What is a Thriller?

Today we looked at the meaning of Thriller. It is quite difficult to define because so many of the emotions and reactions that come from thrillers are part of the whole experience of film. Also, within the genre of Thriller there are meta-genres such as psychological, espionage and supernatural thrillers. The plot of a Thriller has to be intricate to create effects such as fear, apprehension and suspense. It usually runs on the audiences “basic worries”, which could be hidden, deep thoughts for example voyeurism, sexual or violence. These ‘worries’ are shown through questions or enigma codes in the audiences mind. A thriller is also sadomasochistic in a way that when you think about it, it is quite gruesome. Also the director of the film wants you to believe what’s happening, to get us emotionally involved and to give us gut-level feelings. The word ‘Thrill’ originally means ‘to pierce’.