1) GENDER
The way each gender is represented in a crime/thriller is generally the same, and therefore a conventional stereotype. The male is portrayed as the more dominant and powerful figure, being the protagonist and saving the victim, or controversially being the antagonistic, and committing the offense. Likewise, women are also represented as a stereotype. They are typically seen as weak, powerless and submissive and as a result of this used as the victim in most storylines.
Camera:
- Low-Angle shots used when filming the man. This is to show his authority and control over the situation, to make the victim look up at him, to seem small and weak.
- Long shots used to keep the male on screen to show intimidation or relief (if the hero).
- High-Angle shot when filming the women, meaning the man is looking down on her. This is to show her weakness and vulnerability.
Editing:
- Jump cuts of the male’s actions to disorientate the viewer and make the audience feel uneasy.
- Shot/Reverse shot to show the difference and the relationship between the two genders, usually used when the man is rescuing the women to show her relief.
Sound:
- Non-diegetic sound of music to create and build up the tension when setting the scene.
- High dynamic range which is dramatic when an offense is being committed.
Mis-en-scene:
- The men tends to either be dressed in smart attire to make them look more masculine, or when committing the crime in baggy, dirty clothes. Whereas the women will usually have little clothing on to show their helplessness, or a lot of clothing making it tougher for them to run free.
- The man will have some sort of weapon with them using it against someone or in defence.
However, although this is the general association of these two genders, it isn’t rare for the roles to be switched; depending on what outcome the director wants the audience to receive from their film, the roles could be swapped.
2) ETHNIC GROUPS
Ethnic groups in crime/thrillers usually play a set role. White people are portrayed as the ‘good’ and clever group of people, whereas ethnic minorities are shown to be the opposite. ‘Black’ and ‘Asian’ people are made to be inferior, and generally slaves or hard workers. These groups of people often end up to be the character that dies first as they are not fit in society.
Camera:
- High and low angle shots to show the different positions of the ethnic groups.
- Close ups to involve the audience more and help them to observe the reactions and emotions of the characters.
- Pan shot to show the relationship between the character and the location.
Editing:
- Cross cutting to show what one ethnic group is doing compared to the other.
- Short take of ethnic minorities to show their lack of importance.
Sound:
- Depending on the group of people being shown, and what is going on music related to their culture may be played, this is to give the audience a better understanding into their background. For example from Mission Impossible 4, the scene in India plays Indian music.
- The tone of voice and the accent of the character will differ when each character is speaking.
Mis-en-scene:
- The costumes of the characters will be stereotypical, Asian people will usually wear robes and saris, whereas a typical white person will be smartly dressed.
On the other hand, the roles could be overturned and ethnic minorities could be the more controlling and forceful character.
3) DIFFERENT CLASSES The way different classes are portrayed is very dependent on the storyline. Working class people are near enough always underrepresented, they are frequently shown to be poor, criminals, aggressive and lazy. The upper class characters in a crime/thriller usually find themselves getting out of trouble fortunately for them, because of their money. This is the opposite of the working class who are prepared to battle and escape for survival. Due to this, the stereotypes on different classes are stereotypical.
Camera:
- Low angle shots for the working class characters, and a high angle shot to show the upper classes ability over them.
- Close ups of both classes, so the audience can observe their reactions and emotions.
- Two person shot to illustrate the dissimilarities between the classes.
- Loose frame to show the working class people being isolated/unimportant.
Editing:
- Likely to have some non-continuity editing to ‘throw’ the audience.
- Slow motion for an emotional effect of the working class.
Sound:
- It isn’t as easy to illustrate somebody’s class with the sound, however loud non-diegetic music could be played for an upper class person, whereas diegetic music could be played for the working class, for example if they are hovering.
Mis-en-scene:
- Upper class people will be wearing branded suits. If a women, possibly a lot of jewellery consisting of diamonds. A man is likely to wear a big hefty watch to highlight his prosperity.
- Working class people will be dressed in casual attire; there day to day clothing will not detach them from one another.
- While the upper class people, may be waving around money, the working class people will merely keep themselves to themselves and if need be, a weapon is more probable to be used through them.
4) DIFFERENT AGES
In thriller films, children are often represented as being vulnerable, innocent, and reliant on others for care. Teenagers are represented as being aggressive, lazy, criminals and involved in violent behaviour. Opposite to this, adults are often represented as being clever, hard working and reliable. Whereas old people are shown to be weak, stupid, frequently confused and also reliant on others. Typically, the adult is the one to either commit the crime or be the protagonist. The other age groups are usually portrayed as the weaker, less central characters and therefore the victims.
Camera:
- Low angle shots for children, teenagers and old people to show they are inferior to regular adults and therefore the victim.
- Subjective filming to show what is happening through any of these characters eyes.
Editing:
- Jump cuts to represent the younger ages to be disorientated.
- Shot reverse shot to see the way the different ages react to one another.
- Non-continuity if little children/old people are involved as they are generally muddled about things.
Sound:
- Depending on the age range starring the type of music will vary.
- Children may speak in a high pitch voice.
- The tone of the adult’s voice may make the other characters feel patronised.
Mis-en-scene:
- The children will be dressed in clothing with Disney characters on; teenagers may be dressed in casual attire, adults in smarter clothing and the old people in baggy jumpers.
- The teenager’s hair and make up may be done to perfection, unless they are involved in a type of crime.
Below is a Prezzi giving examples of the points made above, from characters in current crime/thriller films:
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