CODES AND CONVENTIONS

  CODES AND CONVENTIONS

Visual Codes:

Lighting: Dark alleyways and poorly lit interiors are used to establish a tense and gritty mood. Low-key lighting is a key feature of crime thrillers, helping to create suspense and a sense of threat.

Colour Palette: Desaturated tones such as deep blues, greys, and blacks dominate the visuals, reinforcing feelings of danger, mystery, and unease.

Urban Settings: City locations like narrow streets, back alleys, and neglected areas are commonly used, adding realism and a raw, harsh atmosphere to the story.

Camera Work: Handheld shots are frequently used to give a more realistic and immersive feel, placing the audience directly into the action.

Narrative Codes:

Plot: Crime thrillers usually follow layered storylines filled with unexpected twists that keep the audience constantly engaged.

Protagonist: The main character is often imperfect or morally complex, making them feel more realistic and relatable.

Investigative Structure: The narrative often focuses on uncovering clues, solving puzzles, and investigation, encouraging the audience to piece the story together.

Genre Conventions:

The Crime: The story begins with a disturbing or mysterious incident that drives the narrative forward with urgency.

The Investigator: A detective or law enforcement figure leads the investigation, working to uncover the truth behind the crime.