2. What is a Thriller?
Thriller is a rather broad genre of the many
forms of media such as literature, film and
television programs. Thrillers usually have an
exciting plot that draws the audience in, this
is done by creating suspense and tension
through techniques such as plot
twists, sound and even the set. A thriller can
be viewed as a mind journey based on
anticipation.
Thrillers can vary with elements such as
mystery, horror, action and psychological to
name a few, however all Thriller based media
forms aim to keep the audience on the edge
of their seat making you nervous for the fate
of the characters. The ending is usually
unexpected and leaves the audience with a
good impression, it can wrap up the story in
an interesting way or end with a cliff-hanger.
3. What are the main different types of
There are many different types of Thrillers such as, the
Thrillers?
main ones are:
• Action Thriller- Usually a race against time, violence
is included, there may also be elements of mystery.
Example, The Dark Knight
• Crime Thriller- Deals with criminals and the crimes
they commit, can be mixed with elements of action
and mystery. Example, Now you see me
• Horror Thriller- Suspense created from elements of
fear, attempts to scare as well as thrill.
Example, Insidious
• Psychological Thriller- Plays with the
mind, characters are challenged mental, suspense
stems from a mental threat. Example, Paranormal
Activity
• Mystery Thriller- Makes the audience think, focuses
on plot more, challenges audience to dissect the
story. Example, The Da Vinci Code
4. What are the main themes dealt with in
thrillers?
• The Protagonist usually has to face death, either someone else's or
their own
• The Antagonist normally has more strength and or is smarter
• The film is normally from the point of view of the protagonist
• Protagonist is almost always innocent
• The main plot concentrates on a problem or mystery that has to be
solved
• Justice and Morality is explored by the Protagonists actions
• Puzzle aspect of plot emphasised
5. Key characters found in Thrillers
• Protagonist- Almost always innocent, set on a single goal or problem
for example solving a mystery or avoiding a danger. The danger that
approaches the protagonist is always emphasised to help create
suspense throughout the film
• Antagonist- Usually someone or something the protagonist has to
overcome, they usually go against the protagonist and is better in
terms of intelligence and sometimes physical strength
• A helpful or lawful force- This can be a organization such as the police
that provides the Protagonist with help, the Protagonist still has to
face the impending danger on his own however.
6. Codes and Conventions of Thrillers
Some of the Codes and Conventions of Thrillers include:
• Low key lighting to add a darker tone to the film
• Mirrors that makes the protagonist reflect on themselves, it can also
be used to represent darkness
• Tense or scary music helps to create suspense filled atmosphere, it
helps to set the emotions and feelings felt by the characters in the
scene. E.g. https://soundcloud.com/themisticum/new-horror-music22-march-2012
• Quick cuts are used in particularly thrilling scenes creating a sense of
suspense
• Flashbacks often give an insight to the characters making the
audience more interested in the characters and story.
7. Case Study- Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan was born in London, England on
the 30th July 1970, from a very young age Nolan
became interested in film making he began shooting
short films with his action figures at the age of 7.
Nolan attended UCL (University College London) to
take advantage of the equipment and editing
facilities, it was at UCL where he began making short
films, He was also president of the Union’s Film
Society.
Nolan specializes in thriller films, in particular
psychological thrillers such as Memento and
Insomnia, both did well in the box office and was well
received by critics. Nolan's two most notable films are
The Dark Knight and Inception, both are different
genres of film but still have hints of thrillers in them.
