Thriller Film is a genre that revolves around anticipation and suspense. The aim for Thrillers is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery. No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful climax.
Primary Themes in Thrillers: the protagonist faces death, the antagonist is stronger physically or mentally, the protagonist ends up in a dangerous conflict, the protagonist and antagonist may battle, the main storyline is a mystery that has to be solved.
Key Thriller Elements: tense music, flash backs, quick cuts and change of camera angles, surprises and twists, anticipation, revenge, adrenaline rush, cliff hangers, pass of time sequences, paranoia, investigation, stalking, chase scenes.
Thriller sub-genres:
Action Thriller: An Action Thriller uses physical action to create suspense within the film, contains lots of violence and there is always an obvious antagonist. Includes ~ fights, chases, races, battles and physical stunts - Die Hard, The Bourne Identity, Taken, The November Man
Conspiracy Thriller: In which the hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognizes. - All the President's Men, Angels and Demons, Arlington Road
Crime Thriller: Incorporates the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime film plot. Usually centres on a murderer, robbery, serial killer or manhunt. The storyline focuses both around the criminal and the protagonist. Crime Thriller use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense - The Usual Suspects, The French Connection, Jagged Edge
Science Fiction Thriller: incorporates hypothetical, science-based themes into the plot of the film. Includes plots that revolve around alien invasions, dystopian scenarios and super diseases - Alien, Inception, District 9
Disaster Thriller: the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster: volcanoes, hurricanes, earthquakes. - Stormy Weather, Earthquake
Film Noir: Film-Noir is characterized by a black-and-white style with stark lighting effects. Film-Noir relies on a narrative voice and various flashbacks to explain the intricate plot. -Sunset Boulevard, Sweet Smell of Success
Legal Thriller: In which the lawyer-heroes/heroines confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their careers but their lives. - And Justice For All, A Few Good Men, A Time To Kill
Political Thriller: In which the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. - The Hunt For Red October, JFK
Psychological Thriller: Incorporates elements of drama and mystery film. The suspense comes from the mind rather than from a physical threat. Many Psychological Thrillers cross over into the Horror Genre - Rear Window, Taxi Driver
Religious Thriller: Incorporates religious themes, including religious questions, ceremonies, and objects. Many Religious Thrillers include supernatural experiences not pertaining to a certain religion.Exorcisms, demon possession, and church cover-ups are typical themes of Religious Thrillers. - The Ninth Gate, The Devil's Advocate, The Da Vinci Code
Overall I have learnt that there are many sub genres within the 'Thriller' genre and that the thriller genre appeals to a wide audience of people. This is because of the sub genres as they all have different themes such as 'religious thriller' or 'crime thriller' which means some sub genres would appeal to some people and other sub genres would appeal to others making 'Thriller' Widely popular because of it diverse nature.
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