1) A crime at the core of the narrative (often murder, but not always).
2) A complex narrative structure, with false paths, clues & resolutions.
3) A narrative pattern of establishment enigmas (problems) which the viewer expects to be resolved.
4) A protagonist who is systematically, disempowered and drawn into a complex web of intrigue by an antagonist.
5) Extraordinary events happening in an ordinary situation.
6) Themes of identity.
7) Themes of mirroring.
8) Themes of voyeurism.
9) Protagonist with a ‘flaw’ which is exploited by the antagonist.
10) Titles often reflect an aspect of the protagonist/ antagonist psychological state.
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.
