Forms and Conventions of Thrillers
Themes- There are many themes associated with the thriller genre which all coincide with one another. The themes set up the storyline and narratives for certain characters to follow throughout the film. Such themes include, revenge, crime, greed, seduction and sex, and obsession. An example of a film that uses a theme throughout really well is Leon who uses revenge as its main theme. This sets up the storyline for the character to take as he will follow steps towards getting his revenge.
Narratives- Thriller films contain a certain select group of narratives which makes it a thriller film. Narratives are activities that happen during a film which makes up the story. Some narratives include, people being caught up in situation that they cannot control, bank robberies, chases, blackmail and people being on the run from something, normally the law. Another example of a film that includes several typical thriller narratives is The Town which uses narratives like bank robberies, shoot-outs and police chases.
Characters - There are a variety of typical thriller characters within each film. One of these typical characters would be a man within his 30-40s, so a little more mature then most films, and this character would normally contain a dark, mysterious secret/character. Another typical character would be a helpless girl caught in a situation that she can't handle or control. The typical types of people you will come across in thriller films are people like law enforcement, criminals, gang stars, spies, etc. A film that uses typical thriller characters really well is Taken, who has the middle aged man as the main role, who contains a dark, secret life that everyday people in his life don't see. But also they contain a helpless girl who gets kidnapped, so she's in a situation she cannot control.
Iconography - This is a key factor in all thriller films as it helps determine if the film really is a thriller. Typical iconography within this genre is props like guns, knives and cars which play a major role in thrillers as these items help to build up suspense within the viewers. A typical setting for thrillers is normally within an urban area, such as a town, bars, night clubs, etc. Thriller films also have a select attire, this normally is such things as uniform for cops, army, spies and suits for all of the criminal type organisations.
Cinematic Styles - Cinematic within a thriller is very important because what defines a thriller is its suspense, and you can't have suspense without using certain cinematic styles. Some of these styles are suspenseful music which gets the viewer in a frame of mind where they might be guessing whats coming next. Another one is fast editing, this is very typical within thriller films as it makes the audience rush and feel panicked about whats happening and helps with the false peak of suspense that is common within thrillers. A film that used these techniques very well was jaws, when they played their suspenseful music piece it would get you on the edge of your seat, anticipating what will happen next.
Thriller Sub Genres
Conspiracy thrillers- These are normally where people are trapped within an organisation that they have just unravelled is untrue to its word and then try to take them out, or attempt to get out. This genre plays with the good character, versus the bad. An example of this would be The Bourne Ultimatum
Crime Thriller- These films follow the footsteps of a criminal, normally leading up to a major crime at the end. These films are normally to show what its like within the mind of a criminal and is closely linked to a psychological thriller. An example of this would be inside man.
Disaster Thriller- These films follows the footsteps of someone caught up within a natural, or human made disaster, like earthquakes, floods, wars etc. This shows what mankind would do if these disasters would to occur. An example of this would be 2012.
Mystery Thriller- These films use crime mystery's to and have a detective or investigator to solve the mystery. They use clues throughout the film to try and help get the audience involved in the film and keep them guessing. An example of this would be Shutter Island.
Political Thriller- These films are normally based around corrupt governments and the stability of it. It normally relies upon a hero/heroine preventing the government from doing something terrible. An example of this is State of Play.
Psychological Thriller- These films play with the audiences minds and plays heavily upon using suspense to do this. The main character is normally involved within conflict of themselves, through emotional and mental torment. An example of this would be Psycho.
Religious Thriller- This thrillers plot surrounds objects, institution and questions that is linked to religion. Many of these are around the catholic religion and looks at both the good and bad points of it. A prime example of this would be the Dav Vinci Code.
Supernatural Thriller- This thriller involves a being that is inhuman or of a power that is out of this world. This thriller sub genre also uses suspense and tension to help create its supernatural feel. It also contains an unexpected twist. An example of this would be The Others.
Techno Thriller- These thrillers normally involve the use of technology taking over the world, this is normally through robots. or people who are half human and half robot. The protagonist is normally the one battling against this take over of the technology. An example of this would be I,Robot.
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