An Initial Look Into the Thriller genre

Alright, so we begin. As I said before in my previous post I had very little previous knowledge of the Thriller genre, and since I didn't want to be unprepared before I started looking at some real thrillers and analysing them, I decided to research their basic outlines and the things in a Thriller film or TV series that made them Thrillers. Through looking on the internet at a couple of sources, and making brief notes of my own I came across a few key facts that I either copied or put into my own words on this post. For a source reference to the webpages I took the information and images from, look at the bottom of this post.

The Key Points of Thrillers - 

- They elicit the feelings of anticipation, tension and suspense, uncertainty, anxiety and terror, and surprise from the viewers, and then utilize those feelings to increase the effectiveness of the film

- The above emotions build throughout the storyline, leading to a immensely weighted climax as the emotion build up comes full circle

- The plot speed is fast-paced, and the story is rousing and adrenaline rushing

- 'Red herrings' (plot elements designed to mislead you), cliff hangers, and plot twists are commonplace in the plot line of Thrillers

- They're designed to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats, alert and expectant

- They emphasize danger, normally danger aimed at the main character (protagonist)

- Almost all Thrillers are R rated for their violence and unsuitability for young children

Thriller Sub Genres -

Action Thriller - Uses physical action to build up suspense. Normally has continuous motion, and utilizes fights, stunts, chases and other physical elements that also contribute to the build-up in suspense, and the sense of danger.

Examples - Die Hard, The Bourne Films

Crime Thriller - Incorporates aspects of crime into the plot, utilizing murders, thefts, or hunts, and focuses on both the protagonist and antagonist in detail, often giving the antagonist a lot of character depth.

Examples - Se7en, No Country for Old Men

Sci-Fi Thriller - Incorporates science based themes into the plot line, and utilizes advanced technology and fantasy objects. They're often set in the future, with unfamiliar locations and plot elements.

Examples - Inception, District 9

Psychological Thriller - In which there is a sense of mental or emotional conflict going on with the main characters. These often incorporate elements of mystery, and the threat coming from the mind rather than an external source. This genre often mixes into the horror genre of films.

Examples - Memento, Psycho

Political Thriller - Plot line has political elements to it, or elements of political importance. The plot normally has the main character trying to ensure the stability of his/her own government.

Examples - The Man Who Knew Too Much, The Interpreter

Religious Thriller - The film incorporates religious themes, or religious plot elements. These films often have some form of ethical issue going on as a plot element and sometimes have supernatural or spiritual threats like possession and exorcism.

Examples - The Da Vinci Code, The Exorcist

Conspiracy Thriller - Normally involves a conflict between a powerful enemy syndicate, and the main protagonist/s of the film. Often only the protagonist/s know the true extent, and have proper knowledge of the enemy organisation which puts pressure on him/her/them to stop them.

Examples - JFK, In the Line of Fire

Spy Thriller - Implements spy-work, and undercover elements, with the protagonist usually being a spy or government agent. Similar to conspiracy thrillers as the enemies are normally an enemy organisation opposing the main character, normally terrorists or a rival government and it's up to the character to defeat the group.

Examples - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Tourist

Techno Thriller - This sub-genre revolves around suspense and strongly implements the use of advanced technology as plot elements, or sometimes even as the antagonist of the film. This type of film of fits in with the Action and Sci-fi sub-genres.

Examples - Eagle Eye, The Jurassic Park Films

Supernatural Thriller - Brings in otherworldly plot elements to the story, normally in the form of fantasy creatures, mythical creatures, or aliens. These films use uncertainty, tension, suspense and anxiety to full effect in the plot.

Examples - Alien, What Lies Beneath

Erotic Thriller - A type of thriller that implements eroticism, sexuality and sexual relationships as key plot elements. These elements are normally applied to the protagonist of the film and his/her relationships with other characters.

Examples - Lust, Basic Instinct

Wikipedia Article on the Thriller Genre

Thriller Genre Article from The Script Lab

Wikipedia Article on Film ratings