A comparison of genre expectations and conventions, and their effect on the audience in sections from "Enemy of the State" and "Don't Say a Word"
These sections of film are both where the protagonist is contacted by the "Bad Guys" for the first time- in "Don't Say a Word", the section is from when Nathan is looking for his daughter until he leaves the flat. In "enemy of the State" the section runs from Robert's house being burgled until just after his locker items are switched.
The sections play on a common thriller convention of the protagonist being a very ordinary person, unwittingly made part of an evil world, emphasized in both cases by setting the protagonist with his family. This helps us identify with them, imagining ourselves in their position and encouraging sympathy
The surveillance theme is another thriller convention used; it forces the protagonist to think of clever, novel ways to outwit their attackers. Audience enjoyment is gained by trying to anticipate how they will do this.
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