By Nancy Smith and Jasmine Pearson


Researching Genre: Thriller

In terms of film, Thriller is an extremely popular genre that is characterized by fast pacing, suspense, uncertainty and nerve wrecking tension.

To define the genre strictly, genuine Thriller films provide thrills to keep the audience on the edge of their seats as it builds towards a final climax. The tension is built when the main character(s) is placed in a dangerous situation or mystery, from which escape seems impossible. Thrillers involve characters which enter conflict with either each other or with outside forces. The menace is also often shadowy or abstract.

Key Features:
• Suspense
• Anticipation
• Ultra-heightened expectation
• Uncertainty
• Anxiety
• Nerve-wracking tension

Famous Thriller Films:
• The Godfather/The Godfather: Part 2
• Pulp Fiction
• Fight Club
• Alien
• The Shining
• Taxi Driver
(Some of these films do contain aspects of other genres such as Horror/Science Fiction)


Researching Genre: Horror

In terms of Film, Horror is one of today’s most popular film genres. Horror films often strive to elicit the emotions fear, horror and terror from their audience. The film plots often involve themes of death, the supernatural or mental illness.

Early horror movies derived from classic literature of the horror/gothic genre, such as Frankenstein, The Phantom of the Opera and one of the most famous, Dracula.

Key Features:
• Blood/Gore
• Weapons
• Poor Lighting
• Monster/’’Thing’’

Famous Horror Films
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
• The Evil Dead
• The Hills Have Eyes
• Hellraiser
• Psycho
• The Shining
(Some of these films do contain aspects of other genres such as Thriller)