What makes a thriller?

Thriller: Noun - One that thrills especially a sensational or suspenseful book, story, play, or movie.

The thriller genre is so vast that it is often categorised into sub-genres that are easier to understand. The main thirteen groupings are;

1. Conspiracy thrillers - Hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognises - Edge of Darkness & JFK

2. Crime thrillers - These films often focus on the criminal rather than a policeman, usually emphasise action over psychological aspects - Seven & No Country for Old Men

3. Disaster thrillers - In which the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster - Earthquake & The Day after Tomorrow

4. Erotic thrillers - Consists of erotica and thriller - Basic Instinct & Dressed to Kill

5. Legal thrillers - 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 Runaway Jury & A Few Good Men

6. Medical thrillers - Hero/heroine are medical doctors/personnel working to solve an expanding medical problem - The Hot Zone & The Expriment

7. Mystery thrillers - Suspense films where characters attempt solving, or involved in a mystery - Identity & Memento

8. Political thrillers - Hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him - The Day of the Jackal & The Constant Gardener

9. Psychological thrillers - Conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical - Strangers on a Train & Blue Velvet

10. Rape and revenge thrillers - Focuses more on the thriller elements such as suspense, tension, some action and fast-pacing rather than scares and the supernatural - The Last House on the Left & Kill Bill

11. Religious thrillers - In which the plot is closely connected to religious objects, institutions and questions - The Da Vinci Code & The Devil's Advocate

12. Supernatural thrillers - In which the film brings in an otherworldly element mixed with tension, suspense and plot twists. Sometimes the hero and/or villain has some psychic ability - The Skeleton Key & The Gift

13. Techno thrillers - A suspense film in which the manipulation of sophisticated technology plays a prominent part - The Matrix & The Thirteenth Floor

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(genre)


Rachel Fradgley :)