General research into key features of thriller genre

General research into key features of thriller genre

·         A thriller is a gripping, plot-centred story which often is difficult to define as it shares elements with other genres i.e. suspense, mystery and adventure.

·         It revolves around anticipation and suspense.

·         The aim for Thrillers is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats.

·         There is usually always a villain and a hero, or good versus evil. The man attraction to many thrillers is not only what the stories are about, but how they are told.

·         Thrillers use literary devices like cliff-hangers and red herrings to surprise the audience and give the audience a feeling of rush.

·         Thrillers mostly use medium close-ups and close-ups shots. Close-up shots are used to convey the characters emotions i.e. their eyes as the eyes are the window to the soul. Mid-shots show the characters emotions and how the characters react to the situation in the film showing them to be a hero or a villain.

 

Characteristics and features of Thrillers

·         Frame: Extensive detail is important. E.g. viewers when watching a thriller film, and there is a doctor or lawyer involved, they need to sound just like the ones they know.

·         Storyline: They usually need to be complicated, or otherwise with a lot of plot twists that surprise the hero and the viewer alike.

·         Pacing: Generally thrillers are fast paced, to keep the viewer on their toes, and to make sure the viewer isn’t expecting anything.

·         Characters:  ‘Hero’s’ are usually strong, sympathetic characters who sometimes do things as they wish. They usually work alone, as they can never be certain whom they can trust. This dilemma creates a lot of moral questions and drives the plot. Often characterizations are black and white, with the hero portrayed as very good and the antagonist as very bad. Readers generally have no doubt who which are the good guys and which are the bad.