Introduction to a Thriller

Thriller is a genre of literature, film, and television programming that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements. Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewer's moods, giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, surprise, anxiety and terror. Films of this genre tend to be adrenaline-rushing, gritty, rousing and fast-paced.

Conventions and ideas normally associated with the Thriller genre

• Low key lighting
• Quick cuts
• Shadows
• Tension related music
• Angle changes of shots
• Diegetic sound of breathing
• Non-diegetic sound of dimming to represent heartbeat
• Greyscale shots
• Protaganist at the mercy of the Antagonist

Subgenres of the Thriller genre

• Action Thriller
• Comedy Thriller
• Crime Thriller
• Medical Thriller
• Mystery Thriller
• Romantic Thriller
• Spy Thriller

Examples of Thrillers

Action Thriller - Taken 

Comedy Thriller - Silver Streak

Crime Thriller - The Usual Suspects

Medical Thriller  - Side Effects

Mystery Thriller - Sherlock Thrillers

Romantic Thriller - The Phantom of the Opera

Spy Thriller - The Bourne Identity