Weapons

Various weapons are used in thrillers. They are used to create a sense of danger and threat in the film, which are elements that are important. The choice of weapon can say alot about the character who wields it and can also enforce conventions of the genre.

The knife is a conventional tool used in thrillers and is often used by killers and victims. It suggests a domestic killer because this weapon is commonly found in homes and so it is easy to get hold of. This can also display improvisation of innocent characters as they defend themselves in states of urgency.

Samurai swords and Oriental weapons. In a Western film, this can suggest that the character has some sort of obsession. In an Eastern film, these weapons are less surprising and give the films more variation and flavour. Although stylish, these weapons are not the most subtle and so are more likely to be used with serial killers and in gang wars (e.g. the Triads).

Guns can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used to threaten others, where the criminal is holding someone hostage or to force the your will on someone. Guns are also very efficient in killing and so are used by modern day assassins. Larger and more powerful guns that give an advantage over others can create fear and force the victim to hide and be indirect, which can create suspense.

The mind is also a weapon. It can be used by characters to confuse and outsmart their victims by trapping them. The victim can be tricked into a false sense of security, bringing them closer to the antagonist, so they will be off guard.

I think it would be ideal to draw the audience in to the story and create a sense of anxiety or fear by creating a false sense of security. Also, it could be a good idea create a threat by putting the characters in a gunpoint situation.