My understanding of the thriller genre

My Understanding of the Thriller Genre

Thriller Film Genre

A genre that is characterized and described by the emotions they evoke, giving the audience intense feelings of anticipation exhilaration and anxiety. Thrillers are often hybrids - there are lots of varieties of suspense-thrillers.

The Protagonist is often a brave male who seeks to restore balance

The antagonist will have a hidden identity that the audience will uncover as the film progresses. Often the antagonist goes out for revenge from a past event.

Subgenres

Action Thriller - Action thrillers  usually feature a race against the clock and frequent violence. Underworld Awakening

Psychological Thriller – The conflict is mental, rather than physical. The protagonist has become involved in a dangerous situation which threatens their sanity. They must use mental prowess to overcome their opponent, whether the battle is inside their own head or it a battle of wits. The Machinist

Supernatural Thriller - Paranormal elements are introduced, usually as an antagonistic force. Some characters may have psychic abilities and other supernatural novel elements may be present. The Conjuring

Subgenres continued…

Mystery Thriller - It differs from a regular mystery by being much more fast-paced, with the protagonist on the run and the threat of another crime. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Spy Thriller - Focuses on the high adventures of field agents, usually set against the backdrop of some war. The Bourne Identity

Disaster Thriller - A natural disaster is taking place, and the antagonist is either trying to stop the disaster, or just save themselves before time runs out. World War Z

More Subgenres…

Legal Thriller - Takes place in and around the courtroom. Protagonist is a lawyer who has found their case threatening death for either them or their client. The Pelican Brief

Crime Thriller - Usually from the criminal’s point of view. Physical action and eluding the police take the place of gathering evidence and trying to discover the criminal. The Silence Of The Lambs

Religious Thriller – Usually a religious or historical artefact is discovered and different parties vie for control. In some cases a religious prophecy or event begins and the protagonist must try to defeat the antagonist or save the world. Legion

Mise En Scene

Mise En Scene in a Thriller Film: Low Key Lighting Quick Cuts Shadows Tension Dramatic changes in the angle of shots Diegetic sound of heavy breathing Black and White shots Montage of shots Protagonist is in the mercy of the Antagonist

Sound in a Thriller Film

The sound in a thriller film has to be reflective of the characters emotions and the current events.

The music can be used to signify an important part of the film. Slow paced music helps to create tension and build suspense. This effect also makes the scene more intense for the audience.

Editing in a Thriller Film

Jump cuts are frequently used in thriller films due to how much information there is that the audience needs to know, so the film makes sense.

Smooth editing makes the film flow better so the audience understands what is going on.

Close ups are used frequently to create more tension.

Hybrids

Hybrid- A mixture or a fusion In terms of films – 3 or more genres or mixtures of subgenre