What is a Thriller?

What is a Thriller?

– Definition: A novel, play, or film with an exciting plot, typically involving crime or espionage in which viewers have feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation and anxiety.

The subgenres of thriller

– Action thriller Legal thriller

– Comedy thriller Political thriller

– Conspiracy thriller Psychological thriller

– Crime thriller Spy film

– Erotic thriller Supernatural thriller

– Horror thriller Techo-thriller

Action thriller

– Action thriller:

– -both action and thriller

– -protagonist confronts dangerous adversaries, obstacles, or situations which he/she must conquer in an action setting

– -features a race against the clock, frequent violence and a clear antagonist

– e.g. Taken(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPJVJBm9TPA) ,

– The Dark Knight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXeTwQWrcwY)

Comedy thriller

– Comedy thriller:

– -combines elements of comedy and thrillers

– -a combination of humor and suspense or action

– e.g. Mr. and Mrs. Smith (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C1miwFdQOQ) ,

– Grosse Point Blank(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ7AXKWmWOg)

Conspiracy thriller

– Conspiracy thriller:

– - hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only s/he recognizes.

– e.g. The Da Vinci Code(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjRPTyazKds)

– Edge of Darkness(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4QUhbywIFo)

Crime thriller

– Crime thriller:

– -hybrid type of both crime films and thrillers

– -offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes

– -often focus on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman

– -Central topics of these films: serial killers/murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, heists and double-crosses.

– e.g. Seven(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znmZoVkCjpI)

– The Score(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h5UgLvoaok)

Erotic thriller

– Erotic thriller:

– emphasizes on eroticism

– Sexual relationship plays an important role in the plot.

– e.g. Sea of Love(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DQJIoyqn7w)

– Color of Night(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqJmVge0SYQ)

Horror thriller

– Horror thriller:

– -blends the horror and thriller genres

– -focusing on suspense, tension and adrenaline

– -emphasizes on fear, terror and/or gore

– -aspects of supernatural may be presented

– e.g. Saw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDoxuZzhrnw) ,

– Scream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWm_mkbdpCA)

Legal thriller

– Legal thriller:

– -major characters are lawyers and their employees

– -The system of justice supports the development of the plot

– e.g. The Pelican Brief(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7seUNbY1_w) Presumed Innocent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnNlN-TWAmQ)

Political thriller

– Political thriller:

– -hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him

– e.g. Topaz (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U1XQH78gwc)

– Captain America: The Winter Soldier (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbayiPxkUMM)

Psychological thriller

– Psychological thriller:

– -conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical.

– -Characters are dragged into a dangerous conflict or situation that they are not prepared to resolve

– -Characters rely on their mental resources but not physical strength to fight against their enemies

– e.g. Strangers on a Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1iSS5r0OVE), Captain America: Civil War (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKrVegVI0Us)

Spy film

– Spy film:

– -protagonist is generally a government agent who must take violent action against agents of a rival government or terrorists.

– - usually deals with the subject of fictional espionage in a realistic way

– e.g. Spy Game (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1f0c3utHGI) , Hanna(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voPBcugOZPU)

Supernatural thriller

– Supernatural thriller:

– -brings in an otherworldly element mixed with tension, suspense and/or plot twists

– -Sometimes the protagonist and/or villain has some psychic ability and superpowers

– e.g. Unbreakable (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_f1uCWKZQs) , The Sixth Sense (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUF9mfenza8)

Techo-thriller

– Techno-thriller:

– - the manipulation of sophisticated technology plays a prominent part

– - a bit of action and science fiction

– e.g. Supernova (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUdy0Cu3f_o) ,

– Hackers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn2cf_wJ4f4)