2. What Defines a Thriller Film...
“By Definition, if a Thriller doesn’t thrill, it’s
not doing it’s job”.
- James Patterson
The Word “Thriller” is a very broad term, open
to various different interpretations. Due to this,
many films of the genre created over the past
decade, classifies as “Thriller” despite the
diversion into multiple sub-genres.
Conventionally, the purpose of a Thriller is to “Thrill” the audience, keeping them engaged with the
story that will eventually build up to a climax. A protagonist is introduced who usually has to overcome
a villain/obstacle while the audience fears for the their life. Common elements of a Thriller are plot
twists and cliffhangers, utilized to keep the audience in suspense for the duration of the film. The main
distinction of Thrillers from Horror films is that Thrillers don’t aim to convey fear but excitement.
3. Narrative/Plot
Thrillers usually have plots revolving
around an individual with a unique trait
who is faced with a challenge to
overcome. At one point in the movie our
protagonist finds themselves in trouble
succumbing to the villain/personal flaw
but is able to break free or is changed
forever.
Opening
Action scene/Significant event - Someone
is killed, Shootout, Protagonist is presented
with objective, Change occurs in Protagonist’s
life
Climax
Realisation/Big reveal/Plot twist -
Protagonist’s mental condition, Protagonist
retaliates, Major character killed, Mind games
Ending
Acceptance/Escape/Choice/Prevail -
Protagonist lives with consequences, An
impactful choice is presented, Threat is
escaped, Threat is neutralised through
protagonist’s strength.
5. Setting
Thrillers are typically set in various
locations. Since every thriller film is
unique, locations can vary from open
cities to confined households. Some
examples are:
- The Paper Street House (Fight
Club)
- Vallejo, California (Zodiac)
6. Themes
The Themes present in Thriller Films
usually carry a lot of weight and seek
to convey an aspect of life. These
themes vary from simple, “Be
yourself” to “Accept your fate and
embrace the inevitable”. Themes are
the most essential part of thrillers
otherwise the film is unable to achieve
its purpose.
7. Examples
Saw (2004)
Plot: An old man dying of cancer decides to
tortures innocents for enjoyment and leaves a
mental scar on the survivors.
Characters: Jigsaw, Victims
Setting: Confined Torture Dungeon
Themes: “Some People Just Don’t Appreciate
Their Life”
The Dark Knight (2008)
Plot: Batman finds himself at match with an
insane mastermind criminal who is always one
step ahead of him and trying to corrupt Gotham
by unleashing psychological warfare.
Characters: Batman, The Joker, Harvey Dent
Setting: Gotham City
Themes: “All It Takes Is One Bad Day”
