What is a Thriller?
Thriller is a wide genre of film, literature and television that uses suspense, tension and excitement as the key elements. These elements, when combined, stimulate different moods within the viewers leaving them with high levels of anticipation, uncertainty, surprise, anxiety or a heightened sense of expectation. Thriller films are commonly fast-paced and full of adrenaline, whilst plot twists and red herrings are also popular and used extensively.
The aim for films in this genre is to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. The protagonist is often set against a problem such as an escape or a mystery which is always emphasised no matter what sub-genre the film falls in too. As a generic rule, tension is built on throughout the film leading to a highly stressful climax. Fight and chase scenes as well as the cover-up of information from the viewer are common codes and conventions in all Thriller sub-genres irrelevant of the fact that each sub-genre different has its own characteristics.
Sub-Genres of Thriller -
I have decided to research the different sub-genres of thriller, so that I can understand in which sub-genre I would like my thriller opening to reside. It will also allow me to access a smaller niche audience by utilising the codes and conventions of the particular sub-genre.
Action Thriller
An Action Thriller uses physical action to create suspense within the film. Like a traditional Action film, this sub-genre will often have continuous motion and action including physical stunts, chases, fights, battles, and races. Often, these scenes will contribute to the overall sense of danger that the protagonist is facing.
Examples: Die Hard, Kill Bill Vol. 1, The Bourne Identity
Crime Thriller
Crime Thriller film is a sub-genre that incorporates the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime film plot. This sub-genre's plot usually centers on a serial killer, murderer, robbery, or manhunt. As opposed to traditional crime films, the storyline focuses both around the criminal and the protagonist. Crime Thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense.
Examples: The Usual Suspects, The Fugitive, Jagged Edge
Film-Noir
Film Noir is not simply a sub-genre, but rather a term for a distinct, stylistic type of crime-drama or thriller that was popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Film-Noir is characterized by a black-and-white style with stark lighting effects. The main character is usually a cynical hero. Film-Noir relies on a narrative voice and various flashbacks to explain the intricate plot.
Examples: Sunset Boulevard, The Maltese Falcon, Sweet Smell of Success
Psychological Thriller
In addition to the traits of a regular Thriller, a Psychological Thriller incorporates elements of drama and mystery film. The suspense in this sub-genre comes from the mind, rather than from a psychical threat. The protagonists in Psychological Thrillers must rely on their mental resources to solve the enigma. Because of their nature, many Psychological Thrillers cross over into the Horror genre.
Examples: Memento, Rear Window, Taxi Driver
Science Fiction Thriller
Science Fiction Thriller incorporates hypothetical, science-based themes into the plot of the film. Traditionally, a Science Fiction film will incorporate heroes, villains, unexplored locations, fantastical quests, and advanced technology. These elements can be used in a Science Fiction Thriller to create anticipation and suspense. Often, this sub-genre will explore the “future-gone-bad” theme, including plots that revolve around alien invasions, dystopian scenarios, and super-diseases.
Examples: Aliens, Inception, District 9
Religious Thriller
Religious Thriller films incorporate religious themes into their plot line, including religious questions, ceremonies and objects. Though some films can revolve around a specific church, many Religious Thrillers include supernatural experiences not pertaining to a certain religion. Exorcisms, demon possession, and church cover-ups are typical conventions of Religious Thrillers.
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