Thriller Sub-Genres

Action Thriller:

This sub-genre uses physical action to create the suspense in a film, involving various types of stunts, fights, and chases to help build the tension and suspense in a film. A trending convention that runs through them is using a resourceful hero who has to struggle against seemingly impossible odds. In the plot the antagonist is usually a terrorist or psychopath, and the protagonist is usually crime-fighting in some way. This involves themes of hero verses villain, and the maiden being in distress, the protagonist having to retrieve her from the villain. In terms of mise-en-scene, guns and other types of weapons are used by the protagonist and the antagonist, and the lighting is usually a bit brighter and high-key than other thriller sub-genres to show the action taking place clearly, but this isn't always the case, with low-key lighting used to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and heightened danger, portrayed in these scenes from 2012's Skyfall. Higher-key lighting here, and lower-key lighting here.

Some examples of action thrillers are

Die Hard (1988)

Skyfall (2012)

Kill Bill: Vol 1 (2003)

Crime Thriller:

A crime thriller is a mesh of the suspenseful elements of a thriller with the plot of a crime film. The plot typically centres around the criminal and his actions, and the protagonist and how he tries to solve these crimes. They can use both action and psychological elements to help build suspense and tension, this tension usually built up slowly throughout as the protagonist solves the crimes. There is always an enigma surrounding the antagonist and his actions, helping add to the mystery that the protagonist must solve. Guns are very symbolic of danger and murder, the use of a weapon used in a crime and by the protagonist. In these films the lighting is very low-key, shadows  and dark colours used to add a murkiness to the cases, an unease. The camera work is usually used in close ups at the crime scenes, indicating to the audience what they should be looking at to piece together the puzzles in their mind. 

An example of this sub-genre are:

The Usual Suspects (1995)

Film-Noir:

This sub-genre is not named this just because of its storyline and conventions, but for its stylistic way of depicting the story in terms of mise-en-scene, which was popular during the 1940s and 50s. This lighting is presented in a black and white palette, with stark lighting effects.This can help produce a sense of nostalgia, a throwback to the past, reflecting the flashbacks it uses. The main character involved is usually cynical in some way, and this sub-genre relies on a narrative voice and flashbacks to explain its intricate plot. 

An example of this sub-genre is:

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Psychological Thriller:

Utilising the traits of a regular thriller, this sub-genre builds on it by incorporating elements of drama and mystery. the suspense is usually wrapped up in the main character's mind instead of a more physical threat. The protagonist tends to rely on mental resources rather than physical to solve the problem at hand. It can also blend with the horror genre. A huge theme that this sub-genre deals with is the question of reality, is this set in the real world or is this tension all in the character's mind? This creates an unease and an uncertainty to the whole situation. Linked to this is the theme of identity and how that affects the plot, with mirrors used to reflect the question of the person's inner self and explore their 'dark side'. This exploration of the inner self is further helped by the use of mid-shots and close-ups, helping to portray the character's emotions and give a much more  up close and personal view of them.

A few examples of this type of sub-genre are:

Memento (2000)

Taxi Driver (1976)

Rear window (1954)

Science Fiction Thriller:

This sub-genre incorporates hypothetical, science-based themes such as unexplored locations, fantastical quests, and advanced technology. A lot of these films deal with the future and and what happens in the near or distant future, including scenarios of aliens invading earth, dystopian societies, and super diseases. The music within this sub-genre can vary, sometimes using more space-age sounding music involving keyboards and electric guitars etc. But, as in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) where the soundtrack is from Star-Lord's personal playlist, the music can be associated with the main character. The mis-en-scene in this type of film can vary hugely, with the settings and props having to work within the time-period and tone that the director is aiming for. For example, the movie Aliens (1986) has very old and decrepit props to show their age and use, and the settings are dark and dingy, adding a sense of lurking from the aliens and heightening their threat of danger. On the other hand, the film Oblivion (2013), where the props are much more technological and clean, and the settings are much more modern and again technologically advanced, giving a less grounded look to the future and a more advanced feel. 

A few examples of this type of sub-genre are:

Aliens (1986)

Oblivion (2013)

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Religious Thriller:

This sub-genre injects religious themes, such as life and death, heaven and hell, the soul etc, into its overall message. Some revolve around a specific church, but a lot of them usually include supernatural experiences not pertaining to a certain religion as a major part of their plot. This sub-genre can tend to mesh with horror films and psychological thrillers, The Exorcist (1973) a classic example with its purely horror elements of gore and supernatural aspects involving demons, but using this in a religious setting of an exorcism. The editing of a religious thriller can usually be fast cuts to capture the tension in the moment, but is sometimes slow and building with its tension and suspense. This slow pace editing at the end is used in The Da Vinci Code (2006), where the reveal is told in slow, mounting shots of Tom Hanks' character running around solving the final puzzles.

A few examples of this sub-genre are:

The Exorcist (1973)

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

The Devil's Advocate (1997)