History Of Thriller Genres

History of Thriller Genres 

1920s-30s
1926- a man named Alfred Hitchcock released his third silent called The Lodger, which was a jack the ripper filled with suspense.
1929- he released another thriller film named blackmail which was not only the first film with sound but also the first film with sound in Britain.
1931- the film the chilling german by Fritz Lang was released and starred Peter Lorre in his first film, which was based on a serial killer.
1933- another crime thriller was released called murders In the Zoo, which was based on a murderous zoologist, the character was played by Lionel Atwill. The film was then directed by Sutherland.

There were also others that were well known for directing thriller films within this era such as
                           

-Walter Forde







- George A Cooper





-  Michael Powell








1940s
- Hitchcock, continued to direct thriller films, which became more and more popular.
-1941- Hitchcock released Suspicion which was about a woman who was in danger from her husband. -He then released his favorite of film of them all, called Shadow of a doubt, which was based on a serial killer.
-1944- director George Cukor released two psychological thrillers, one named Gaslight, which was based on a husband trying to make his wife go insane, in order to inherit her inheritance. The second film was called Film Noir, and consisted of a murder investigation.
1946- film based on on people getting terrorised by serial murderers were released.

1950s
- Hitchcock was still directing thriller films, however Technicolour was added to his films.
- He produced more classic thriller films such as 'Strangers on a Train' which was created in 1951, the film is based on two train passengers who have both staged a battle of wits and traded murders with eachother.
- Other films by Hitchcock were made in this era such as; To Catch a Thief(1955) and Vertigo(1958).
-Non Hitchcock thrillers which were also made in the 50s were movies such as 'Niagra' 1953 by Henry Hathaway, this movie starred famous actors such as Marylyn Monroe, who was one of the main characters, who played a wife who planned to kill her husband.

1960s
-Director Michael Powells 'Peeping Tom' was created in 1960, was a storyline based on a psychopathic camera man. This film was released prior to Hitchcocks film 'Psycho', which was about a loner and mother fixated motel owner.
-J.Lee Thompson was released released a production called 'Cape Fear' in 1962, which featured a menace character searching for revenge.
- Stanley Donens stylish thriller of 1963 called 'Charade' which had a variety of twists and plots starring a pair of characters that are on search for hidden loot, which ends up taking them to Paris.
- Roman Polanski in 1965 released his first film in English the frightening and surrealistic 'Repulsion' which featured a young woman who goes increasingly mad.

1970s-1980s
-There was a violent wave of thrillers in this era. In 1972 was 'Frenzy', Hitchcocks first English film in almost two decades.
-Steven Speilburgs low budget early TV movie 'Duel' in 1971
-John Boormans 'Deliverance' followed in 1972
-In this period brought the first film where a character is disturbingly obsessed with their idol, this came in came in Clint Eastwoods 'Play Misty for Me' 1971.
-The 80s approached bringing us 'Dressed to kill' 1980.

1990s
- the 90s started with Rob Reiners 'Misery' 1990 which was absed on a book by Stephen King, then in 1991 came 'Sleeping with the Enemy'.
-'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' by Curtis Hanson, who was brought to us in 1992, the plot was of a nanny who was seeking revenge against her dead husband patient.
- More thrillers released in this era about obsessions, as they were becoming extremely popular thriller within the film industry.
-Other themes such as FB agents and detectives tracking down serial killers and other criminals, which involve major investigations, is also a popular theme within thrillers.
- David Fincher also released a crime thriller in 1995 and was called Se7en, which was a story based on a major investigation in order to find a serial killer who reinacts the seven deadly sins, which contained many obstacles within the investigation.

Present
- Until this present day thriller films have shared ideas and themes and have similar elements within each which vary but stick to the genre. However, in the recent thrillers that have been made, directors try to maintain the aspect of the genre but also create individuality, by making them stand out from the rest. They do this by adding different themes and other aspects such as gore, horror, violence, blood and brutal behaviour. Thrillers used to be a lot more psychological such as 'Silence of the Lambs' however they are now having more aspects of horror contained in them. Some examples of this are:
1. Eden Lake 2008
2. The Last House on the Left 2009
3. Captivity 2007

 
 
 

 

 

Examples of sub genres of Thrillers

Sci Fi Sub genre Thriller

Source code 2011:  Source Code is based around the antagonist who wakes up in someone else's body and discovers he's part of a experimental government program to find the bomber of a commuter train. An intense thriller as he only has 8 minutes to complete his mission.

Supernatural Thriller
The Dead Zone 1983; A character played by Christopher Walken who awakens from a coma caused by a car accident, he finds the years have passed and he has now gained psychic abilities.

 

Spy Thriller The Tourist 2010; contains the theme of espionage within a government agency.

 

Psychological Thriller: The Usual Suspects 1995

Sub Genre of Thrillers

Analysis of Memento

                                                    Analysis of Memento

Throughout the opening sequence of memento, all the phycological thriller conventions are explored. 

