Sub-genres of thrillers

Thriller
Thrillers are usually defined by the mood they create. They can be defined as “Sensational and suspenseful” stories creating “fearful excitement”. Because of this, thrillers are crossed with almost every other genre.

Action Thriller
Focus on the action of the thriller, and you have an action-thriller. This is more common in movies than novels because of the visual appeal of explosions and violence. It usually includes weapons such as guns and more. E.g. James Bond

Conspiracy Thriller
In this subgenre the leading character must confront a large, powerful organisation whose threat only he sees. Usually he must do so alone. E.g. Enemy of the state

Crime Thriller
This subgenre focuses on crime, and is usually from the criminal’s point of view. Physical action and escaping the police take the place of gathering evidence and trying to discover the criminal. E.g. The usual suspects

Disaster Thriller
In this subgenre (usually), a natural disaster is taking place, and the main man is either trying to stop the disaster, the extent of the disaster, or just save themselves before time runs out and the disaster has run its course. E.g. Armageddon

Eco-Thriller
In this subgenre the main guy must stop a threat to the environment (man-made or natural) that will have consequences for society if left unchecked. The damage could be local, but nation or even world-wide stakes are more dramatic. E.g. The Happening

Forensic Thriller
In this subgenre the main characters are forensic scientists whose involvement in an unsolved crime threatens their lives. E.g. Planet of the Apes

Legal Thriller
This subgenre takes place in and around the courtroom. Usually the leading man is a lawyer who has found their case threatening death for either them or their client. E.g. A few good men

Political Thriller
In this subgenre political relations or the whole government is at stake, and the main character is employed by the government to stop the decline. E.g. Three days of the Condor

Psychological Thriller
In this subgenre a lot of the conflict is mental, rather than physical. The protagonist has become involved in a dangerous situation which literally threatens their sanity. They must use mental prowess to overcome their opponent, whether the battle is inside their own head. E.g. The silence of the Lambs

Religious thriller
This subgenre uses the history and myths of religion. Usually a religious artifact or historical secret is discovered, and different people and groups compete for control.

Romantic Thriller
This is a subgenre of both thrillers and romantic novels. The plot line follows a typical thriller’s tension, suspense, and excitement, but a main element is the growing relationship between two characters.

Spy Thriller
It’s hard to call this a genre mash-up when spy novels almost have to be thrillers. At any rate, this subgenre focuses on the high adventures of field agents. It is usually set against the backdrop of some war.

Supernatural Thriller
In this subgenre otherworldy elements are introduced, usually as an antagonistic force, but just as in the romantic thriller, the plot line and feel or distinctly that of thrillers. Some characters may have psychic abilities and other supernatural novel elements may be present.

Techno-Thriller
This genres is a cross between near-future science fiction and thrillers. Cutting-edge technology plays an important role, either as something to obtain, or working for or against the main man.

Conventions of a thriller film

A convention is a way in which something is done. In this case, it's how a thriller film is made.
There are many conventions of thriller films. Most thrillers create:
-Excitement
-Suspense
-Anticipation
-Tension
-Anxiety
-Uncertainty

The characters also play a massive role in the thriller film. Most of the main characters are criminals, or may commit a crime during the film. This creates many themes such as crime and suspense, or maybe a bit of mystery.

The location also plays a massive part. Most of the film is usually set in a place of low lighting, to create suspense. The music played usually builds a lot of tension, and may be quite upbeat. There are also many weapons used that create the crimes, such as guns. Cars are also often used, maybe for 'getaways'.

How to make a sweded film

A swede film is a low-budget summarised recreation of a popular film or TV show. It’s similar to a parody, but parodies are a bit more open with plot lines and will often spoof more than one film or TV show. You can be as creative as you like and it is simple as you already know the storyline of the film. The plot has to be simple enough to be condensed into a shorter time span, and still be recognisable – while allowing time to add your own touches. It can have as many special effects and whatever clothing you wish.

The next step is to select the scenes you want to recreate. Picking the well-known, often-quoted scenes is the best bet, because the parody and humour will pack the biggest punch. People like to be in on inside jokes. It’s easier to keep the audience if they know what you’re trying to do.

The great thing about a swede is that you have complete creative control. The more you make the story your own, the more interesting it will be to others. You can go way, way over the top, and as long as the audience gets the joke, they will stay with you. You can also change the scenes – add a layer of subtext to a classic scene, or completely change the ending of the film. As long as you keep the audience in the loop, you really can do whatever you want.

Camera techniques

Over the shoulder shots - Over the shoulder shots are just what the name says - a shot with an actor’s shoulder in the foreground, out of focus. 

Tracking shots – this is when the camera follows the actor, which may show their superiority.

Zoom shots – this is when you zoom in to someone’s face, expressing the importance of the moment or scene.

Eyeline match - a technique that shows what the actor can see.

180 degree rule - a basic guideline regarding the on-screen relationship between a character and another character or object within a scene. An imaginary line called the axis connects the characters, and by keeping the camera on one side of this axis for every shot in the scene, the first character is always frame right of the second character, who is then always frame left of the first.

Run Lola Run poster analysis

-‘Run’ indicates that she is running away from something.

-The red font shows danger as red is the colour of blood.

-‘Run’ is repeated, showing that she is continuously running and has multiple problems.

-The large red font is used to express the danger.

-The image is blurred – this suggests that she is running fast, and running away from something that she has done.

-She has a tattoo which is used to show that she is not innocent.

-She is running towards something. We know this due to the determination in her eyes.

-The fact that she is running suggests that the film may be a thriller/action.

Sherlock Holmes poster analysis

-In the Sherlock Holmes poster, Sherlock wears a hat and wears a suit. This may indicate that he is a detective and means business.

-There is a bad character in the back who is not smiling. This shows that he may be the victim and he is not a good guy.

-‘Nothing escapes them’ phrase suggests that there will be suspense and the film will be a mystery.

-The frame of the poster is metal, which may signify that the people in the poster are trapped.

-The colours are very dull, showing that the film is mysterious.

-The other man in the hat is looking very cocky, which shows that the 2 men do well as he is proud of their work.

-Sherlock’s smirk suggests that he is a ‘good guy’.

-The other man has a moustache, which may indicate that it is set in the olden days.