What is a Thriller?

 

 

 

What is a Thriller?

A genre is a style of characteristics that occurs frequently in a specific type of film (e.g. thriller, rom-com, horror etc.) For example in a rom-com film, we expect it to involve comedy (something to make the audience laugh), a romance between two characters and usually set in a unrealistically beautiful scene. 'Hanna', 'Shutter Island', 'The Awakening' are all separately different in characteristics, yet all fall under the category of thriller. 'Shutter Island' and 'Hanna' are both in strong contrast to each other, due to the era they are portrayed in. Shutter Island is seen as a film set in the 1950's, whereas Hanna is distinctly set in present day, shown by the use of techno scenery. Hanna is said to be a violent, action thriller- it consists of a adventure, and perhaps a hero and enemy. Shutter Island is mysterious and known as a sci fi thriller. It similarly involves intensity and anticipation , but action and excitement isn't included as much as Hanna- the pace is slower.

 

Shutter Island is set on an island, in a mental hospital, and the scenery continuously dark and gloomy. Immediately this gives the audience, a clear view on what the film will be focussed on-suspense and not knowing. Hanna begins with the set of isolation providing the audience with the idea that Hanna will be fighting a majority of the film on her own, independently. The costumes and clothing relates to the era the films are set. Leonardo Di Caprio's costume remains dark, with lack of colour, blending him into his surrounding. Shows us that perhaps he is a secretive, mysterious character. Hanna is regularly exhibited dressed in a boldly orange prison outfit, metaphorical for the fact Hanna is brave and adventurous. She is our key character, therefore has to stand out.

 

Similarities between the films show that both films are centred around solving crimes and capturing someone. The main characters in the films are seen as flawed anti-heroes. They are characters the audience cannot really relate to, but enjoy watching. Both Hanna and Teddy are murderers and their lives evolve around solving crimes and defending themselves. The setting, although different, are alike in the idea that they're both isolated and remote. The narrative structure of the films are similar in which it has a beginning, middle and an end. Ignoring twists, and flash backs that are included, both have a simple, straight forward structure.