At the start of this opening sequence, a close up is used to set the atmosphere of the film; while the title of the film is introduced also. Consequently, it also creates many enigmas for the audience as the person is kept anonymous, all you can see is a picture of what looks to be like a murder. Therefore this creates an anxious atmosphere, and makes the audience wonder. The photography which is of  a man dead on the floor and his blood on the floor, establishes several important things about the film. Therefore, it establishes the narrative structure because as the picture is shaken it fades instead of develops. The title is in blue in order to stand out, the connotations of blue are usually trust and tranquility. However this contradicts with the protagonist as he is always confused and unstable with his surroundings. 

Here a close up is used, it shows the colour of the picture has changed. Therefore, this would confuse the audience as usually when a polaroid is taken the picture develops. Consequently this could be a a hint to the plot at the protagonist doesn't have a straight path throughout the film. Also on this frame in the opening sequence a flashing light is used, therefore this creates a mysterious scene. 

This shot is a close up, therefore we can both actions and expressions of the character. Consequently, we can clearly see in this shot that the character has took or is taking a picture. This is suspicious as it makes us ask questions as we don't know who he is taking a picture of or why he is taking it. Also it's a polaroid camera, therefore it could think to the pictures above, meaning he could be investigating a murder, or be a murderer.

Here is a extreme close up of blood dripping down a wall. Consequently, this looks sinister as is also suspicious, as no-one is shown therefore the audience doesn't know where the blood is coming from or who's it is. Also, the pace in the opening sequence starts to speed up when this image is shown, this is to build tension and create a scared/daunting atmosphere.

Derailed Analysis

Derailed Analysis

In this frame a wide shot is used to set the scene;
which is a prison, therefore this suggests that the film is about crime. Also, non diegetic mysterious music is played as the criminals are let out go the cells, this creates a suspense for the audience; while creating a anxious atmosphere. Also, a blue filter is used, that connotations of blue are usually trust and loyalty, however this is ironic because if you have watched the film, it is about betrayal.

Then, the frame slowly cuts into an establishing shot of the prisoners out of their cells, this shot shows some of the activities that take place whilst the prisoners are on their break and also showing their community links. However this shot portrays a different side to the prison, making the audience think that it the film may be about gangs and criminals; which makes the film unpredictable because its actually about family and betrayal. The opening sequence has slow paced editing and uses long takes before being cut. This is so the audience is able to take in all the surroundings of the opening sequence and therefore may be able to make a prediction on the film. However the shots do not give too much away about the film as the shots are not closely related to the narrative plot of the film  

This shot also uses a wide shot showing the watch house. Therefore the barbed wire in this is blurred out suggesting that maybe the antagonist or the protagonist is led astray in the film; while the watch house may represent one of the characters being ahead of the other.

The font used throughout the title sequence is white with a bold font, the font used is simplistic creating a professional environment as the image shows a prison cell. In this image a stedicam is used to show the prison cells, this camera work used creates a suspicious and mysterious feeling to the audience as they are unaware as to why they are seeing prison cells, and why these people are in the cells.

In this frame there is an anonymous person in the prison cell, this image carries on the suspense of mystery as the audience are unaware of this person as they could be the protagonist or antagonist, but also the audience are unaware as to why this man is in the prison cell creating a sense of suspense as the audience are left uncertain. 

A cut then zooms on to an anonymous pen and paper with blurred words written on the paper. A extreme close up was used to hide the persons identity creating suspicion as all we see is his hand and his back, leaving the audience uncertain as to know if they will find out who this character is. This shot then was shown with the character writing on the paper with a voice over that read the words the anonymous character had written on the paper, which immediately makes the audience question as to who the protagonist was, was it the narrator speaking, was it the character in the prison cell. This carries on the sense of mystery as the audience are seen to be mislead which is typical for thrillers as they don't want to give away the story immediately and so they therefore lead the audience to false paths and conclusions before they reveal the true storyline.

Mood board 

Se7en Analysis

This frame is a picture of a young boy, the mysterious character has drew a line across his face; then in the next frame  his whole face is shown scribbled out. This could make the audience think that the child maybe a victim of the anonymous character; while due to the dark background and the spot light on the face, showing the surrounding mystery also creates a sense of crime and animosity making the audience feel on edge. Consequently the connotation of a child is innocence, therefore portraying that the mystery character may be victimising. Also, the lighting is dark and gloomy in this frame to set an atmosphere of death and crime to the audience.

In this image the hidden character cuts out words such as "God". From this zoomed image the audience may perceive him as a superior figure. This is due to the character cutting out the word "God" as the character could  be seen as eliminating him as he sees himself with more power than god as he tries to play the role of god which could suggest the taking of human life. This could also be perceived as him being an arrogant character and due to the title of the thriller, this also relates with the seven deadly sins signifying a religious theme.

This image shows words being scribbled out this creates a sense of mystery as the audience can not view the whole text. Intensifying the thriller due to the words not making sense, making the audience question why he has crossed out them specific words, but also as to why the anonymous character is  reading this specific text; which reads "when you're pregnant" which could relate to the previous image as it suggests he is now playing the role of god through potentially creating human life.

