creates a general feeling of suspense that is very effective. We must understand the question clearly for the suspense to be created, and clear outcomes must be present - such as will the hero live or die? Two factors that help fuel this suspense can include he probability factor - something that is more probable is less exciting as something that is bound to happen. The second is the moral factor - which determines moral outcomes, not necessarily from our point of view, but from the point of view of the main character. For example, if the main character was a bank robber, we would want them so succeed in this immoral act whilst in real life we would not.
Mazes and Labyrinths
Mazes and Labyrinths is a theory where the protagonists will find themselves in a situation from which they must escape or solve. This theory includes a narrative that normally includes lots of dead ends, plot twists and conspiracies. The viewers will always see what these problems are, and almost always, the solutions.
The Transformed City
The Transformed City is a scenario where an ordinary environment, such as a town or city, become more interesting through plot development. For example, in Se7en the ordinary city in which the film is set becomes more interesting when the murders start happening.
The Exotic
When different objects and buildings are placed within the Thriller it crates an illusion of the exotic that the audience enjoy. Objects from different cultures, or objects that tell us about the persons life eg Somersets metronome in Se7en is an introduction of something unfamiliar into a normal scene, which excites the audience.
Concealment and Protraction
Concealment and Protraction is the art of hiding the inevitable from the audience. Concealment creates a feeling of suspense - we know what will probably happen but by delaying it can excite the audience and leave questions unanswered that the audience want to know more about. Protraction is also to do with delay - delaying the inevitable, such as the final two murders in Se7en, creates suspense and excitement.
Partial Vision
When some information is conveyed through the narrative but then some information is held back, this is called partial vision, as only part of the information is revealed. This works well to create suspense and encourages the audience to think for themselves, which requires a certain level of intelligence. An example of partial vision would be the delivery of what we assume to be Tracy's head at the end of Se7en.
The Heroic Romance
This is a element that includes a hero, who is a normal human being, being forced to act in extraordinary ways to survive. In thrillers, laws and natures of physics are normally slightly defied which allows them to perform these incredible feats - an example of this is Jason Bourne at the end of The Bourne Supremacy jumping off a cliff and hitting the water 100ft below at full speed, and swimming away a few seconds later.
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