Thriller Convention

1. A crime at the core of the narrative (often murder,but not always)
2. A complex narrative structure, with false paths, clue and resolutions.
3. A narrative pattern of establishing enigmas (problems) which the viewer expects to be resolved.
4. A protagonist who is systematically, dis empowered and drawn into a complex web of intrigue by an antagonist.
5. Extraordinary events happening in an ordinary situation.
6. Theme of identity.
7. Themes of mirroring.
8. Themes of voyeurism.
9. Protagonist with a "flaw" which is exploited by an antagonist.
10. Titles often reflect an aspect of the protagonist or the antagonist.
11. There is often a scene near the end of the film in which the protagonist is in peril.
12. Mise-En-Scene which echoes/mirrors the protagonist plight. 

These are the key thriller conventions.