An Introduction to The Thriller Genre

A definition of the genre 'Thriller':
If the genre is to be defined strictly, a genuine thriller is a film that relentlessly pursues a single minded goal- to provide thrills and keep the audience cliff-hanging at the 'edge of their seats' as the plot builds to a climax. The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a menacing situation or mystery, or an escape or a dangerous mission from which escape becomes impossible. Thrillers highly stimulate the viewers mood giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, suprise, anxiety and/or terror.

History of the Thriller genre:

Over the years, thriller genres have become more violent and more explicit since the time of Alfred Hitchcocks films. Ever since Hitchcock produced 'The Lodger', thriller films have pushed the boundaries of explicitness and adventured in to unknown territories. Modern thriller genres would have been seen as scandolous in Hitchcock's time and most of them would have received an R rating, many people think that modern thrillers are more gore based, and are very similar to horror films. Recent thrillers which seem to have taken this stance include 'Funny Games' and 'Eden Lake'.


Subgenres of Thrillers:
Thrillers are often hybrids (something made by combining two things) with other genres.
The most notable Thriller subgenres are listed below:
Conspiracy Thriller- In this subgenre the protagonist usually has to confront a large, powerful organization whose threat only he sees. Usually he must do so alone.
Crime Thriller- This subgenre focuses on crime, and is usually from the criminal’s point of view. Physical action and eluding the police take the place of gathering evidence and trying to discover the criminal.
Disaster Thriller- In this subgenre a (usually) natural disaster is taking place, and the antagonist is either trying to stop the disaster, the extent of the disaster, or just save themselves before time runs out and the disaster has run its course.
Mystery Thriller- This is a subgenre of both mysteries and thrillers. It differs from a regular mystery by being much more fast-paced, with the protagonist on the run and the threat of another crime serving as the “ticking clock.”
Political Thriller- In this subgenre political relations or the whole government is at stake, and the protagonist is employed by the government to stop the decline. The protagonist may have been low-level before having attracted attention.
Psychological Thriller- In this subgenre a lot of the conflict is mental, rather than physical. The protagonist has become involved in a dangerous situation which literally threatens their sanity. They must use mental prowess to overcome their opponent, whether the battle is inside their own head or it a battle of wits.
Religious Thriller- This subgenre uses the history and myths of religion. Usually a religious artifact or historical secret is discovered, and different people and groups vie for control.
Romantic Thriller- This subgenre focuses on the subject of love and lust. Most of the time, two people are in love, but can't express their love because something is holding both of them back.
Supernatural Thriller- In this subgenre otherworldy elements are introduced, usually as an antagonistic force, but just as in the romantic thriller, the plot line and feel or distinctly that of thrillers. Some characters may have psychic abilities and other supernatural novel elements may be present.
Techno Thriller- This genres is a cross between near-future science fiction and thrillers. Cutting-edge technology plays an important role, either as something to obtain, or working for or against the protagonist.