The document discusses the thriller genre and various subgenres. It provides an overview of common narrative styles in thrillers, including the protagonist facing a problem or danger. Case studies of films like Shutter Island and Silence of the Lambs are examined. Key characteristics of the thriller genre include suspense, plot twists, contrasting protagonist/antagonist characters. Subgenres discussed include action, crime, and psychological thrillers.

2. GENERAL OVERVIEW
 The thriller genre is a genre that thrives upon the ideas of both
suspense and anticipation. Directors of thriller films like to make the
audience fell constantly on the edge of their seats, and if anything
waiting for something exciting to happen. Whether this be built
through the backing track, or through the visuals on screen at any
given time.

3. NARRATIVE STYLES
 In the thriller genre the main protagonist is usually set with a
problem. I.e. an escape, mystery or puzzle he/she needs to solve. For
example in ‘Shutter Island’ Leonardo DiCaprio’s character is set with
the task of finding the missing inmate, Rachel Solondo. No matter
what sub-genre of thriller the film may fall into, there will always be a
very prominent emphasis on the danger the protagonist faces and
they’ll make it a constant factor.

4. CASE STUDY- SHUTTER ISLAND

5. NARRATIVE IN SHUTTER ISLAN D
 Shutter Island uses a very wide variety of techniques which make it
fit the thriller genre. For example the complexity of the plot, it has
many twists and turns to do with the main characters to make the
audience think. There are many red herrings to mislead the audience
and again make them think, there’s also a very long ‘chase’ throughout
a large proportion of the film given Rachel Solondo who they’re
meant to be finding, is nowhere to be seen at all.

6. TYPICAL CHARACTERS
 Characters in thrillers usually have quite a contrast between the
two sides; I.e. The protagonist and the antagonist tend to be very
different. Psychopath and everyday person for example, ‘Silence of
The Lambs’. There tends to be a very shady vibe to most of the
characters which tends to create a sense un-certainty about the morals
of the main character. Enhancing the idea of keeping the audience on
the edge of their seat.

7. CASE STUDY - SILENCE OF THE
LAMBS

8. HANNIBAL LECTER
 Once a respected psychiatrist, he's killed at least seven people —
and eaten them, hence his nickname, Hannibal the Cannibal. Adding
to his dark veneer: his home in a dungeon like cell with no windows,
in the basement of a mental institution. His character fits the generic
conventions of an antagonist in the thriller genre as he s portrayed as
a very psychotic character with serious issues. Also the serial killer
element adds to the stereotypical feel for the character.

9. SUB-GENRES
 There are many different
variations on the thriller genre,
most thriller films can be put into
one of them. Having sub-genres is
important as it helps to focus on a
certain style of film. A list of sub-
genres are as follows, but only a
few will be delved into in more
detail: Action, Conspiracy,
Crime, Disaster, Eco, Legal,
Medical, Mystery, Political,
Psychological, Religious,
Romantic, Spy, Supernatural,
Techno.

10. ACTION THRILLER
 Take any other thriller subgenre, give it’s defining elements a back
seat, and focus on the action, and you have an action-thriller. This is
more common in movies than novels because of the visual appeal of
explosions and violence. A prime example of this would be ‘The
Dark Knight’ starring Heath Ledger and Christian Bale. This film
heavily fits the genre as it has an element of mystery to it in the
storyline, and the action is beyond what you would expect.

11. CRIME THRILLER
 This subgenre focuses on crime, and is usually from the criminal’s
point of view. Physical action and eluding the police take the place of
gathering evidence and trying to discover the criminal. A very good
example of this would be ‘Fast and Furious 7’. The ‘boy racer’
mentality is depicted as criminal throughout and is what makes it fit
the sub-genre.

12. PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILER
 In this subgenre a lot of the conflict is mental, rather than physical.
The protagonist has become involved in a dangerous situation which
literally threatens their sanity. They must use mental prowess to overcome
their opponent, whether the battle is inside their own head or it a battle of
wits. A brilliant example would be ‘Se7en’ starring Brad Pitt and Morgan
Freeman. The whole fact that the criminal is playing mind games with the
policemen makes it very much a psychological thriller.