Thrillers

What is a Thriller?

A thriller is a genre movie that are based on a great deal of anticipation and suspense.

They aim to keep audiences alert and the edge of their seats

The protagonists would always be set a problem, an escape or mission or mystery.

Thrillers emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces.

The tension usually arises when the main characters are placed in a menacing situation, mystery or on an dangerous mission where an escape seems impossible.

Codes and Conventions of thrillers

Mirrors - are used to portray the reflection of a characters soul and inner self it could also foreshadow the darkness within certain characters such as villains

Twist - by adding the element of surprise the audience can recognise the film as thriller '

Shadows – give the film a darker and creepier feel. It also connotes the idea of unknown circumstances and unknown answers.

Obtrusive editing - are used to create the feeling of suspense and tension, they are used in a particular 'thrilling scene‘ which creates a disorientation of what is happening with the movie

Flashbacks – this shows the audience what has happened in the past to give the audience and insight into the characters lives and to give audience clues in how to solve the mystery

Colours Black, red and white - used to highlight the use of shadows and perhaps blood and murder that makes the thriller eerie and dark.

Types of thrillers - Action Thrillers

Action thrillers use physical action to create suspense in the film

They have continuous motion and action including physical stunts, chases, fights, battles, and races.

These scenes contribute to the overall sense of danger that the protagonist is facing.

An example of an action thriller is Taken.

Types of thrillers – crime thrillers

Usually includes a serial killer, murderer, robbery, and/or manhunt.

The storyline focuses both around the criminal breaking the law and the protagonist having to find/or catch the criminal

Crime Thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense

An example of an crime thriller is Red Dragon

Types of thrillers – psychological thrillers

Usually are very complex, The suspect does not use physical

strength, but uses psychology to get to their victim

Includes elements of drama and mystery

Protagonists usually must find their ‘true identity’ or face their inner demons

The protagonists have to rely on mental resources to solve their situation.

Psychological thrillers sometimes cross over into the horror genre

An example of an psychological thriller is Shutter Island

Types of thrillers - Science fiction thriller

Science based themes are used in the plot.

Includes, heroes, villains, unexplored locations , fantastical quests as well as advanced technology

This genre will often explore ‘the future gone bad’

Plots could include, alien invasions, dystopian scenarios and super diseases.

An example of this is War of the Worlds

MAIN THEMES OF THRILLERS

THEMES OF THRILLERS

Revenge

Kidnappings

Murders

Paranoia

Survival

Mission

Terrorism

Political conspiracy

The Paranormal

Danger

These themes are used to create suspense for example a murderous theme there will always be the tension of who is going to die next and who is causing the deaths. Also in a paranormal theme there is always the worry of the unknown which causes the audience to be on the edge of their seats.

Escape

Key characters in thrillers

CHARACTERS IN THRILLERS

Criminals

Stalkers

Terrorists

Psychotic/ Sociopaths

Assassins

Innocent Victims (often on the run)

Characters with dark pasts

People involved in twisted relationships

Troubled women

These characters help build the suspense for example a brave hero is able to escape difficult situations where as the crazy sociopath creates these impossible situations and the suspense is there as the audience have no idea what the sociopath or criminal will do next.

Alfred Hitchcock – who is he?

Alfred Hitchcock was a famous English film producer and director and best known for his thriller films

He was known to his audiences as the ‘master of suspense’

He frames shots to maximise anxiety and fear

The use of camera was made to move in a way that mimicked a persons gaze

Alfred Hitchcock – famous films

Many of his films have twisted endings and gripping plots that features portrayal of violence, murder and crime. Some of these included:

Psycho The birds Rear window Vertigo To Catch a thief Dial M for murder