Thriller Sub-genres

The following wordle depicts the different SUB-GENRES within the GENRE of Thrillers, though these are not the only ones.

A genre refers to the category in which literature or art is placed in. This blog will sum up my research that I am going to undertake in the subject of genres and sub-genres, in which I will determine which thriller sub-genre inspires me the most as a way of becoming a step closer to the eventual planning process of this project. 

SUPERNATURAL 

a supernatural thriller is a film with suspense and plot twists that also includes elements of a supernatural nature, such as ghosts and demons. The protagonist/antagonist may also have superhero powers.

The two theatrical posters to the left and to the right are examples of supernatural thrillers, one containing apparitional elements and the other containing more mystical elements. The colours used in the posters really accentuate the film's sub-genres - the darkness of THE OTHERS juxtaposed with the bright light suggests ghosts, and the icy blue and white theme of LADY IN THE WATER suggests perhaps a water nymph.

PSYCHOLOGICAL

a psychological thriller film will encompass ideas based heavily on the conflict between the central characters, which, rather than being physical, is emotional and mental.

SECRET WINDOW and SHUTTER ISLAND are both examples of thriller films which are pshychological. Both theatrical posters use the colour of RED as a way of suggesting the connotations of danger and fear, and also both of the male main characters are looking off to the sides, suggesting that perhaps they are introverted and focusing on their mental thoughts rather than what is happening in the outside world.

ACTION

action thrillers will have the main character in danger and in need of overcoming obstacles and conquering antagonists. Action films are often violent.

Again, here are two examples of the posters released for the two action thrillers, UNKNOWN and THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU. Both use colours effectively; the blue/green tinge on the poster to the left suggests a cold, mysterious and perhaps life threatening danger, and the red colouring of the poster to the left suggests blood, revenge etc etc. They are also in a running position which connotes that the film will be fast-paced.

After analysing some of the most common sub-genres of the film genre THRILLER, I have decided that the psychological sub-genre interests me the most.

from THE SECRET WINDOW

 The above still from The Secret Window is a perfect example of the types of locations expected in psychological thrillers; lonely buildings in dark, desolate locations.Another example of the locations expected in these films is shown in the image below, which shows the insides of a dark, dusty and grotty building.

from PANIC ROOM

 The use of character in films is crucial because all characters, no matter how prominent or small, add to the storyline. Often, the image of a character is important and the still below shows the kinds of disturbing and mysterious people that may be found in psychological thrillers. They are often not as exaggerated as the characters in horror films and will not be drenched in blood as may be a common misconception, but are simply strange in their own right.

from SHUTTER ISLAND