Danielle Conneely

Genre Research
Thriller
Thriller Film is a genre that revolves around anticipation and suspense. The aim for this is to
keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set
against a problem which can be an escape, a mission, or a mystery. It doesnt really matter
what sub-genre it is a thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist
faces. The tension with the main problem is built on in the film and leads to a stressful
climax. It consist of a battle between the protagonist character and the antagonist when
theres a disruption in the equilibrium. The story then shows a chain of events which build
the tension and the suspense to make the climax. The aim of the protagonist is to restore the
equilibrium while the antagonist tries to disrupt it. Conventions of a thriller normally consists
of low key lighting to show the tension, quick cuts to build up the suspense, shadows to help
the build-up effect of suspense, tension music to help the tension, changes in the angle of
shots to show the protagonist and the antagonist, use of diegetic sounds to show the
characters sounds and different montage of shots to show the build-up of the suspense and
to create the disruption. In thrillers the scenes will be designed so the audience think that it
can happen to them which makes them on edge and feel scared about whats going to
happen. There will be many close ups and extreme close ups of the protagonist to show
their emotions and the focus on the narrative, the shots of the antagonist character will be
quick to hide the identity from the audience to help the suspense. For example there could
be a low key shot, shot of the back of him and the shadow of the character to hide what he is
going to do next. Mise en scene is important in thriller films as it helps make the film, the
location is important as it helps the audience establish the theme. The lighting is often low or
dark to hide the identity of the character, the costumes will make the antagonist wear dark
clothes and the protagonist in ordinary clothes so you can identify them. The makeup and
hair will be done appropriately to help set the theme of the film.

Subgenres
Action Thriller- An action thriller uses psychical action to create the suspense in the film, the
genre will have a continuous motion and action which will include physical stunts, fights,
battles and races. These scenes will add to the overall sense of danger that the protagonist
is facing. Example of this can be die hard, kill bill and the Bourne identity. Crime thriller- Is a
sub-genre that adds to the aspects of a thriller with a crime plot. This then usually centres on
a serial killer, murderer and robbery. Its an opposed to a traditional crime films and the
storyline focuses both around the criminal and the protagonist. It uses both action and
psychological aspects to build the tension and suspense. Example of this can be the usual
suspects and jagged edge. Psychological thriller- is when it incorporates the elements of
drama and mystery film this is when the suspense comes from the mind rather from a
psychical threat. The protagonists in this relies on the mental resources to solve the
situation. Example of this can be memento, rear window and taxi driver. Science Fiction
thriller- is when it incorporates science bases themes into the plot of the film it adds heroes,
villains and fantastical quests. These elements can be used to create anticipation and
suspense this explores different themes and adds plots that revolve around alien invasions
and super diseases. Examples of this can be aliens, inception and district 9. Religious
thriller- it add the religious themes, ceremonies and objects. Though many films it revolves
around the specific church and it can include supernatural experiences to a certain religion.
Exorcisms, demon possession are the typical themes of religious thrillers. Examples of this
can be the devils advocate, the ninth gate and the da Vinci code.

Top ten Thriller Films

Danielle Conneely
1. The third man 1949
2. Rear window 1954
3. The usual suspects 1995
4. The silence of the lambs 1990
5. Reservoir dogs 1992
6. Old boy 2003
7. North by northwest 1959
8. Se7en 1995
9. The departed 2006
10. Fargo 1996