A genre is a category of artistic works defined by similarities in form, style, or subject matter. The document discusses several common film genres including action, comedy, horror, thriller, sci-fi, and romance. It also mentions hybrid genres that combine elements of multiple genres, such as rom-com and action comedy. Thrillers specifically use suspense, tension, and excitement as their main conventions and tend to be fast-paced with plot twists and cliffhangers. Common thriller subgenres include psychological thriller, crime thriller, and mystery thriller.

1. What is a genre?
A genre is a type of film that they are
categorised usually by distinct conventions
for that particular genre. There are many
different types of genres some of which
include: Action, Comedy, Horror, Thriller,
Sci-Fi and Romance. Sometimes these
genres combine to create Hybrids, some
classic Hybrids that have developed
include rom-com, dark fantasy and action
comedy.

2. Thriller
Thriller films use mainly suspense, tension and excitement as the main
elements to create the typical conventions of this genre of film.
Thriller films tend to be adrenaline-rushing, gritty, rousing and fast-
paced.
Devices such as red herrings, plot twists and cliff-hangers are used
extensively.
Common subgenres are psychological thrillers, crime thrillers and
mystery thrillers
The horror and action genres often overlap with the thriller genre.

3. Conventions of a thriller film
The narrative centres around a crime e.g.. a theft or a murder.
The protagonist is fallible and has an 'Achilles heel' that is exploited by the antagonist.
The title of the thriller may relate to this weakness e.g. Vertigo and Insomnia.
The protagonist will be seen 'in peril' in one or more scenes before the resolution.
The antagonist ensnares the protagonist in an increasingly complex web, until the protagonist
feels isolated and helpless.
The narrative presents ordinary situations in which extraordinary things happen.
Micro elements combine in a build up of suspense. ( Micro means film elements like camerawork,
sound, narrative, genre, mise-en-scene, lighting, costumes, actors and facial expressions, etc.)
Themes of identity are common: mistaken identity, doubling/doppelgangers, amnesia.
• set up in the opening sequence

4. I am so mainstream it hurts my balls
Themes of seeing, reflection and mirroring. Manipulation of perspectives, visual McGuffins, and optical
illusions are common.
The audience of a thriller is placed in the ambiguous position of voyeur. Voyeurism can also be a theme
and the objectification of female characters is common especially in earlier thrillers.
A series of important enigmas are set up in the opening sequence of the film, is further complicated
during the first part of the film and only resolved at the very end.
Micro elements combine in a build up of suspense. ( Micro means film elements like camerawork,
sound, narrative, genre, mise-en-scene, lighting, costumes, actors and facial expressions, etc.)
Themes of identity are common: mistaken identity, doubling/doppelgangers, amnesia.
Themes of seeing, reflection and mirroring. Manipulation of perspectives, visual McGuffins, and optical
illusions are common.
The audience of a thriller is placed in the ambiguous position of voyeur. Voyeurism can also be a theme
and the objectification of female characters is common especially in earlier thrillers.
A series of important enigmas are set up in the opening sequence of the film, is further complicated
during the first part of the film and only resolved at the very end.

5. Alfred Hitchcock
Typical styles:
Breaks cliché of characters
keeps the story simple
Humour to add tension
Camera is not a camera(moves freely)
Point of view editing
Surprise the audience

6. Examples of thrillers:
Sin City – 2005
Eyes wide shut – 1999
Pulp Fiction – 1994
Snatch – 2000
Frenzy – 1972
The Dark Knight – 2008
Goodfellas – 1990
Inception – 2010

7. Analysis of a thriller poster
Looking at Pulp Fiction
poster the first thing you
are drawn to is the name
of the film. This is because
of the contrasting colours
of red and yellow that attract
you to it, so you instantly
recognise the name of the
film. This main image of
Uma Thurman who, in
this image, portrays a
sexy(her pose)
sophisticated
(cigarette) and the
gun (dangerous)

8. Questionnaire
do you subscribe to a film service

9. Gender
4
Female
Male
16

10. Age
2 2
16
4
17
18
19
12

11. Favourite Genre
2
Thriller
4
10
Horror
Action
Comedy
4

12. What kind of music would you
expect?
Orchestral
Rap
Pop
Rock

13. What is the best method of advertising
Posters
leaflets
film Trailer
Website

14. Favourite Thriller filmss
Pulp Fiction
Batman
Inception
Goodfellas

16. What Genre do you think this poster
represents?
Horror
Thriller
Comedy
Adventure
Romance
Action

17. How would you rate it out of 10?
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10