Research: Types Of Thrillers

Action Thriller

An Action Thriller uses physical action to create suspense within the film. Like a traditional Action film, this sub-genre will often have continuous motion and action including physical stunts, chases, fights, battles, and races. Often, these scenes will contribute to the overall sense of danger that the protagonist is facing. Examples of a action thriller could be Kill Bill, Transformers, The Transporter, The Bourne Identity.

This is an example of what would happen on the set of an action thriller. This image is taken from the production of 'Kill Bill'. As you can see, on a action thriller movie set, allot of blood is incorporated as large amounts of fighting would take place within the story.

Crime Thriller

Crime Thriller film is a sub-genre that incorporates the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime film plot. This sub-genre's plot usually centres on a serial killer, murderer, robbery, or manhunt. As opposed to traditional crime films, the storyline focuses both around the criminal and the protagonist. Crime Thrillers use both action and psychological aspects to build tension and suspense. An example of a crime thriller could be Collateral and The Call.

This is an image taken from the film 'The Call' which is about a killer who has recently been kidnapping people, and a woman, who is a 911 call operator, goes on a hunt to find the culprit. This particular scene shows how the criminal is a dangerous and deranged individual. Crime thrillers can also be based on real life stories, which allows the movie to connect with the audience more and widens their target audience.   

Film-Noire

Film-Noire is not simply a sub-genre, but rather a term for a distinct, stylistic type of crime-drama or thriller that was popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Film-Noire is characterized by a black-and-white style with stark lighting effects. The main character is usually a cynical hero. Film-Noire relies on a narrative voice and various flashbacks to explain the intricate plot. An example of this type of film can be Sin City.

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 protagonists 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. An example of this film can be dream house. The type of audience associated with this genre of thriller are deep thinkers, as the story is usually not straight forward.

Science Fiction Thriller

Science Fiction Thriller incorporates 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. An example of this genre of film could be Predator, Prometheus, Alien ect.

This genre of thrillers usually incorporates the use of wacky and extreme costumes that would not usually be seen in usual movies. Also the use of editing is excessive, especially with the development of CGI and special effects.

Religious Thriller

Religious Thriller film incorporates 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 possession, and church cover-ups are typical themes of Religious Thrillers. Examples of this can be The Exorcism, Possessed, The Davinci Code, Angels And Demons.