Thriller Genre By Harry Thorpe and Luke Rowland

Definition Thriller is a genre of media, in which suspension, tension and excitement are used as key elements. Thrillers tend to play on the viewer’s moods, thus creating high levels of anticipation, surprise, terror and more.

Themes and characters Protagonists usually face death throughout the film, be it the death of other characters or even themselves. The antagonist usually has better equipped forces and more power than the protagonist from the get- go. The main storyline usually focuses on things that the protagonist cannot simply put down and leave be. The main plotline focuses on a mystery that must be solved. The film's narrative construction is dominated by the protagonist's point of view. There may be a suspenseful and atmospheric soundtrack for the scenes of suspense. All action and characters must be credibly realistic or natural in their representation on screen. The two major themes that underpin the thriller genre are the desire for justice and the morality of individuals. One small, but significant, aspect of a thriller is the presence of innocence in what is seen as an essentially corrupt world. The protagonist and antagonist may battle each other not just on a physical level but on a mental one as well. Either by accident or their own curiosity, each character is dragged into a dangerous conflict or situation that they are not prepared to resolve.

Story and setting There is always a problem which the protagonist faces within the film. No matter what subgenre a thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. Important information being hidden from the viewer, and fight and chase scenes are common methods in all of the thriller subgenres, although each subgenre has its own unique characteristics and methods. Plots of thrillers involve characters who come to oppose each other, and, in most thrillers, the antagonist is unknown for the most part. An atmosphere of sudden violence, such as crime and murder, characterize thrillers. Thrillers often present the world and society in a very realistic yet dystopic tone – dark and mysterious - but in Hollywood, they usually feature endings where the protagonist trumps their foe. The tension usually arises when characters are placed in a menacing situation, a mystery, or a trap from which escaping seems impossible. Life is threatened, usually because the protagonist is unsuspectingly or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation.

Sub-genres Comedy thriller: A genre that combines elements of comedy and thrillers, a combination of humour and suspense or action. There is normally a lot of humour despite the dark tones set by the genre as a whole. Conspiracy thriller: In which the hero(ine) confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only they recognise. Crime thriller: This particular genre is a hybrid of both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. These films often focus on the criminals rather than a policeman. Psychological thriller: In which (until the often violent resolution) the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical.