AS
MEDIA BLOG
the thriller genre
Genre and Sub-genresGenre is a French word meaning ‘type’ or ‘kind’. It is the classification of any media text into a category ortype. Genres tend to have typical codes and conventions, these have been developed over the years.A Thriller is a genre that uses suspense, tension and excitement as the main elements. They are mostly characterised by an atmosphere of menace, violence, crime and murder by showing society as dark, corruptand dangerous. Thrillers significantly show literary devices such as plot twists and cliffhangers. They also show moods such as a high level of anticipation and adrenaline.There are many Sub-Genres in this main genre such as:
•Conspiracy Thriller – In which the hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose trueextent only he/she recognises. Examples of films that come under this sub-genre would be Awake (2007)and Edge of Darkness (2010).
•Crime Thriller – this sub-genre is a hybrid type of both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. Central topics of these films include serial killers/murders,robberies, chases etc. Examples of films that come under this sub-genre would be Firewall (2006) andReservoir Dogs (1992).
•Disaster Thriller – In which the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster such asfloods and hurricanes. Examples of films that come under this sub-genre would be 2012 (2009) andThe Day After Tomorrow (2004).
•Supernatural Thriller – where a character has a type of supernatural power. Supernatural Thrillers typicallyhave protagonists battling an evil paranormal force or are placed in a situation controlled by a force notfrom this world beyond their ability. Examples of films that come under this sub-genre would beSigns (2002) and Unbreakable (2000).
Thriller Films keep the audience on the ‘edge’ of their seats. There are many thingsthat typically happen in Thriller Films they include Ordinary objects, places andpeople. All these elements become dangerous and thrilling because they are filmedand used to create fear and suspense. Typical characters are criminals, stalkers andassassins. Other examples would be an Innocent Victim (often on the run) and Psychotic individuals. The characters tend to find themselves in confined or open ruralspaces.