Thriller Research, Mel

1. What is a
Thriller?

2. What is a Thriller?
– Definition: A novel, play, or film with an exciting
plot, typically involving crime or espionage in
which viewers have feelings of suspense,
excitement, surprise, anticipation and anxiety.

3. The subgenres of thriller
– Action thriller Legal thriller
– Comedy thriller Political thriller
– Conspiracy thriller Psychological thriller
– Crime thriller Spy film
– Erotic thriller Supernatural thriller
– Horror thriller Techo-thriller

4. Action thriller
– Action thriller:
– -both action and thriller
– -protagonist confronts dangerous adversaries, obstacles, or situations which
he/she must conquer in an action setting
– -features a race against the clock, frequent violence and a clear antagonist
– e.g. Taken(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPJVJBm9TPA) ,
– The Dark Knight (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXeTwQWrcwY)

5. Comedy thriller
– Comedy thriller:
– -combines elements of comedy and thrillers
– -a combination of humor and suspense or action
– e.g. Mr. and Mrs. Smith (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C1miwFdQOQ) ,
– Grosse Point Blank(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ7AXKWmWOg)

6. Conspiracy thriller
– Conspiracy thriller:
– - hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies
whose true extent only s/he recognizes.
– e.g. The Da Vinci Code(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjRPTyazKds)
– Edge of Darkness(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4QUhbywIFo)

7. Crime thriller
– Crime thriller:
– -hybrid type of both crime films and thrillers
– -offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes
– -often focus on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman
– -Central topics of these films: serial killers/murders, robberies, chases,
shootouts, heists and double-crosses.
– e.g. Seven(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znmZoVkCjpI)
– The Score(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h5UgLvoaok)

8. Erotic thriller
– Erotic thriller:
– emphasizes on eroticism
– Sexual relationship plays an important role in the plot.
– e.g. Sea of Love(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DQJIoyqn7w)
– Color of Night(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqJmVge0SYQ)

9. Horror thriller
– Horror thriller:
– -blends the horror and thriller genres
– -focusing on suspense, tension and adrenaline
– -emphasizes on fear, terror and/or gore
– -aspects of supernatural may be presented
– e.g. Saw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDoxuZzhrnw) ,
– Scream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWm_mkbdpCA)

10. Legal thriller
– Legal thriller:
– -major characters are lawyers and their employees
– -The system of justice supports the development of the plot
– e.g. The Pelican Brief(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7seUNbY1_w)
Presumed Innocent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnNlN-TWAmQ)

11. Political thriller
– Political thriller:
– -hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him
– e.g. Topaz (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U1XQH78gwc)
– Captain America: The Winter Soldier (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbayiPxkUMM)

12. Psychological thriller
– Psychological thriller:
– -conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than
physical.
– -Characters are dragged into a dangerous conflict or situation that they are not
prepared to resolve
– -Characters rely on their mental resources but not physical strength to fight
against their enemies
– e.g. Strangers on a Train (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1iSS5r0OVE),
Captain America: Civil War (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKrVegVI0Us)

13. Spy film
– Spy film:
– -protagonist is generally a government agent who must take violent action
against agents of a rival government or terrorists.
– - usually deals with the subject of fictional espionage in a realistic way
– e.g. Spy Game (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1f0c3utHGI) , Hanna(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voPBcugOZPU)

14. Supernatural thriller
– Supernatural thriller:
– -brings in an otherworldly element mixed with tension, suspense and/or plot
twists
– -Sometimes the protagonist and/or villain has some psychic ability and
superpowers
– e.g. Unbreakable (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_f1uCWKZQs) , The
Sixth Sense (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUF9mfenza8)

15. Techo-thriller
– Techno-thriller:
– - the manipulation of sophisticated technology plays a prominent part
– - a bit of action and science fiction
– e.g. Supernova (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUdy0Cu3f_o) ,
– Hackers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rn2cf_wJ4f4)