Research into Thriller Sub genres

Research into the Thriller Genre-Sub genres

A sub genre is sub class of the larger categories of main film genres; it aims to incorporate two forms of main genre together to make a more specific genre. It has a more specific subject and style than a generalized genre. There are many common sub genres in the industry at present; for example the romantic comedy and action thriller. These types of sub genre bring together two main genres and make the film more specific aiming at one type of audience. Different sub genres appeal to different audiences. A historic thriller for example would be aimed at the older age range, those who are interested in historical content and the past. A romantic comedy could be more for the female audience who would choose to watch a slushy romantic yet funny film over a manly action thriller. Sub genres work to aim at one type of audience and full fill their preferences. We have looked into this in more depth in the audience section of our research.

Thrillers

Thriller is a genre that attempts to achieve suspense, tension and anticipation through its narrative and different techniques such as cinematography, Mise en scene, sound and editing. Usually the crucial convention of the Thriller genre is the withholding of evidence or knowledge from the audience leaving many enigmas, thus heightening the suspense and fear. It will attempt to "thrill" its audience by placing characters at great risk. This constant unease throughout the story makes the narrative suspenseful to the reader by creating a tense atmosphere. Thrillers are often genre hybrid’s, for example the action-thriller. As part of my research I will look into a range of thriller subgenres, I will specify the difference between each one along with examples.

Romantic Thriller-

A mix of fear and excitment, Wicker Park (2004) is a good example of this sub genre it is about A young man who believes a woman he sees in a café is his long-lost love. His conviction leads to obsession, as he puts his life on hold to trail her. The storyline is based on a mans love for someone he believes in his long lost love however the idea of him becoming obsessed makes the film a thriller, the suspense and tension of his actions in the film leave the audience on edge during this thrilling love story.

Comedy Thriller-

This type of film blends the suspense, threat and action of the thriller genre along with comedic elements. What makes it different from any other thriller is that although danger lurks, its effect on the audience is light hearted entertainment rather that pure fear. For Example Rush Hour (1998) and The Accidental Spy (2001) despite having a fairly serious and - in some parts - a dark plot, they still feature some humour, as this is typical of Chan's movies.

Action Thriller- This type of sub genre consists of a characters race against time, it is likely to contain a lot of violence and an obvious antagonist. Main features of these films are guns, explosions and large film sets where the action takes place. They both tie in with crime and mystery films always leaving the audience on edge about what is going to happen next. Notable examples are the James Bond films, The Transporter, Bourne Ultimatum and Die Hard (1988). Below are a range of clips from Die Hard. From the first long shot we can see the character running from an explosion this emphasizes the action part of the film, whereas the second medium shot clip we see two characters, a man holding a gun (one of the main props found in a action thriller) to the lady’s head. The lighting is low and there are shadows formed on the characters faces this clip shows the tension and fear created in a thriller film, mixing the two genres together to create a hybrid.

Crime Thriller-This particular genre is a hybrid type of both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. These films often focus on the criminal. Crime thrillers usually emphasize action over psychological aspects. Some of the main topics of these films include murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, and double-crosses are central ingredients. Some examples include Sin City (2005) and Collateral (2004).

Horror Thriller-This subgenre combines the more gory details and gruesome scenes found in a horror film along with the suspense, tension and anticipation in a thriller film. An example of this sub genre is the Blair Witch Project (1999) a film about three film makers students who disappear in the oods and a year later the footage is found. This footage is builds fear for the audience along with gory details of a horror film.

Psychological Thriller- This thriller sub genre is when the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. Alfred Hitchcock films are a clear example of the phsychological thriller such as Strangers on A Train (1951) and Shadow of a Doubt (1943) also other films such as Copy Cat (1995) and Jacobs Ladder (1990). Copy Cat is a film about a psychologist and a detective who work together to take down a serial killer who is copying the works of another serial killer. The film focuses on the mental acts of the serial killer and their attempt to hunt him down.

Sci-fi Thriller- Science Fiction is the main framework for this subgenre of thriller, an example of this genre hybrid is the 2002 film Minority Report.

Spy/Espionage Thriller- This sub genre is where the hero is generally a government agent who must take violent action against agents of a rival government or terrorists. Examples include Mission Impossible (1996), The Bourne Identity (2002).

Legal Thriller- In which the lawyer-heroes/heroines confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives. The system of justice itself is always a major part of these works, at times almost functioning as one of the characters. An example of this genre hybrid is the 1993 film The Pelican Brief a film about two Supreme Court justices who have been assassinated, and the legal fight to find out who really killed them.

Erotic Thriller-

This sub genre combines elements of erotica with elements of a thriller to form an erotic thriller. Films may be based on the danger of love. Examples of this genre hybrid are Basic Instinct (1992) and Fatal Attraction (1987).

Supernatural Thriller- Similar to the horror genre however it is not as violent, focused on one character acting as either the hero or the villain in which they have super natural powers that must be called upon. The character tends to end up in a situation where they are battling an evil paranormal force or in a situation beyond there force. Examples of this sub-genre are Cat People (1942) and Carrie (1976).

Drama Thriller- Tends to be slower paced, working mainly on character development along with plot twists, they combine with the suspense, tension and anticipation desired in the thriller genre film. An example of a drama thriller is Public Enemies (2009).

Other thriller sub-genres are: Political thriller, religious thriller, medical thriller, techno thriller, eco thriller, disaster thriller, conspiracy thriller, historical thriller.