WHAT IS A THRILLER

WHAT IS A THRILLER

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. The main convections of a thriller low lighting, tension music, montage of shots, shadows. No matter what sub-genre a Thriller film falls into, it will emphasise 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. The cover up of important information from the viewer is a common element.  plot twists and cliffhangers are used extensively. A thriller is usually a villain-driven plot.

Sub-Genres of Thriller 

• Action Thriller (examples; Die Hard, Kill bill)
  
  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.

• Crime Thriller (examples; The Fugitive, The Usual Suspects

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.

• Film Noir Thriller( examples; Sunset Boulevard, Sweet smell of success) 

A style or genre of cinematographic film marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, and menace. The term was originally applied (by a group of French critics) to American thriller or detective films made in the period 1944–54

• Science Fiction Thriller ( examples; District 9, Aliens)

Science Fiction is a type of genre where by the premise is that the events being described are taking place in a reality other than the one you are currently experiencing. This is either Long Time ago (Star Wars), Alternate Present (The Terminator, Twilight Zone, Independence Day) or Future (Dark Star, Silent Running). Science Fiction usually deals with hardware, technology and aliens (or other species).

Some well known Thrillers:

These are good examples of thriller movies because they contain suspense and anticipation. Both contain a problem that involves danger  which needs to be resolved. The more you watch the movie the more you become enticed and find it hard to look away.

                 

source: thescriptlab.com