This black and white image is shown throughout which continues the religious theme of the seven deadly sins. The darkness could represent the theme of hell in contrast to the white representing light/ heaven. Shadowing of a tense atmosphere, setting the theme for the film. Also the letters are distorted which makes it seem ghostly

This frame shows a close up of the characters fingers with bandages; which relates to another frame of when the character was slicing his fingers, to hide his identity. This frame shows the outcome of what the character has done to himself, in order to create emphasis of the pain the character will conflict upon himself, to hide his identity. Showing the extremes that the character will go through may trigger to the audience what the character is capable of. This image signifies that the character is still able to carry on despite his cuts, suggesting that cutting himself with a razor happens regularly as no sign of pain is shown

This frame is a high angle point of view shot, showing two drawings of hands on a book. The hands are crooked and therefore are a contrast to each other; which may be to represent good and evil. The contrast between the light and dark lighting intensifies the shadowing to signify that the character may be doing something they shouldn't be, this also emphasises secrecy as they have not made the environment clear to the audience. The shades of light shadows could be seen to symbolise the character wanting to break free from the darkness, the darkness representing conflict, this could also signify the character may have once been seen in a good light but the darkness has over powered this. The dark shadows are seen to be more prominent  over the light shadows which could symbolise the darkness is over taking the characters power and state of mind. This signifies the secrecy behind the image as the character has been portrayed to the audience as anonymous.



The title sequence contains a variety of gritty pictures to enforce the theme of thriller, in order to make the audience feel uncomfortable. The imagery used contains a man cutting off his own finger prints with a razor blade, signifying that he doesn't want his identity to be known. Consequently this is also portrayed throughout the sequence, as the antagonist’s identity is concealed; which creates mystery and a sense of crime.

The first image shown in the opening sequence, is a book with the pages flickering by itself. This is ambiguous as the it does not show to the audience who is flickering the pages or who the book belongs to. The book may be being used to portray the antagonist as intelligent; whilst also being mysterious as they do not reveal themselves. The colour of the writing in this frame, this could be to convey innocence, however we do not know as an audience what it represents yet as it is the first frame. Also the writing is shown to be disorientated; which could represent antagonist as person that may be out of place in society. No clues are given to the audience as it is only the first frame, however it is used to make the audience wonder.

This frame shows a distorted image of a pen on paper. Therefore this creates a ghostly atmosphere to the audience causing an anxious feeling. Furthermore, this close up of the pen and paper could also be associated with investigations and detective work, making it look like a person has put it together for a file or a case therefore these detective props are used consistently through out the title sequence. Also concentrating on what the person is doing, rather than who they are created tension.

Thriller: Codes and Conventions

Thriller: Codes and Conventions 

what is a thriller?

A thriller usually consists of a battle between the protagonist character and the antagonist, when there is  a distribution in the equilibrium. Consequently, this is to create tension with a chain of bad event; which creates suspense for the climax. The aim of the protagonist is to restore justice, while the antagonist seeks to destroy it.

Mise en scene:

This creates the scene by the use of setting, props and costume. It must be carefully crafted to give the correct connotations and impressions to the audience. These are the aspects an audience expects to see within a thriller genre:

lighting-

Low key lighting is often used in a thriller, to set the scene and create a mysterious atmosphere. Also the lighting is to create a sense of realism and to make the audience fully engage in the plot of the film. However, this is dependent on the scenario, for example if its a scene where the protagonist is questioning in something or being put under pressure the lighting may change to a harsh white light to create tension. Also it would create a dramatic effect with the higher contrast between the shadows. 

Costume-

The use of costumes in a thriller genre may not be immediately obvious. However the closer the inspection shows there is a certain logic behind the clothing. Audience reliability is key to the effectiveness. Costumes in the thriller genre usually consists of everyday wear to create realism and make the audience feel it could happen to anybody. Therefore, the clothing for different people and their job types will be stereotypical, for example a man that works in an office would be wearing a suit.

Setting/props-

The setting is the location of where the scene is taken place or where it is set. Examples of typical thriller settings would be, dark alleys/ houses, urban city e.c.t. Usually a small range of colours is used; which can range  from blacks, whites, blues and greys. Consequently, this is to represent how normal and plain life is, contrasting with the villains in the films as they create a dramatic and fearful atmosphere. Props are moveable objects or articles on the set of the film. They often determine the narrative, identity of the characters and the genre. Typically in thrillers props such a mirrors are used, which might be connotative on how characters have to reflect on what they have done or might do.

There are other codes and conventions that create the thriller genre such as:

Editing-

Editing conventions within a thriller genre are often focused around creating a uncomfortable and suspenseful atmosphere. Therefore, quick cuts and changing camera angles are often used to do so, which disorientates the spectator, creating on screen tension. Tension in a thriller, is vital. It keeps vast suspense at a steady pace throughout the film and then is able to explode with a conclusion of action or of a overwhelming resolution which spectators may have not expected.

Sound-

Sound is also a micro feature and holds many conventions relating to the thriller genre. Like others it is also used to create tension with eerie or intense music being played either as diegetic or non dietetic material within the film. High pitched sound is often used to as it makes the spectator feel uncomfortable and shows the scene may not be pleasant as something unexpected may happen.