THRILLER SUBGENRE RESEARCH

By Leila Deeley

CRIME THRILLER

Definition- “Fictionalizes crimes, their detection, criminals and their motives. It is usually distinguished from mainstream fiction and other genres such as science fiction or historical fiction, but boundaries can be, and indeed are, blurred”

Usually contain a fast pace with both a protagonist and antagonist, generally, the antagonist is in some form of danger.

There usually based on cognitive ideas, with a small amount of action and gore.

Often chases such as car chases or on foot. This is usually edited with a fast pace and shows quick and choppy shots to create a desperate ambiance.

EXAMPLES

PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER

Definition-“build up slowly, with ever-increasing doubt and tension, until some explicit action/violence takes place, usually at the finale.”

Often uses a relatively bland locations and costumes, yet use some wild cognitive ideas to create a sense of normality in a mind of insanity.

Flashbacks are often used to create a confused element of time and disorientate the viewers.

EXAMPLES

MEDICAL THRILLERS

Definition- “Involves something usually for medical purposes becoming a deadly weapon. Often it is a virus that is leaking out to the public. The protagonist or antagonist or both are doctors.”

Based on discussing scenes, rather than action and violence.

The mise en scene often includes a sterile and cold feel using a dark lighting and light blue toned colours.

EXAMPLES

POLITICAL THRILLERS

Definition- “In this subgenre political relations or the whole government is at stake, and the protagonist is employed by the government to stop the decline. The protagonist may have been low-level before having attracted attention.”

Usually based on conspiracies and conflict between positions of power.

Fast editing is often utilized and chase scenes often make up a vast majority of these films.

EXAMPLES