Thriller films aim to keep audiences alert and on edge through tension and suspense built around anticipated climactic events. They employ techniques like red herrings, cliffhangers, psychological elements, and dimensional confusion to create uncertainty and engage viewers in trying to understand unpredictable storylines. Examples provided demonstrate how different thriller subgenres like psychological thriller (Donnie Darko), action thriller (The Dark Knight), and modern thriller (The Woman in Black) effectively build mystery, suspense and a tense atmosphere from the beginning to keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the end.

1. What is thriller?
When some people think of thriller they think about murders and
mind games but that isn’t really the case. Thriller’s tend to have an
element of anticipation and uncertainty to the viewer which
mostly done by using red herrings, and cliff-hangers. However; the
aim of a thriller is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of
their seats,. No matter that sub-genre a thriller film falls into as
there are quite a few such as action-thriller, crime-thriller, and
political-thriller you will always find that the main problem is built
on tension and suspense which leads to a highly stressful climax at
the end.

2. Donnie Darko.
Donnie Darko is a prime example of a
psychological thriller as the main character has
psychological hallucinations ; making him have an
imaginary friend which creates questions to the
viewers and engages them as the story line is so
unusual. The film is very unpredictable following
a dark theme however wouldn’t be classified as a
horror as you’re not left with a feeling of fear.
Through out the film there are 2 different
dimensions which could confuse the audience in
a way that they wouldn’t understand what was
going on, which creates suspense. However; you
are left with an open interpretation as the film
has no clear ending which creates mystery to the
viewers.

3. The Dark Knight
From the very beginning scene of ‘The
Dark Knight’ you can tell it’ll be an action-
thriller just from the music playing as it
starts off as a very monotone high pitch
noise then a bang and shattering of glass
which is the first loud noises heard. Loud
bangs of doors is followed which makes
the audience jump and feel on edges
creating tension already. Mystery and
suspense has been built as no talking has
been done; this is mainly by the camera
angles being over the shoulder of the
characters which is creating this
atmosphere.

4. Women in black.
The women in black is a great example of
a modern thriller, as from the start to
finish of the film, the audience is on the
edge of their seat wanting to know what
will jump out next. The tense atmosphere
is created by the sounds created by the
main character. They did this instead of
making her frightening, but the
filmmakers made decided to have her fly
on screen very fast in intense scenes,
followed by a high pitched and loud
sound.