summary of the thriller genre

Summary of the thriller genre

Often confused with the horror genre the thriller genre contains many of the same elements as the horror genre meaning to scare. But where horror focuses on the unreal and the frightening thrillers prefer to focus on the tension and excitement inherent to some plots. More often than not the thriller genre draws from reality in a way that makes one think “this could really happen to me.” The most well known thriller sub genre is crime usually involving hostages or murders the idea will usually be based around one character trying to thwart a villain. Many thrillers are psychological both in storyline and how they deal with the audience. The films will use music, lighting and effects more than story events in order to interest the audience.

Of course the genre has many sub genres that use different events, storylines and techniques in order to thrill their audience.

·                    Conspiracy thriller usually political directed at certain groups meant to make a point or expose something the writer thinks is going on.

·                    Crime thriller usually follows single characters who work within the law forced to make ifficult decisions contains many similar aspects to psychological thriller

·                    Erotic thriller romantic or risqué in someway usually just old romantic stories retold to fit the genre

·                    Legal thriller most plots revolve around justice being done despite the attempts of the defendant to sway the opposing defense usually through money or violence

·                    Psychological thriller usually void of action until the conclusion in which two characters face each other over emotional or psychological grounds rather than physical ones. Meant to psychologically effect the audience as well as the characters.

·                    Supernatural thriller uses things outside th

·                    Action thriller: In which the hero confronts dangerous adversaries, obstacles, or situations which they must conquer, normally in a violent or suspenseful manner. Usually these films are less like thrillers in that they are just other genres like horror or romance retold in order to fit the thriller genre.

“...Thrillers provide such a rich literary feast. There are all kinds. The legal thriller, spy thriller, action-adventure thriller, medical thriller, police thriller, romantic thriller, historical thriller, political thriller, religious thriller, high-tech thriller, military thriller. The list goes on and on, with new variations constantly being invented. In fact, this openness to expansion is one of the genre's most enduring characteristics. But what gives the variety of thrillers a common ground is the intensity of emotions they create, particularly those of apprehension and exhilaration, of excitement and breathlessness, all designed to generate that all-important thrill. By definition, if a thriller doesn't thrill, it's not doing its job.”

James patterson 2006