Genre Analysis

Romantic Thriller

What is a Romantic Thriller?• Romantic thriller in terms of genres, is a hybrid genre (a genre in

fiction that blends themes and elements from two or more different genres).

• The genre works on two levels. First a specific theme exists. Then general relationships, patterns and structural elements are merged with the specific theme. This means that there can be a large variety of visual styles and story structures in romantic thriller.

• This allows for a wide range of production techniques to be used to create a desired effect as well as it being able to appeal to a larger and more varied target audience than a simple Thriller or Romance film would.

• A Romantic Thriller is a good film to contrast because the genres are so different and varied from each other, allowing for an interesting and somewhat unique production.

Thriller Conventions

• Thriller is a genre of literature, film, and television programming that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements. Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewer's moods, giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, surprise, anxiety and terror. Films of this genre tend to be adrenaline-rushing, gritty, rousing and fast-paced.

Romance Conventions

• Romantic films often explore the essential themes of love at first sight, young with older love, unrequited love, obsessive love, spiritual love, forbidden love/romance, platonic love, sexual and passionate love.

• Romantic films serve as great escapes and fantasies for viewers, especially if the two people finally overcome their difficulties, declare their love, and experience life "happily ever after", implied by a reunion and final kiss.

Stereotypical Characters in a Romance Thriller Production

Target Audience

The Bodyguard (1992)

The Tourist (2010)

Safe Haven (2013)