What is a Thriller?

Courtney Peverill

What is a thriller?This is a genre of literature, film, and television

programming that is very broad. It keeps the audience alert and on the edge of

their seats by stimulating their moods.

What are the different types of thrillers?There are many subgenres under this very

broad genre of a thriller, the main ones are: Action Thriller Crime Thriller Psychological Thriller Science Fiction Thriller

Action ThrillerIncorporates physical action to create suspense

within the film.The scenes have a continuous motion including

physical stunts, fights, chases and battles that add to the overall sense of danger.

Examples of action thrillers are:

Crime ThrillerIncorporates the suspenseful aspects of a

thriller with a crime plot.Within this subgenre the plot usually has a

manhunt, robbery, serial killer or murderer by using action aspects to build the tension.

Examples of crime thrillers are:

Psychological ThrillerIncorporates elements of mystery to the film

where the suspense comes from the mind.Rather than a physical threat like the other

subgenres have, the threat in these films comes from the unknown where the protagonist has to rely on their own minds to solve the situation.

Examples of psychological thrillers are:

Science Fiction ThrillerIncorporates science-based themes into the plot

of the film.Often scenes will include plots with alien

invasions, super-diseases and paranormal abilities that explore the future “going bad” which creates the anticipation and suspense from the heroes and villains.

Examples of science fiction thrillers are:

What are the main themes dealt with in thrillers? 

As there are many subgenres within thrillers, there are many different themes that set out with each subgenre, however the primary themes overall are:

The protagonist faces death, either their own or somebody else’s

The antagonist is stronger mentally or physically The protagonist ends up in a dangerous conflict The protagonist and antagonist may battle The main storyline is a mystery that has to be

solved

Key characters found in a thrillerCharacters in a thriller include: A protagonist that is often an ordinary citizen

and traditionally a male An antagonist that is frequently a criminal Aliens, ghosts or zombies Cops, agents and detectives Innocent victims

Codes and conventions of thrillersThriller films tend to be adrenaline-rushing, fast-

paced and suspenseful.The use of suspense, tension and excitement is

the main aim for thrillers.Music is very important, the use of eerie,

gloomy and fast paced sounds are used.The shots tend to have changes in camera

angles, quick cuts and have low lighting

Steven Spielberg (18th December 1946)Is a very successful, famous, American film

director, who is considered to be one of the most popular in the history of cinema.

Spielberg’s films have covered a range of subgenres under thriller in his career of more than four decades.

Examples of his work are: