The document discusses the genres of thriller and suspense films. It defines thrillers as films that pursue the single-minded goal of providing thrills and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats through tension and anticipation of danger or mystery. Thrillers often involve characters in conflict with each other or outside forces. The document then provides examples of different types of thriller hybrids and discusses some of the earliest thriller films and the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, known for his innovative techniques that manipulated audiences' fears.
This document provides an overview of the thriller genre in film. It discusses how thrillers promote suspense and tension by placing characters in dangerous situations. It also notes that thrillers come in many forms and hybridize with other genres. The document then highlights some influential early thrillers and discusses Alfred Hitchcock's significant contributions as the master of suspense thrillers through his innovative techniques and themes. It concludes by briefly mentioning some notable modern thrillers.
This is my in-depth analysis of the history of the Thriller Genre reaching back from the 1920s to the present day thrillers, here I've looked at how they've changed and evolved over time with thanks to well known directors such as Alfred Hitchcock.
The document provides an overview of the history and evolution of the horror film genre. It discusses how early horror films in the late 19th/early 20th century were inspired by Gothic literature and focused on supernatural themes. In the 1930s-40s, Universal Studios popularized horror films featuring monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. The 1950s saw a shift toward science fiction horrors dealing with nuclear radiation and mutation. Psychological horrors involving demons and possessions became popular in the 1970s. The genre continued to evolve and incorporate new themes in subsequent decades.
Film noir is a genre of mystery and crime dramas produced from the 1940s to 1950s that were typically shot in black and white. These films often featured stories of doomed heroes, cynical detectives, and femme fatales. The genre was influenced by German Expressionism in the 1910s-1920s and French poetic realism of the 1930s. Some of the earliest examples include Michael Curtiz's 1932 film 20,000 Years in Sing Sing. John Huston's 1941 film The Maltese Falcon is considered one of the first major film noir classics. Other iconic films noirs include Carol Reed's 1949 film The Third Man and Billy Wilder's 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, starring Gloria Swanson
Crime and gangster films emerged in the early 20th century and became popular with the advent of sound films in the 1930s. They often depicted the criminal rise and fall of mobsters and gangsters during the Prohibition era. Key conventions included portraying the criminal world of secret clubs, fast cars, and violence. Famous gangster films of this era starred Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney, and Humphrey Bogart rising to fame in films produced by Warner Brothers like Little Caesar and The Public Enemy. The Hays Code later enforced restrictions on glorifying criminals, though the genre continued to evolve through the 1950s with films portraying organized crime syndicates.
This document provides information about genres and films to create a promotion package for a new film. It includes requirements to create a teaser trailer, website homepage, film magazine cover, or poster. It then discusses postmodernism and various postmodern theorists. It also covers narrative theory concepts from Propp, Todorov, and Levi-Strauss. Next, it defines genre and provides details on the crime and dystopian genres, including their origins and conventions. It includes timelines of influential crime and dystopian films. It concludes with short analyses of the trailers for Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Kill Bill Volume 1, and Get Carter.
This document discusses the history of early thrillers and provides examples from the 1920s-1930s including Safety Last, M, and Murders in the Zoo. It also mentions psychological thriller subgenres that focus on the protagonist's mental state, giving examples like Along Came a Spider. The document then profiles Alfred Hitchcock as the "Master of Suspense" and lists some of his notable early films like The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes that helped establish the suspense-thriller genre.
Film noir is characterized by cynical heroes, stark lighting, flashbacks, intricate plots, and existentialist philosophy. It was prevalent in American crime dramas after WWII. Many films were inspired by hardboiled crime fiction and directed by European émigrés, bringing a stylized and theatrical sensibility. French critics coined the term "film noir" to describe dark, downbeat American crime films of the era like The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity.
This document provides an overview of the thriller genre in film. It discusses how thrillers promote suspense and tension by placing characters in dangerous situations. It also notes that thrillers come in many forms and hybridize with other genres. The document then highlights some influential early thrillers and discusses Alfred Hitchcock's significant contributions as the master of suspense thrillers through his innovative techniques and themes. It concludes by briefly mentioning some notable modern thrillers.
This is my in-depth analysis of the history of the Thriller Genre reaching back from the 1920s to the present day thrillers, here I've looked at how they've changed and evolved over time with thanks to well known directors such as Alfred Hitchcock.
The document provides an overview of the history and evolution of the horror film genre. It discusses how early horror films in the late 19th/early 20th century were inspired by Gothic literature and focused on supernatural themes. In the 1930s-40s, Universal Studios popularized horror films featuring monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. The 1950s saw a shift toward science fiction horrors dealing with nuclear radiation and mutation. Psychological horrors involving demons and possessions became popular in the 1970s. The genre continued to evolve and incorporate new themes in subsequent decades.
Film noir is a genre of mystery and crime dramas produced from the 1940s to 1950s that were typically shot in black and white. These films often featured stories of doomed heroes, cynical detectives, and femme fatales. The genre was influenced by German Expressionism in the 1910s-1920s and French poetic realism of the 1930s. Some of the earliest examples include Michael Curtiz's 1932 film 20,000 Years in Sing Sing. John Huston's 1941 film The Maltese Falcon is considered one of the first major film noir classics. Other iconic films noirs include Carol Reed's 1949 film The Third Man and Billy Wilder's 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, starring Gloria Swanson
Crime and gangster films emerged in the early 20th century and became popular with the advent of sound films in the 1930s. They often depicted the criminal rise and fall of mobsters and gangsters during the Prohibition era. Key conventions included portraying the criminal world of secret clubs, fast cars, and violence. Famous gangster films of this era starred Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney, and Humphrey Bogart rising to fame in films produced by Warner Brothers like Little Caesar and The Public Enemy. The Hays Code later enforced restrictions on glorifying criminals, though the genre continued to evolve through the 1950s with films portraying organized crime syndicates.
This document provides information about genres and films to create a promotion package for a new film. It includes requirements to create a teaser trailer, website homepage, film magazine cover, or poster. It then discusses postmodernism and various postmodern theorists. It also covers narrative theory concepts from Propp, Todorov, and Levi-Strauss. Next, it defines genre and provides details on the crime and dystopian genres, including their origins and conventions. It includes timelines of influential crime and dystopian films. It concludes with short analyses of the trailers for Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Kill Bill Volume 1, and Get Carter.
This document discusses the history of early thrillers and provides examples from the 1920s-1930s including Safety Last, M, and Murders in the Zoo. It also mentions psychological thriller subgenres that focus on the protagonist's mental state, giving examples like Along Came a Spider. The document then profiles Alfred Hitchcock as the "Master of Suspense" and lists some of his notable early films like The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes that helped establish the suspense-thriller genre.
Film noir is characterized by cynical heroes, stark lighting, flashbacks, intricate plots, and existentialist philosophy. It was prevalent in American crime dramas after WWII. Many films were inspired by hardboiled crime fiction and directed by European émigrés, bringing a stylized and theatrical sensibility. French critics coined the term "film noir" to describe dark, downbeat American crime films of the era like The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity.
Themes and plot devices in the films of alfred hitchcocksmagdeburg
Alfred Hitchcock frequently used recurring themes and devices in his films, including birds, suspense, and portraying the audience as voyeurs. He often placed ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, used mistaken identity as a plot device, and featured charming yet sociopathic criminals. Staircases, trains, domineering mothers, and the consumption of brandy also appeared commonly in his work.
1) Thrillers are a genre that uses suspense, tension, and excitement to engage the audience. Alfred Hitchcock helped shape the modern thriller genre with films like The Lodger in the 1920s.
2) Robert Siodmak directed the 1940s psychological thriller The Spiral Staircase, about a serial killer targeting a young mute woman.
3) Michael Powell shocked audiences in the 1960s with Peeping Tom, about a psychopathic killer who photographs his victims before murdering them.
The document traces the evolution of the thriller genre from early crime films to modern psychological thrillers and erotic thrillers. It highlights key films that developed different thriller subgenres, such as Hitchcock's Suspicion (1941) which helped establish the psychological thriller. Hitchcock is discussed as a pioneer of the genre who influenced many later directors. The document also summarizes several influential modern thrillers and predicts future hybridization and immersive techniques may further expand the genre.
Trouble is My Business: Introduction to Film Noir
001 Film Noir: Introduction to Film Noir
A four PowerPoint set covering: Introduction to Film Noir, Characters and Themes, Place and Iconography, Plot and Story Structure. The course was supported by screenings of; The Rules of Film Noir (Documentary) and The Matese Falcon.
Largely stolen, ripped, copied, re-worked and edited from other sources these slide decks were produced to support an ESL Drama course on the topic of Film Noir. My apologies to those I have rampantly sampled but actually I feel I have drawn a number of sources together here to produce something which is more than the sum of its parts (fair use).
This document provides an overview of crime and gangster films. It discusses the emergence of the genre in the early 20th century with films depicting organized crime and bank robbers. The 1930s saw the rise of iconic gangster films in the era of "talkies" due to their ability to showcase violence and crime through sound. Three classic films from this era that helped establish the genre included Little Caesar, The Public Enemy, and Scarface. The document provides historical context on influential crime films and establishes that Warner Bros. was particularly known for producing gangster films starring Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney, and Humphrey Bogart.
This document provides a history of horror films from the 19th century to modern day, covering major works, trends, and innovations within the genre. It discusses how early horror literature influenced silent films and German expressionism in the late 19th/early 20th century. The introduction of sound in the 1930s boosted the popularity of Universal monster films starring Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. Trends from this era like mad scientists and Gothic settings continued influencing horror through the following decades.
The document provides a history of the thriller genre from the 1920s to present day. It details how Alfred Hitchcock pioneered the genre with films like The Lodger in the 1920s-1930s. Notable thrillers from the 1940s-1950s include works by Hitchcock, Fritz Lang, and George Cukor. Iconic 1960s thrillers include Psycho and Cape Fear. The 1970s saw films from Brian De Palma and Nicole Roeg that explored themes of obsession and paranoia. The thriller genre remains popular today with recent films like Eden Lake and The Last House on the Left. The document aims to understand the evolution of popular thriller plots and devices to help plan new works
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has origins dating back to the earliest films. Horror movies have evolved from Gothic classics to modern films through a long history, with early influential films coming from German expressionism in the 1900s.
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust, and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres and thrillers. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has origins dating back to the beginning of movies. Early horror films included adaptations and expressionist works from Germany in the early 1900s that influenced decades of filmmakers.
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust, and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres and thrillers. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has roots in early films. German expressionist films of the early 1900s, like adaptations of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, influenced decades of horror directors including Tim Burton. Hollywood later experimented with horror in the 1920s led by star Lon Chaney Sr.
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust, and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres and thrillers. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has origins dating back to the beginning of movies. Early horror films included adaptations and expressionist works from Germany in the early 1900s that influenced decades of filmmakers.
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust, and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres and thrillers. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has roots in early films. German expressionist films of the early 1900s, like adaptations of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, influenced decades of horror directors including Tim Burton. Hollywood later experimented with horror in the 1920s led by star Lon Chaney Sr.
The document traces the history of thriller films from the 1920s to present day. It discusses how early directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Fritz Lang established the genre. It then focuses on Hitchcock's successes in the 1940s-1950s and how the genre evolved through the decades with influences like obsession and serial killer themes. The summary concludes that modern thrillers try to stand out with more violence and gore while maintaining storytelling elements established over the history of the genre.
Alfred Hitchcock directed many notable thrillers beginning in the 1920s, including The Lodger, Blackmail, and Rear Window. Other influential thriller directors from this era included Fritz Lang, who made the early spy film Spies, and George Cukor, who directed Gaslight. Thrillers continued to evolve throughout the mid-20th century with works by Hitchcock, as well as films noir and psychological thrillers from other directors. By the 1990s and 2000s, the thriller genre had expanded to include sub-genres like psychological thrillers, torture porn, and survival thrillers.
The document provides a detailed history of the horror genre from its origins in German Expressionism in the early 1900s through its developments in various decades up to the 1990s. Some key points include: German Expressionist films of the 1910s-1920s used expressionist sets and plots about madness in response to World War 1 and inflation; these films influenced later genres like horror and film noir. Horror films in the 1930s-1940s featured monsters and mad scientists, while the 1950s associated the genre with fears of communism. Psychological horror became popular in the 1960s-1970s depicting human evil, and slasher films emerged in the 1980s along with concerns over "video nasties". Horror in the
The document provides a history of the horror genre across literature and film. It notes that the term 'horror' first emerged with The Castle of Otranto in 1764, and that Frankenstein in 1818 was an influential early work. Early horror films used shadows and darkness to create surreal effects. Horror films were reborn in the 1930s with the advent of sound. During the 1950s-60s, many horror films were low-budget B-movies that explored themes of science and mutation. Key directors who helped develop the genre include George Romero, Mario Bava, and Wes Craven.
Thriller films aim to stimulate the audience's emotions through suspense, excitement, and anxiety. They keep audiences on the edge of their seats through plots that build to a climax. Psychological thrillers emphasize the unstable psychology of characters. They follow themes of death, reality, identity, and purpose. Psychological thrillers also use common techniques like mirrors, shadows, flashbacks, and tension music to portray characters' inner darkness and add suspense. They tend to include character types like criminals, psychotic individuals, and people in twisted relationships.
The document traces the history of the thriller genre from the 1920s to the present. It highlights Alfred Hitchcock as a pioneer of the genre in the 1920s-1940s with films like The Lodger, Blackmail, and Psycho. Other influential early thrillers included Fritz Lang's M from the 1930s. The genre grew in popularity in the 1950s-1970s with films from directors like Brian De Palma, Sam Peckinpah, and Steven Spielberg. Recent thriller hits mentioned include Animal, The Equalizer, Fast 7, and Chappie. The document argues that thriller films have become more thrilling, confusing, and realistic over the decades as technology has advanced.
Murder mystery films originated in the early 1900s when crime films were popular. There were two main types - open mysteries which revealed the perpetrator early on, and closed mysteries or "whodunits" where the criminal was unknown. Alfred Hitchcock directed many famous murder mysteries in the 1920s-1930s that helped establish the genre. Through the 1950s-1990s, murder mysteries expanded widely on television and film, often combining with other genres like horror or fantasy. Into the 21st century, the genre continues to adapt novels and develop new psychological thrillers and suspenseful stories.
The earliest thrillers were novels like Little Red Riding Hood in 1697. Alfred Hitchcock directed some of the earliest thriller films in the 1920s-1930s like The Lodger and The 39 Steps. In the 1940s, Hitchcock continued directing suspenseful thrillers such as Rebecca and Suspicion while other films noir like Gaslight and Laura emerged. The 1950s saw Hitchcock add color to his films including Strangers on a Train and Vertigo as the thriller genre gained popularity. Psychological thrillers became prominent in the 1960s with films such as Psycho and Repulsion. Trapped protagonists influencing many 1970s-1980s thrillers like Deliverance and D
Thrillers are a genre defined by their use of suspense, tension, and excitement. Alfred Hitchcock helped shape the modern thriller genre beginning with his 1926 silent film The Lodger. Robert Siodmak directed the 1940s psychological thriller The Spiral Staircase. Michael Powell's 1960 film Peeping Tom was initially denounced but later gained a cult following despite its gruesome story about a psychopathic killer. Thrillers often take place in exotic settings and involve heroes thwarting enemies while accustomed to danger.
This document provides a history of horror films from the silent era to modern day. It discusses the origins of German Expressionist films in the 1910s and influential titles like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Iconic 1930s films such as Frankenstein and Dracula brought sound and adapted classic novels. The 1940s saw the rise of werewolf, cat, and monster films. Horror evolved further in subsequent decades with mutant creatures in the 1950s, ghosts in the 1960-70s, zombies and satanism. The 1970s were a peak for British Hammer Horror films. Slasher movies emerged in the 1980s alongside fears around topics like terrorism. Gore and torture films became more extreme starting in the
Themes and plot devices in the films of alfred hitchcocksmagdeburg
Alfred Hitchcock frequently used recurring themes and devices in his films, including birds, suspense, and portraying the audience as voyeurs. He often placed ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, used mistaken identity as a plot device, and featured charming yet sociopathic criminals. Staircases, trains, domineering mothers, and the consumption of brandy also appeared commonly in his work.
1) Thrillers are a genre that uses suspense, tension, and excitement to engage the audience. Alfred Hitchcock helped shape the modern thriller genre with films like The Lodger in the 1920s.
2) Robert Siodmak directed the 1940s psychological thriller The Spiral Staircase, about a serial killer targeting a young mute woman.
3) Michael Powell shocked audiences in the 1960s with Peeping Tom, about a psychopathic killer who photographs his victims before murdering them.
The document traces the evolution of the thriller genre from early crime films to modern psychological thrillers and erotic thrillers. It highlights key films that developed different thriller subgenres, such as Hitchcock's Suspicion (1941) which helped establish the psychological thriller. Hitchcock is discussed as a pioneer of the genre who influenced many later directors. The document also summarizes several influential modern thrillers and predicts future hybridization and immersive techniques may further expand the genre.
Trouble is My Business: Introduction to Film Noir
001 Film Noir: Introduction to Film Noir
A four PowerPoint set covering: Introduction to Film Noir, Characters and Themes, Place and Iconography, Plot and Story Structure. The course was supported by screenings of; The Rules of Film Noir (Documentary) and The Matese Falcon.
Largely stolen, ripped, copied, re-worked and edited from other sources these slide decks were produced to support an ESL Drama course on the topic of Film Noir. My apologies to those I have rampantly sampled but actually I feel I have drawn a number of sources together here to produce something which is more than the sum of its parts (fair use).
This document provides an overview of crime and gangster films. It discusses the emergence of the genre in the early 20th century with films depicting organized crime and bank robbers. The 1930s saw the rise of iconic gangster films in the era of "talkies" due to their ability to showcase violence and crime through sound. Three classic films from this era that helped establish the genre included Little Caesar, The Public Enemy, and Scarface. The document provides historical context on influential crime films and establishes that Warner Bros. was particularly known for producing gangster films starring Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney, and Humphrey Bogart.
This document provides a history of horror films from the 19th century to modern day, covering major works, trends, and innovations within the genre. It discusses how early horror literature influenced silent films and German expressionism in the late 19th/early 20th century. The introduction of sound in the 1930s boosted the popularity of Universal monster films starring Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. Trends from this era like mad scientists and Gothic settings continued influencing horror through the following decades.
The document provides a history of the thriller genre from the 1920s to present day. It details how Alfred Hitchcock pioneered the genre with films like The Lodger in the 1920s-1930s. Notable thrillers from the 1940s-1950s include works by Hitchcock, Fritz Lang, and George Cukor. Iconic 1960s thrillers include Psycho and Cape Fear. The 1970s saw films from Brian De Palma and Nicole Roeg that explored themes of obsession and paranoia. The thriller genre remains popular today with recent films like Eden Lake and The Last House on the Left. The document aims to understand the evolution of popular thriller plots and devices to help plan new works
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has origins dating back to the earliest films. Horror movies have evolved from Gothic classics to modern films through a long history, with early influential films coming from German expressionism in the 1900s.
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust, and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres and thrillers. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has origins dating back to the beginning of movies. Early horror films included adaptations and expressionist works from Germany in the early 1900s that influenced decades of filmmakers.
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust, and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres and thrillers. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has roots in early films. German expressionist films of the early 1900s, like adaptations of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, influenced decades of horror directors including Tim Burton. Hollywood later experimented with horror in the 1920s led by star Lon Chaney Sr.
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust, and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres and thrillers. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has origins dating back to the beginning of movies. Early horror films included adaptations and expressionist works from Germany in the early 1900s that influenced decades of filmmakers.
Horror films strive to elicit emotions of fear, disgust, and horror from viewers through frightening scenes and supernatural elements. They often overlap with fantasy and science fiction genres and thrillers. The first horror film was made in 1896 by George Milies called The House Of The Devil, though the genre has roots in early films. German expressionist films of the early 1900s, like adaptations of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, influenced decades of horror directors including Tim Burton. Hollywood later experimented with horror in the 1920s led by star Lon Chaney Sr.
The document traces the history of thriller films from the 1920s to present day. It discusses how early directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Fritz Lang established the genre. It then focuses on Hitchcock's successes in the 1940s-1950s and how the genre evolved through the decades with influences like obsession and serial killer themes. The summary concludes that modern thrillers try to stand out with more violence and gore while maintaining storytelling elements established over the history of the genre.
Alfred Hitchcock directed many notable thrillers beginning in the 1920s, including The Lodger, Blackmail, and Rear Window. Other influential thriller directors from this era included Fritz Lang, who made the early spy film Spies, and George Cukor, who directed Gaslight. Thrillers continued to evolve throughout the mid-20th century with works by Hitchcock, as well as films noir and psychological thrillers from other directors. By the 1990s and 2000s, the thriller genre had expanded to include sub-genres like psychological thrillers, torture porn, and survival thrillers.
The document provides a detailed history of the horror genre from its origins in German Expressionism in the early 1900s through its developments in various decades up to the 1990s. Some key points include: German Expressionist films of the 1910s-1920s used expressionist sets and plots about madness in response to World War 1 and inflation; these films influenced later genres like horror and film noir. Horror films in the 1930s-1940s featured monsters and mad scientists, while the 1950s associated the genre with fears of communism. Psychological horror became popular in the 1960s-1970s depicting human evil, and slasher films emerged in the 1980s along with concerns over "video nasties". Horror in the
The document provides a history of the horror genre across literature and film. It notes that the term 'horror' first emerged with The Castle of Otranto in 1764, and that Frankenstein in 1818 was an influential early work. Early horror films used shadows and darkness to create surreal effects. Horror films were reborn in the 1930s with the advent of sound. During the 1950s-60s, many horror films were low-budget B-movies that explored themes of science and mutation. Key directors who helped develop the genre include George Romero, Mario Bava, and Wes Craven.
Thriller films aim to stimulate the audience's emotions through suspense, excitement, and anxiety. They keep audiences on the edge of their seats through plots that build to a climax. Psychological thrillers emphasize the unstable psychology of characters. They follow themes of death, reality, identity, and purpose. Psychological thrillers also use common techniques like mirrors, shadows, flashbacks, and tension music to portray characters' inner darkness and add suspense. They tend to include character types like criminals, psychotic individuals, and people in twisted relationships.
The document traces the history of the thriller genre from the 1920s to the present. It highlights Alfred Hitchcock as a pioneer of the genre in the 1920s-1940s with films like The Lodger, Blackmail, and Psycho. Other influential early thrillers included Fritz Lang's M from the 1930s. The genre grew in popularity in the 1950s-1970s with films from directors like Brian De Palma, Sam Peckinpah, and Steven Spielberg. Recent thriller hits mentioned include Animal, The Equalizer, Fast 7, and Chappie. The document argues that thriller films have become more thrilling, confusing, and realistic over the decades as technology has advanced.
Murder mystery films originated in the early 1900s when crime films were popular. There were two main types - open mysteries which revealed the perpetrator early on, and closed mysteries or "whodunits" where the criminal was unknown. Alfred Hitchcock directed many famous murder mysteries in the 1920s-1930s that helped establish the genre. Through the 1950s-1990s, murder mysteries expanded widely on television and film, often combining with other genres like horror or fantasy. Into the 21st century, the genre continues to adapt novels and develop new psychological thrillers and suspenseful stories.
The earliest thrillers were novels like Little Red Riding Hood in 1697. Alfred Hitchcock directed some of the earliest thriller films in the 1920s-1930s like The Lodger and The 39 Steps. In the 1940s, Hitchcock continued directing suspenseful thrillers such as Rebecca and Suspicion while other films noir like Gaslight and Laura emerged. The 1950s saw Hitchcock add color to his films including Strangers on a Train and Vertigo as the thriller genre gained popularity. Psychological thrillers became prominent in the 1960s with films such as Psycho and Repulsion. Trapped protagonists influencing many 1970s-1980s thrillers like Deliverance and D
Thrillers are a genre defined by their use of suspense, tension, and excitement. Alfred Hitchcock helped shape the modern thriller genre beginning with his 1926 silent film The Lodger. Robert Siodmak directed the 1940s psychological thriller The Spiral Staircase. Michael Powell's 1960 film Peeping Tom was initially denounced but later gained a cult following despite its gruesome story about a psychopathic killer. Thrillers often take place in exotic settings and involve heroes thwarting enemies while accustomed to danger.
This document provides a history of horror films from the silent era to modern day. It discusses the origins of German Expressionist films in the 1910s and influential titles like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Iconic 1930s films such as Frankenstein and Dracula brought sound and adapted classic novels. The 1940s saw the rise of werewolf, cat, and monster films. Horror evolved further in subsequent decades with mutant creatures in the 1950s, ghosts in the 1960-70s, zombies and satanism. The 1970s were a peak for British Hammer Horror films. Slasher movies emerged in the 1980s alongside fears around topics like terrorism. Gore and torture films became more extreme starting in the
This document provides an overview of disaster and thriller movies. It discusses common types of disasters portrayed in films such as natural disasters, accidents, alien invasions, and nuclear incidents. It notes that disaster films were especially popular in the 1970s due to events like Watergate and Three Mile Island. Examples that helped revive the genre included Airport, The Poseidon Adventure, and The Towering Inferno. More recent disaster films have featured viruses, asteroids, and ecological threats. The document also outlines characteristics of thriller films like mystery, suspense, and danger. It provides examples of classic thrillers like Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs and more recent films like Black Swan, The Rite, and Limitless
Film noir refers to crime dramas from the 1940s-1950s known for their black-and-white visual style and complex plots involving crime investigations, archetypal characters like detectives and femmes fatales, and themes of moral ambiguity. Key influences included hardboiled crime fiction of the time as well as German Expressionist cinema. Famous noirs include The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity, and Sunset Boulevard, while iconic actors like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall featured prominently. The genre continues to influence modern directors like the Coen Brothers, Quentin Tarantino, and David Fincher.
German expressionist films of the early 1900s, such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, featured expressionistic sets and stories of madness and insanity that influenced the horror genre. Expressionism declined in the 1920s but reemerged in Hollywood, influencing genres like horror and film noir. Classic horror literature from the 18th-19th centuries also influenced early horror films. Horror films in subsequent decades represented the social fears of their time through monster and human villains. Psychological horror became popular in the 1990s.
Thrillers originated from ancient epic poems that used similar narrative techniques to modern thrillers. Alfred Hitchcock directed some of the earliest thriller films in the 1920s-1930s. Popular thriller film companies include Hammer Film Productions and Warner Bros, while directors like Hitchcock, Nolan, Spielberg, and Scorsese regularly make thrillers. The genre focuses on suspense, danger, and building tension to a climactic ending, exemplified in films like The Silence of the Lambs, North By Northwest, and The Great Escape. Thrillers often use plot twists and cliffhangers, and subgenres include action, comedy, crime, horror, psychological, and spy thrillers.
Horror movies originated in the late 1890s with one of the first being Georges Melies' 1896 film "The House of the Devil". During the 1930s, iconic horror films like Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Invisible Man helped establish the gothic horror genre. In the 1950s and 1960s, horror incorporated more science fiction elements in films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Psycho. The 1970s saw the rise of psychological horror films like The Exorcist and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Slasher films became popular in the 1980s with franchises like Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street spawning numerous sequels. Recent horror in the 2000s has
This document discusses the history and evolution of horror movies from the 1920s through the 1950s. It describes how early silent horror films from the 1920s reflected societal anxieties through tales of vampires and monsters. Sound was introduced in the 1930s, adding psychological terror. Notable films from this decade include Dracula and Bride of Frankenstein. Horror movies produced during World War 2 catered mainly to domestic American audiences. The 1940s saw the rise of films featuring werewolves and other human-animal hybrid creatures. Finally, the 1950s saw a trend of movies featuring mutated monsters resulting from scientific experimentation, reflecting the post-war fears of nuclear war and advanced technology.
This document provides an overview of the history of horror movies from the 1920s to the 1980s. It summarizes that early horror films from the 1920s reflected public fears around mythical monsters following World War 1 and the Spanish Flu. Throughout the decades, horror films evolved to mirror the anxieties of their time, with themes transitioning to fears around things like family breakdown, nuclear war, and dangerous human psychology. The 1980s saw advancements in special effects and makeup that allowed for more graphic and realistic depictions of monsters and mutants on screen.
The history of horror films spans over a century, beginning in the late 1890s with early silent films depicting supernatural events. The genre evolved throughout the 1900s with themes often reflecting the social and political climate of the time. Key developments included the introduction of sound in the 1930s, rise of slasher films in the 1970s-80s, and remakes becoming popular in the 2000s. Famous films, actors, and directors have helped define eras and subgenres within the horror tradition.
Typical Characters Within A Horror Filmguest33dc5a
The document discusses the typical characters found in horror films from the 1930s to the 2000s. In the 1930s and 1940s, characters included vampires, werewolves, and madmen featured in films like Dracula and The Wolf Man. In the 1950s-1960s, new subgenres emerged featuring characters like survivors of war or nuclear holocaust in armageddon films and people possessed by demonic forces in films like Rosemary's Baby. The 1970s-1980s saw the rise of occult-focused films with characters portrayed as possessed or reincarnated. Slasher films dominated the 1990s with madmen killer characters, while remakes and sequels in the 2000s often involved teenagers as vulnerable
The document traces the history and evolution of the horror genre across different eras, from its roots in 19th century Gothic literature to modern subgenres like slasher films, torture porn, and alien/monster movies. It discusses key films, trends, and societal influences that shaped the genre in each era, from the expressionist films of the silent era to works reflecting anxieties over war, family, and technology in subsequent decades. The document also profiles important studios like Universal and Hammer Horror and how they advanced the genre through new technologies and stylistic approaches.
The document provides a historical overview of the evolution of horror genres in film and literature from the 19th century to modern times. It notes that 19th century horror literature was influenced by scientific advances and often featured male antagonists. In the early 20th century, silent horror films emerged as a new medium. The 1930s saw the rise of monster and mad scientist films, influenced by the Great Depression. Atomic testing and space discoveries shaped 1950s films about mutants and aliens. Violent 1960s events were a influence on films like Night of the Living Dead, while slasher films became popular in the late 1970s-1980s before descending into parody.
The document provides a history of the horror genre in film from the 1890s to present day. It describes how early films in the 1890s-1920s featured monsters like Frankenstein and vampires. In the 1930s-1940s, Universal Studios had a successful Gothic horror series including Dracula and Frankenstein. Subgenres like slashers emerged in the 1960s-1980s with films like Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Recent horror films have included remakes as well as movies blending horror with other genres like comedy.
The document provides a history of the horror genre in film from the 1890s to present day. It describes how early films in the 1890s-1920s featured monsters like Frankenstein and vampires. In the 1930s-1940s, Universal Studios had a successful Gothic horror series including Dracula and Frankenstein. Subgenres like slashers emerged in the 1960s-1980s with films like Halloween and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Recent horror films have included remakes as well as movies combining horror with other genres like comedy.
Alfred Hitchcock was a pioneering British film director and producer known as the "Master of Suspense" who helped pioneer the psychological thriller genre. Some of his most famous films include Psycho, The Birds, Vertigo, and Rear Window. He was fascinated with human psychology and frequently explored themes of fear, guilt, voyeurism, and paranoia. Hitchcock directed over 50 films spanning six decades and is considered one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.
The document summarizes the history and evolution of horror films from the late 1800s to the 2000s. It discusses the roots in Gothic literature and early films like The Haunted Castle. Key eras and films discussed include German Expressionism films of the 1920s like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Universal monster films of the 1930s featuring Dracula and Frankenstein, psychological horror films of the 1960s like Psycho, slasher films of the 1980s like Friday the 13th, and torture porn films of the 2000s like Saw. Throughout, the document traces how the genre responded to and was influenced by broader social and technological changes.
The document provides a history of horror films from the 1900s to the 2000s. It discusses how early German films in the 1900s helped establish the genre. Universal Studios had success in the 1930s with films like Dracula and Frankenstein. Horror films shifted tones in the 1950s towards alien invasion themes. Iconic films like Psycho and Rosemary's Baby influenced the genre in the 1960s-1970s. The 1980s saw the rise of teen-focused slashers. The 1990s brought self-referential films like Scream. Recent horror draws from Japanese films and franchises like Saw while avoiding monsters reminiscent of 9/11.
Three classic 19th century horror novels - Frankenstein, Dracula, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - helped establish the genre. Mary Shelley published Frankenstein anonymously in 1818. Bram Stoker's Dracula was adapted into the 1931 film directed by Tod Browning. Advances in film technology allowed early films to explore supernatural themes through photographic trickery.
This document discusses the genre and narrative structure of the film Whiplash. It begins by asking what genre Whiplash belongs to, such as drama, thriller, or sports film, and whether it is a hybrid. It then examines the conventions of different genres like drama, thriller, and sports film and how Whiplash compares to these. The document also explores narrative theory that could be applied to analyze Whiplash, such as Todorov's equilibrium-disequilibrium-equilibrium structure, binary oppositions, Barthes' narrative codes, and character archetypes. It poses exam questions about exploring the genres, narratives, and representations in three main texts.
Single camera techniques include various shot types like establishing shots, master shots, cutaways, and point-of-view shots that are framed in different ways such as wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups. Shots can be taken from different camera angles including eye level, high angles, and low angles. Camera movement is also important and can be achieved through techniques like dollying, tracking, panning, and zooming. Maintaining continuity between shots requires consistent scene set-ups, stable shots from tripod usage, and matching lighting.
This document discusses what makes a good title sequence according to Kyle Cooper. Cooper states that a good title sequence should have a consistent style and font, set the tone and mood for the film, and tell a mini story to introduce characters or themes. The document also asks about specific title sequences and why they are effective.
This document provides guidance for AS media students on creating a foundation portfolio blog to document their research, planning, and production process for a film titles and opening sequence project. It outlines 52 specific blog post topics that students should complete in their blog to receive a high grade, focusing on title sequence research, genre research, audience research, pre-production, construction, post-production, and evaluation. The blog posts should make use of visual elements like photos, videos, and infographics to engage the audience. The research and planning section of the blog is worth 20% of the overall coursework grade, so students are advised to take it seriously and present their work creatively.
This document provides information and guidance for a coursework unit on creating title sequences for horror films. It introduces the objectives of looking at key features of titles and openings. Students will create a 2 minute opening title sequence and blog about the research and planning. The document discusses analyzing genres, narrative, characters and atmosphere in existing title sequences. It provides several links to online resources about title design and existing student title sequences. The goal is to help students understand conventions and plan their own original horror film title sequence.
The document lists various free online tools for creating audio/podcasts, editing videos, organizing schedules, storing and sharing photos, creating presentations, mind mapping, screen recording, commenting on images/videos, editing photos, creating comics/animations, gathering feedback, and managing blogs. These include tools like Podomatic, WeVideo, Google Calendar, Photobucket, SlideShare, Prezi, Animoto, Voicethread, Pixlr, Poll Everywhere, and Edublogs.
This document provides instructions for using Blogger to create and customize a blog. It explains how to sign in to Blogger, access an existing blog, and navigate the different sections. Key steps include adding a group photo and names to the "About" section. It also outlines how to create new blog posts, insert images and videos, and customize the blog template and colors/fonts. Special attention is given to correctly labeling each new post with the creator's name and assignment details.
This document introduces different types of research techniques used in media, including audience research, market research, and production research. It distinguishes between primary research methods like observations, interviews, questionnaires; and secondary research methods like referring to published materials, online sources, and audio/visual formats. Reliability and validity are important factors to consider when choosing research methods to ensure the information can be trusted and is relevant to the investigation. Proper record keeping and organization of research materials is also emphasized.
This document provides a guide for students to analyze and blog about print work for an advanced portfolio. It outlines the stages of research, planning, construction, and evaluation for a music video project and print productions, including a digipak and magazine advert. Students are instructed to be creative in their blogging and include labels clearly attributing blog posts to group members. Examples of print production research blogs are also provided.
This document provides key concepts and theories for analyzing music videos, including media language, genre, narrative, representation, audience, and institution. It defines a music video as a short promotional work made to accompany and sell music. Music videos are said to illustrate, amplify, or contradict the lyrics and music. Genre conventions and the construction of star images are important to analyze. Critical perspectives discussed include examining genre style, camerawork, soundtracks, editing, mise-en-scène, and how the video contributes to the star's branding.
This document provides guidelines for blog content to support the research, planning, construction, and evaluation of an album promotion package for an advanced media production portfolio. It outlines marking criteria for assessing the research and planning, construction, and evaluation stages. It provides labeling guidelines for blog posts and lists topics that should be covered in blogs about music video research, pre-production, construction, and post-production, as well as print production. It identifies deadlines for submitting blog content and provides a glossary for terminology.
This document outlines the marking criteria for a foundation portfolio in media project. It is divided into 3 sections: research and planning (max 20 marks), construction (max 60 marks), and evaluation (max 20 marks). For each section, criteria for an excellent or level 4 score of 16-20 marks is provided. For research and planning this includes excellent research, planning, organization and time management. For construction it includes excellence in various technical filmmaking skills. And for evaluation it includes an excellent understanding of relevant issues and ability to evaluate choices, outcomes, development, and use of digital technology in the evaluation.
This document discusses media effects debates around regulation, classification, and censorship of media. It outlines three perspectives in the debate - those who articulate concerns without evidence, researchers who study media effects, and media consumers like children. The key distinction is drawn between regulation, classification, and censorship. Psychological and sociological approaches to media effects are also discussed, as well as how effects on individuals can impact society. Classic effect theories are outlined along with criticisms of effects-focused approaches.
This document provides a detailed overview and history of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) from 1912 to 2005. It discusses the establishment and early history of the BBFC as an independent body that classified films for cinema and later videos. It outlines some of the key issues and films that were of concern to censors during different decades, including violence, sexuality, drugs and more, and how the BBFC's standards and classification categories evolved over time in response to social and legislative changes.
The document provides links to thriller videos produced by Hurtwood House Thriller Productions, Harrow College Thrillers, and Longroad Thrillers. There are over 15 links listed, pointing to thriller film productions and related content on YouTube and blogs showcasing student thriller projects.
This document outlines the marking criteria for a foundation portfolio in media. It is divided into 3 sections: research and planning (max 20 marks), construction (max 60 marks), and evaluation (max 20 marks). For each section, criteria for achieving the highest level 4 marks from 16-20 are provided. These include excellent research, organization, time management, technical skills, understanding of issues, ability to evaluate choices and development, and communication skills.
This document provides notes on elements to include in an opening sequence such as establishing the sub-genre, introducing the main character, setting the atmosphere and setting through lighting, props, sound effects and camera work and editing.
This document provides guidance for a student group project to produce a thriller film opening sequence. It outlines requirements in four areas: 1) genre conventions and textual analysis of examples, 2) audience research through surveys and interviews, 3) subject matter and representation considerations, and 4) institutional context regarding film roles, distribution, and ratings. Students must individually evaluate how their opening challenges or develops genre conventions, represents social groups, might be distributed, and what audience it attracts. They are also asked to reflect on technical skills learned and progression from their preliminary work.
The document outlines 14 sub-genres of thriller films including action thriller, conspiracy thriller, crime thriller, disaster thriller, drama thriller, eco-thriller, erotic thriller, horror thriller, legal thriller, medical thriller, political thriller, psychological thriller, spy thriller, and supernatural thriller. It provides examples of notable films and novels within each sub-genre and describes common elements found in each type of thriller story.
At Digidev, we are working to be the leader in interactive streaming platforms of choice by smart device users worldwide.
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The Unbelievable Tale of Dwayne Johnson Kidnapping: A Riveting Sagagreendigital
Introduction
The notion of Dwayne Johnson kidnapping seems straight out of a Hollywood thriller. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, known for his larger-than-life persona, immense popularity. and action-packed filmography, is the last person anyone would envision being a victim of kidnapping. Yet, the bizarre and riveting tale of such an incident, filled with twists and turns. has captured the imagination of many. In this article, we delve into the intricate details of this astonishing event. exploring every aspect, from the dramatic rescue operation to the aftermath and the lessons learned.
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The Origins of the Dwayne Johnson Kidnapping Saga
Dwayne Johnson: A Brief Background
Before discussing the specifics of the kidnapping. it is crucial to understand who Dwayne Johnson is and why his kidnapping would be so significant. Born May 2, 1972, Dwayne Douglas Johnson is an American actor, producer, businessman. and former professional wrestler. Known by his ring name, "The Rock," he gained fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) before transitioning to a successful career in Hollywood.
Johnson's filmography includes blockbuster hits such as "The Fast and the Furious" series, "Jumanji," "Moana," and "San Andreas." His charismatic personality, impressive physique. and action-star status have made him a beloved figure worldwide. Thus, the news of his kidnapping would send shockwaves across the globe.
Setting the Scene: The Day of the Kidnapping
The incident of Dwayne Johnson's kidnapping began on an ordinary day. Johnson was filming his latest high-octane action film set to break box office records. The location was a remote yet scenic area. chosen for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. perfect for the film's climactic scenes.
But, beneath the veneer of normalcy, a sinister plot was unfolding. Unbeknownst to Johnson and his team, a group of criminals had planned his abduction. hoping to leverage his celebrity status for a hefty ransom. The stage was set for an event that would soon dominate worldwide headlines and social media feeds.
The Abduction: Unfolding the Dwayne Johnson Kidnapping
The Moment of Capture
On the day of the kidnapping, everything seemed to be proceeding as usual on set. Johnson and his co-stars and crew were engrossed in shooting a particularly demanding scene. As the day wore on, the production team took a short break. providing the kidnappers with the perfect opportunity to strike.
The abduction was executed with military precision. A group of masked men, armed and organized, infiltrated the set. They created chaos, taking advantage of the confusion to isolate Johnson. Johnson was outnumbered and caught off guard despite his formidable strength and fighting skills. The kidnappers overpowered him, bundled him into a waiting vehicle. and sped away, leaving everyone on set in a state of shock and disbelief.
The Immediate Aftermath
The immediate aftermath of the Dwayne Johnson kidnappin
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240529_Teleprotection Global Market Report 2024.pdfMadhura TBRC
The teleprotection market size has grown
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Thriller And Suspense Films
1. THRILLER and SUSPENSE FILMS
Thriller and Suspense Films are types of films known to promote intense excitement,
suspense, a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension.
Thriller and suspense films are virtually synonymous and interchangeable categorizations, with similar characteristics
and features.
If the genre is to be defined strictly, a genuine thriller is a film that rentlessly pursues a single-minded goal - to provide
thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the 'edge of their seats' as the plot builds towards a climax. The tension
usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menacing situation or mystery, or an escape or dangerous
mission from which escape seems impossible. Life itself is threatened, usually because the principal character is
unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation. Plots of thrillers involve
characters which come into conflict with each other or with outside forces - the menace is sometimes abstract or
shadowy.
Thrillers are often hybrids - there are suspense-thrillers, action- or adventure- thrillers, sci-fi thrillers (such as Alien
(1979)), crime-caper thrillers (such as The French Connection (1971)), western-thrillers (such as High Noon
(1952)), film-noir thrillers (such as Double Indemnity (1944)), even romantic comedy-thrillers (such as Safety Last
(1923)).
Another closely-related genre is the horror film genre (e.g., Halloween (1978)), also designed to elicit tension and
suspense, taking the viewer through agony and fear. Suspense-thrillers come in all shapes and forms: there are murder
mysteries, private eye tales, chase thrillers, women-in-danger films, courtroom and legal thrillers, erotic thrillers, surreal
cult-film soap operas, and atmospheric, plot-twisting psychodramas. Thrillers keep the emphasis away from the
gangster, crime, or the detective in the crime-related plot, focusing more on the suspense and danger that is generated.
Characters in thrillers include convicts, criminals, stalkers, assassins, down-on-their-luck losers, innocent victims (often
on the run), prison inmates, menaced women, characters with dark pasts, psychotic individuals, terrorists, cops and
escaped cons, fugitives, private eyes, drifters, duplicitious individuals, people involved in twisted relationships, world-
weary men and women, psycho-fiends, and more. The themes of thrillers frequently include terrorism, political
conspiracy, pursuit, or romantic triangles leading to murder.
In mid-June, 2001, the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, California made its definitive selection of the 100
greatest American "heart-pounding" and "adrenaline-inducing" films of all time, as determined by more than 1,800
actors, directors, screenwriters, historians, studio executives, critics, and others from the American film community. To
be eligible, the 400 nominated films had to be U.S.-made, feature-length fiction films, whose thrills have "enlivened and
enriched America's film heritage," according to the rules. AFI also asked jurors to consider "the total adrenaline-
inducing impact of a film's artistry and craft," regardless of the genre.
AFI's list of the 100 Most Thrilling Films are presented by this site.
Early Thrillers:
One of the earliest 'thrillers' was Harold Lloyd's comic Safety Last (1923), with the all-American boy performing a
daredevil stunt on the side of a skyscraper. The haunting and chilling German film M (1931) directed by the great Fritz
Lang, starred Peter Lorre (in his first film role) as a criminal deviant - a child killer. The film's story was based on the
life of serial killer Peter Kurten (known as the 'Vampire of Dusseldorf'). Edward Sutherland's crime/horror thriller
Murders in the Zoo (1933) from Paramount starred Lionel Atwill as a murderous and jealous zoologist. And various
horror films of the period, The Cat and the Canary (1927), director Rouben Mamoulian's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
(1931) with Fredric March, and The Bat Whispers (1930), provided some thrills.
Director George Cukor's classic psychological thriller Gaslight (1944) (first made in Britain in 1939 with Anton
Walbrook and Diana Wynward) featured a scheming husband (Charles Boyer) plotting to make his innocent young wife
(Ingrid Bergman) go insane, in order to acquire her inheritance. The film noir Laura (1944) told about a thrilling
murder investigation (for a beautiful missing advertising executive named Laura) conducted by a police detective (Dana
Andrews), with suspects including an acid-tongued columnist (Clifton Webb) and a gigolo fiancee (Vincent Price). And
2. the eerie The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), from Oscar Wilde's masterful tale, refashioned the Faustian story of a
man (Hurd Hatfield) who made a deal with Mephistopheles (George Sanders) to forever remain young.
A mute domestic servant (Dorothy McGuire) in a haunted house was terrorized by a serial murderer, thinking she
was the next victim in The Spiral Staircase (1946). In a taut thriller starring Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth titled
The Lady From Shanghai (1948), a beautiful woman, her crippled lawyer/husband and his partner, and an Irish
sailor ended up involved in a murder scheme. In Sorry, Wrong Number (1948), an invalid woman (Barbara Stanwyck)
overheard a murder plot on the phone - against herself. The Third Man (1949), one of the best suspense films of all
time, told the story of a writer (Joseph Cotten) in post-WW II Vienna who found out that his old friend (Orson Welles),
a black marketeer, was not dead after all.
Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense Thrillers
No list of suspense or thriller films can be complete without mention of English film-maker/director Alfred Hitchcock.
He helped to shape the modern-day thriller genre, beginning with his early silent film The Lodger (1926), a
suspenseful Jack-the-Ripper story, followed by his next thriller Blackmail (1929), his first sound film (but also released
in a silent version). Hitchcock would make a signature cameo appearance in his feature films, beginning with his third
film The Lodger (1926), although his record was spotty at first. After 1940, he appeared in every one, except for The
Wrong Man (1956). [See all of Hitchcock's cameos here.] Although nominated five times as Best Director (from
1940-1960), Hitchcock never won an Academy Award.
Alfred Hitchcock is considered the acknowledged auteur master of the thriller or suspense genre, manipulating his
audience's fears and desires, and taking viewers into a state of association with the representation of reality facing the
character. He would often interweave a taboo or sexually-related theme into his films, such as the repressed memories
of Marnie (Tippi Hedren) in Marnie (1964), the latent homosexuality in Strangers on a Train (1951), voyeurism in
Rear Window (1954), obsession in Vertigo (1958), or the twisted Oedipus complex in Psycho (1960).
Hitchcock's films often placed an innocent victim (an average, responsible person) into a strange, life-threatening or
terrorizing situation, in a case of mistaken identity, misidentification or wrongful accusation (i.e., in The 39 Steps
(1935), The Wrong Man (1956), and in North by Northwest (1959)).
He also utilized various cinematic techniques (i.e., the first British 'talking picture' - Blackmail (1929), the extreme
zoom shot of the key in Notorious (1946), the glowing glass of milk in Suspicion (1941), the prolonged cross-
cutting tennis match in Strangers on a Train (1951), the virtuoso set-piece of the crop duster in North by
Northwest (1959), the montage in the shower sequence accentuated with composer Bernard Herrmann's screeching
violin score in Psycho (1960), the dolly-zoom shots in Vertigo (1958), or the heightening of anticipation with the
long pull-back shot from inside a building to the outside and across the street in Frenzy (1972)).
Visually-expressive motifs were also his specialty (i.e., the surrealistic dream sequences in Spellbound (1945), the key
in Notorious (1946), the staircase or the use of profiles and silhouettes in Vertigo (1958), the murder reflected in
the victim's glasses in Strangers on a Train (1951), the concept of "pairs" and guilt transference in Shadow of a
Doubt (1943)), or the making of technically-challenging films (such as Lifeboat (1944) and Rope (1948)). [Rope was
a film of many 'firsts': it was Hitchcock's first color film and his first film as an independent producer; it was his first
film released by Warner Bros.; it was his first and only attempt to make a film appear as a single shot, with a series of
ten-minute takes cleverly spliced together; and it was his first film with James Stewart. The basis of the film was the
famed Leopold-Loeb case.]
In many of his films, there was the inevitable life and death chase concluding with a showdown at a familiar landmark
(for example, London's Albert Hall in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), the Statue of Liberty in Saboteur
(1942), the UN and Mount Rushmore in North by Northwest (1959), Westminster Cathedral in Foreign
Correspondent (1940), and the Golden Gate Bridge in Vertigo (1958)). He also reveled in tight and confined
spaces, to heighten emotion (i.e., Lifeboat (1944), Rope (1948), or Rear Window (1954), etc.) or restrictive train
journeys (i.e., The Lady Vanishes (1937), and North by Northwest (1959), etc).
The famed director often capitalized on a 'red herring' or gimmicky plot element to catch the viewer's attention - dubbed
a McGuffin (or MacGuffin), that would propel the plot along its course. Usually, the McGuffin initially appears to be of
utmost importance, but functions to intentionally misdirect the audience - it then quickly fades into the background and
ends up being trivial, irrevelant, or incidental to the film's story. Here is a list of various MacGuffins:
3. • The 39 Steps (1935): the nature of the 39 Steps, and the smuggling of secret plans (vital to the
country's air defense) out of the country
• The Lady Vanishes (1938): the coded message contained in a piece of music
• Rebecca (1940): the character of the first Mrs. De Winter - Rebecca
• Notorious (1946): the radioactive material (uranium ore) found in vintage wine bottles
• Strangers on a Train (1951): Guy's cigarette lighter
• Rear Window (1954): the suspected 'murder' committed by apartment tenant Lars Thorwald
(Raymond Burr)
• North by Northwest (1959): the character of "George Kaplan" (mistakenly thought to be Cary
Grant) who is being chased by spies, and the secret microfilm
• Psycho (1960): the stolen money, the $40,000 wrapped up in a newspaper in the motel bedroom
• The Birds (1963): the cause of the strange bird attacks
• Torn Curtain (1966): the secret formula (known by Professor Gustav Lindt) for an anti-nuclear
missle device the East Germans have been developing
• Topaz (1969): what is Topaz? who is it? who is in it?
Hitchcock usually cast leading actors against type (Gregory Peck, James Stewart, Cary Grant) opposite cool blondes
(Madeleine Carroll, Joan Fontaine, Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, Janet Leigh, Tippi Hedren) who were
often subject to misogynistic abuse, threatening humiliation, or murder. Hitchcock would then explore the darker sides
of human nature through the situation, including sexuality and voyeurism, guilt and punishment, or paranoia and
obsession. He usually let the viewer know that some horrible event would happen - creating unbearable suspense while
viewers waited for the inevitable.
Notable examples of Hitchcock's early British suspense-thriller films include The Man Who Knew Too Much (1933),
his first great spy-chase/romantic thriller The 39 Steps (1935) with Robert Donat handcuffed to Madeleine Carroll, and
the best film of his British period - the mystery The Lady Vanishes (1938). Extending his work into the 1940s in a
number of brilliant black-and-white films, Hitchcock continued to perfect his recognizable brand of suspense-thriller,
producing Foreign Correspondent (1940), the haunting Oscar-nominated Rebecca (1940) about the strange
romance between a young woman (Joan Fontaine) and an emotionally-distant rich widower (Laurence Olivier) -
overshadowed by a vindictive housekeeper (Judith Anderson), Suspicion (1941) about a woman in peril from her own
husband (cast against type Cary Grant), Saboteur (1942), Shadow of a Doubt (1943) - Hitchcock's own personal
favorite and based upon the actual case of a 1920s serial killer known as 'The Merry Widow Murderer', Spellbound
(1945), and Notorious (1946).
In the 1950s, Hitchcock added technicolor to his still-brilliant dark and moody films, now with exotic locales and
glamorous stars. He reached the zenith of his career with a succession of classic films:
• the suspenseful black and white Strangers on a Train (1951) about two train passengers: tennis pro
Guy (Farley Granger) and Bruno (Robert Walker), who staged a battle of wits and traded murders
with each other
• Dial M For Murder (1954), with Ray Milland as a villainous husband who attempts to murder his
wealthy wife (Grace Kelly) - also shot in 3-D
• Rear Window (1954) - a masterful study of voyeurism confined to a Greenwich Village apartment
complex and courtyard, with Grace Kelly as a seductive girlfriend to beau James Stewart
• To Catch a Thief (1955), a lightweight thriller set in S. France
• The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) - a remake of Hitchcock's own 1934 spy thriller
• Vertigo (1958), one of Hitchcock's greatest films, with James Stewart as a retired police detective
who becomes obsessed with the disturbed enigmatic 'wife' (Kim Novak) of an old friend
• and the entertaining, romantic comedy/spy thriller North By Northwest (1959) about an
advertising executive (Cary Grant) mistakenly acquiring the identity of a fictional governmental
agent, and his encounter with an icy blonde Eva Marie Saint
After Hitchcock's classic films of the 1950s, his films were wildly uneven, although he produced the shocking and
engrossing thriller Psycho (1960) about a loner mother-fixated motel owner and taxidermist - with the classic set
piece (the 'shower scene'), and the suspenseful and strangely terrifying The Birds (1963) about a invasion of birds in a
N. California coastal town and its effect upon archetypal cool blonde Tippi Hedren. His film Frenzy (1972),
Hitchcock's first British film in almost two decades, was given an R rating for its vicious and explicit strangulation
scene.