research into thriller genre

Thriller films aim is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats, in order for this to happen  usually the protagonist in the film is set against a problem such as an escape, a mission, or a mystery. Thrillers also will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces through out the film and the tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful climax.

• An example of a thriller is The Silence of the Lambs , this is a film where an FBI agent develops a relationship with a notorious serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lector, in order to gain Lector’s assistance in the hunt for another serial killer.

There are numerous sub genres for thrillers and they include...

Psychological Thriller

• Psychological Thrillers tend to  incorporates elements of drama and mystery film. The suspense in comes from the mind, rather than from a psychical threat. The protagonists in Psychological Thrillers must rely on their mental state in order to solve the situation, Examples of psychological thrillers are Memento, American Pshyco, Taxi Driver.

Religious Thriller 

• Religious Thriller films are a sub genre and they incorporates religious themes, including religious ceremonies, and objects. many Religious Thrillers include supernatural experiences not pertaining to a certain religion. Exorcisms, demon possession, and church cover-ups are typical themes of Religious Thrillers. Good examples of these are  The Devil’s Advocate,  the last exorcism and Da Vinci Code.

Crime Thriller

• Crime Thriller film is a sub-genre that incorporates the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime film plot, it is usually centered around a  serial killer, murderer, robbery, or manhunt. As the storyline focuses both around the criminal and the protagonist. Crime Thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense, some examples include Pulp fiction, The unusual suspects and The girl with the dragon tattoo.