Thriller (genre)

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Thriller is a broad genre of literature, film, and television that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements. Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewer's moods, giving them heightened feelings of anticipation, surprise, anxiety, and terror. Successful examples of thrillers are the films of Alfred Hitchcock.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Thrillers are characterized by an atmosphere of menace, violence, crime, and murder. They often involve sudden plot twists and red herrings. The primary aim of a thriller is to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Sub-genres[edit | edit source]

Thrillers can be divided into several sub-genres, each with its own unique characteristics:

Psychological thriller: Focuses on the unstable emotional states of characters.
Crime thriller: Combines the suspenseful aspects of a thriller with a crime story.
Spy thriller: Involves espionage and secret agents.
Legal thriller: Centers around legal battles and courtroom drama.
Action thriller: Features physical action and high-stakes situations.
Techno-thriller: Focuses on technology and its impact on society.

History[edit | edit source]

The thriller genre has its roots in the early 20th century, with the rise of pulp magazines and serial films. The genre gained significant popularity with the works of Alfred Hitchcock, who is often referred to as the "Master of Suspense." His films, such as Psycho and North by Northwest, set the standard for the genre.