Representation of characters in Thrillers

The representation of characters in Thrillers considering costume, action and dialogue

Characters in Thrillers can vary. Usually there is a psycho, killer or a ‘villain’ in the film when it is the genre of psychological Thriller to act as the antagonist. In a crime Thriller there could be a detective or police officer who is trying to uncover the crime that has been committed or to stop the ‘villain’ from committing more crimes. Often, movies will have a combination of characters like a detective and a killer like in the neo- noir crime Psychological Thriller 'Seven'.

Most Thrillers incorporate the Psychological aspect of the genre of Thriller. In these movies, the audience are forced to examine the actions, behaviours and motives of the characters in order to distinguish their back story as a way of figuring out the plot.
Costumes often include suits, police and detective uniforms. Often, antagonists and protagonists wear similar clothes like the killer wearing a white shirt just like the detective is( just like the ones shown above). This will almost always have a very distinct difference however. This difference may be in the way they are worn or added features like blood on a killers shirt to indicate that they have committed a murder and a tie on a detective to show the inclusion of office wrk in their life.

In this opening of the Dark Knight, the antagonist (Joker) can be seen from behind, his identity is hidden from the audience as he is facing away from the camera with his back to it. His hidden face indicates that he is trying to keep his identity from the surrounding people in the streets as well because he is about to commit an audacious action like a crime. His slightly lowered head also shows the audience that he is keeping to himself and hiding his identity. The Joker is standing very still which shows  his self control and power in his actions as he stands in a way that makes it look as if he owns the street and the area he is standing on instead of just being a product of the environment.

The Joker's mask, dark clothing and duffel bag indicate his intentions of robbing a bank as he wants to stay hidden and be able to collect money in his bag and hold items like weapons in them. This is inferred for the audience instead of being directly shown, but can be inferred due to the combination of his clothing on as well a the bag.

The Joker's lack of dialogue also shows a want to remain self contained, hidden and not wanting to draw attention to himself. If he had been speaking loudly on the phone for instance, it would infer that he is much more open and happy about people around him being able to hear him.

This same technique is used in The Woman in Black where only her veil and darkened side of her left face can be seen to the right of the screen. This makes it obvious to the audience that she just made the children commit suicide as she is watching they do it without stopping them. Her hidden face and dark clothing as well as lack of dialogue from her indicates that she is hiding her identity and is so powerful that she should not be directly looked upon. This creates fear in the audience as they begin to not want to establish natural communication features with her like looking in her face which makes her seem very ominous and evil.

In the opening of Shutter Island,  these guards can be seen facing the camera holding rifles and watching and staring intently. They are wearing guard uniform that are well kept and worn neatly which infers that they are extremely organised and prepared for anything like an attack with a coordinated response that is very effective. This makes the audience look up to the guards as those who should be highly respected but also feared at the same time. The angled position of their guns and mere presence of their guns makes them seem very powerful as they have the ability to carry the heavy weight of the gun at these angles and rest them against their bodies in these ways. The fact that they are not pointed at the camera but have serious faces and are frowning presents them as neutral as they will not attack but will not be friendly. Their lack of dialogue leaves ambiguity of their intentions but their actions and facial expressions give indications as to what they plan to do.