Thriller Sub-Genres and Conventions

Sub-Genres:

Techno-thriller:

• Sci-fi
• Fiction
• Futuristic

Action-thriller:

• Violence
• FBI/CIA
• Chase sequences
• Weapons
• Ticking clock scenario
• Daring stunts

Conspiracy-thriller:

• Domesticating
• Investigator
• Historical
• Area 51
• Conspiracy theories

Crime-thriller:

• A crime has been committed
• Usually a murder
• Detective
• Pursuit of a criminal

Disaster-thriller:

• Natural or man-made disaster
• Cliché
• Day after tomorrow
• Families/relationships

Eco-thriller:

• Solely focused on natural disasters

Forensic-thriller:

• Forensic psychologist
• Investigations
• CSI
• Pathology

Legal-thriller:

• Law
• Criminal case

Medical-thriller:

• Set in a hospital
• Injuries
• 127 hours
• Mystery

Mystery-thriller:

• Antagonist/protagonist
• Da Vinci Code
• Finding hidden clues
• Enigmas

Political-thriller:

• Political element
• Contrast between two groups
• Politics
• Campaign
• 12 Years A Slave
• Dictatorship/leadership

Religious-thriller:

• Da Vinci Code
• Religious characters
• Historical

Psychological-thriller:

• Explore the subconscious
• Insomnia
• The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
• Detectives
• Confront peoples fears

Romantic-thriller:

• Emotions
• Difficult relationship
• Finding success
• Disruptions

Spy-thriller:

• Stunts
• Action chases
• Discoveries
• James Bond
• Political views interrupting

Supernatural-thrillers:

• Aliens
• Ghosts
• Disturbing
• Fine line between supernatural thriller and horror

Conventions:

SICARIO:

Narratives/themes:

• Crime-thriller
• Action-thriller
• Criminal pursuit
• CIA/FBI

Enigmas:

• Who are they?
• What are they getting into?
• Who are they against?

Mise-en-scene:

• Weapons
• Law enforcer costume
• Location- desolate, high crime rate
• Iconic locations

Roles of actors/characters and their representation:

• Woman playing a part of the FBI
• Partnership - good
• Not a stereotypical woman's role - female protagonist

THE WALK:

Narratives/themes:

• True story
• Action-thriller
• Psychological-thriller
• Ever-present danger
• Phobias
• Realism

Enigmas:

• Will he make it?
• Will he fall?

Mise-en-scene:

• Iconic location- twin towers
• New York

Roles of actors/characters and their representation:

• Woman- love interest
• Real characters

CRIMSON PEAK:

Narratives/themes:

• Supernatural-thriller
• Solving a mystery
• Period-thriller
• Finding something out

Enigmas:

• What is haunting the house?
• Significance of past

Mise-en-scene:

• Period mise-en-scene
• Secluded
• Isolation

Roles of actors/characters and their representation:

• Female victim- stereotypical

SAN ANDREAS

Narratives/themes:

• Disaster-thriller
• Eco-thriller
• Survival
• Find each other - families and relationships
• Ticking clock scenario

Enigmas:

• Will they survive?
• What is happening to the world?

Mise-en-scene:

• Location- built up city

Roles of actors/characters and their representation:

• Stereotypical hero