8) Theories

example of the Blumer and Katz theory.

SEMIOTICS

Ferdinand De Saussure - the founder of semiotics ,focused on linguistics and understanding of the messages behind sounds and units of words and communication.
In Thrillers semiotics can be shown trough the speed of cuts and close ups of signs and signifiers triggering the audiences thoughts, alot of the time thrillers focus on signs of insignificance to trick the audience this is to keep the audience thinking, to emphasis on the shock.
Signs and Signifiers
A sign is something that signifies a greater concept and be signed in many different ways;
- word
- icon
- colour
- symbol
- picture
- sound

Signs signify things that have a cultural reference, as a lot of signs already have a wide meaning which will be recognised by the audience allowing them to have a good understanding, for example the colour red instantly signifies danger so by using aspects like this it is already helping create the atmosphere and therefore signs are very important in thrillers as there needs to be a very specific atmosphere throughout which is why most thrillers use dark lighting as this instantly signifies mystery.


Example:

The gun is a sign of danger - signifies death

Dark background in the trees is a sign of mystery

Natasha