Thriller Genre research

1. Thriller Genre

2. Definition: Thriller is a genre of fiction in which tough, resourceful, but essentially ordinary
heroes are pitted against villains determined to destroy them, their country, or the
stability of the free world. Part of the allure of thrillers comes from not only what their
stories are about, but also how they are told. High stakes, non-stop action, plot twists that
both surprise and excite, settings that are both vibrant and exotic, and an intense pace
that never lets up until the adrenalin packed climax. -
http://www.findmeanauthor.com/thriller_fiction_genre.htm
Purpose of thriller: to create suspense and excitement
for the audience. The common setting is in an Urban or
suburban area with busy streets to create a hectic
nature.
Narrative structure: The narrative revolves around the
investigation of an enigma or the hero is the only person
who is able to solve the enigma and reveal the truth.
Violence is usually involved in most thrillers and shows
certain institutions such as the police, army or the
government. There seems to be a rational explanation of
a mystery.
There are many Subgenres of Thrillers, here are the following:
• Action Thriller
• Conspiracy Thriller
• Crime Thriller
• Disaster Thriller
• Eco-Thriller
• Forensic Thriller
• Legal Thriller
• Medical Thriller
• Mystery Thriller
• Political Thriller
• Psychological Thriller
• Religious Thriller
• Romantic Thriller
• Spy Thriller
• Supernatural Thriller
• Techno-Thriller

3. Obtrusive editing
Conventions
Suspense
Red hearings –
deliberately
incorporated to
confuse the
audience
Twists
Eerie
Gloomy
Cliff hangers
Canted shots – show the
element of horror – mental
state of a character
Close up shots of
faces – build mystery
and suspense
Long shots – set the scene and
location – puts audience on
edge whilst panning
Confusing
Low-key
lighting
Complex
Insanity
Paranormal
Ambiguous
Adrenaline
Tension
Crime
Political
Religion
Protagonist
Antagonist

4. Barricaded windows and doors -
Bars on windows are used to show
imprisonment and isolation, which
links to the conventional thriller.
Iconography – These are the symbolic
representations, which often has a
conventional meaning attached to an
image or object. This has significance as
it is a part of the Mise-en-scene which
conveys Shadows - give the information to the audience.
enigma and
mystery for the
audience.
Iconography
Running water -
Running water is
often a symbol of
death as it suggests
the draining of life.
Knives – stereotypical for
a thriller – instils fear in
the audience – they
know something bad will
happen.
Woods – common location for thrillers
– create a sense of isolation and the
character being/feeling lost. There be
a lonely house which normally is
revealed to be the antagonist.
Street lamps – create
ambience and adds to an
eerie, foreboding
atmosphere.
Cities – creates realism
for the audience.
Confined spaces – create
the sense of
claustrophobia for the
audience watching –
creates tension.

6. Characters
Convicts
Criminals
Cops
Menaced woman
Characters with dark
pasts
Psychotic individuals
or people
stalkers
Stalkers
Innocent victims
Drifters
Private eyes
Assassins
Prison inmates