Thriller - Sub genre links

Thriller - Sub genre links

1. Action Thriller - An action Thriller uses physical action to create suspense within the film, like a traditional Action Thriller film, this sub-genre will often have continuous motion and action including physical stunts, a chase, fights, battles, and races. Often, these scenes will contribute to the overall sense of danger that the protagonist is facing.

   • Films in this sub genre include - Die Hard, Kill Bill Vol.1, and The Bourne Identity.

2. Crime Thriller - This sub genre incorporates the suspense aspects of a Thriller with a crime film plot. The sub genre's plot usually centers on a serial killer, murder, robbery, or manhunt. As opposed to traditional crime films, the story-line focuses both around the criminal and the protagonist. Crime Thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense.

   • Examples - The Usual Suspects, The Fugitive, and Jagged Edge.

3. Film-Noir - This is not simply a sub genre, but rather a team for a distinct, stylistic type of crime-drama or Thriller that was popular throughout the 1940's and 1950's. Fiilm-Noir is characterized by a black-and-white style with stark lighting effects. The main character is usually a cynical hero, Film-Noir relies on a narrative voice and various flashbacks to explain the intricate plot.

   • Examples - Sunset Boulevard, The Maltese Falcon, and Sweet smell of success.

4. Psychological Thriller - in addition to the traits of a regular Thriller, a Psychological Thriller incorporates elements of drama and mystery film. The suspense in this sub genre comes from the mind, rather than from a psychical threat. The protagonist in Psychological Thrillers must rely on their mental resources to solve the situation. Because of their nature, many Psychological Thrillers cross over into the Horror genre.

   • Examples - Memento, Rear Window, and Taxi Driver.

5. Science Fiction Thriller - These incorporate hypothetical, science-based themes into the plot of the film. Traditionally, a Science Fiction film will incorporate heroes, villains, unexplored locations, fantastical quests, and advanced technology. These elements can be used in a Science Fiction Thriller to create anticipation and suspense. Often, this sub genre will explore the 'future-gone-bad' theme, including the plot that revolved around alien invasions, dystopain scenarios, and super-diseases.

   • Examples include - Aliens, Inception, and District 9

6. Religious Thriller - These films incorporate religious themes, including religious questions, ceremonies, and objects. Though some films can revolve around a specific church, many Religious Thrillers include supernatural experiences not pertaining to a certain religion. Exorcisms, demon possessions, and church cover-ups are typical themes of a Religious Thriller film.

   • Examples - The Devil's Advocate, The Ninth Gate, The Da Vinci Code.