2. Plot
• Good and evil fighting against each other
• A sense of suspense, tension and excitement
• Provides the sudden rush of excitement, and exhilaration that drives
the narrative, sometimes subtly, and other times at a constant,
breakneck speed; keeping the audience on the "edge of their seats“.
• Often has plot twists and ends in “cliff-hangers”.
3. Character
• The protagonist is often a brave male who seeks to restore the
equilibrium.
• The antagonist will have a hidden identity that the audience will
uncover as the film progresses.
• Often the antagonist goes out for revenge from a past event.
4. Setting
• Typical setting of a Thriller would be in an urban city
• The main colours used would usually be grey, black and white.
5. Sub genres
• Action Thriller - Action Thrillers will often have continuous motion and action including physical stunts,
chases, fights, battles, and races.
• Crime Thriller – A Crime Thrillers plot usually centers on a serial killer, murderer, robbery, or manhunt. Crime
Thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense.
• Film-Noir - Film Noir is more of a stylistic type of crime-drama or thriller that was popular throughout the
1940s and 1950s. It’s characterized by a black-and-white style with stark lighting effects. The main character
is usually a cynical hero; and relies on a narrative voice and various flashbacks to explain the intricate plot.
• Psychological Thriller - A Psychological Thriller incorporates elements of drama and mystery films. The
protagonists in Psychological Thrillers must rely on their mental resources to solve the situation. The
suspense tends to come from the mind rather than from physical threats.
• Science Fiction Thriller - Traditionally, a Science Fiction film incorporates heroes, villains, awesome quests,
and advanced/non-existent technology. These elements can be used to create anticipation and suspense.
Often, this sub-genre will explore the “future-gone-bad” theme, including plots that revolve around alien
invasions, dystopian scenarios, and super-diseases.
• Religious Thriller - Religious Thriller films incorporate religious themes, including religious questions,
ceremonies, and objects. Exorcisms, demon possession, and church cover-ups are typical themes of
Religious Thrillers.
6. Notable Thriller films
• Seven
• The Dark Knight
• Psycho
• Leon: The professional
• Oldboy
• The birds
• Fight Club
• Shutter Island
