the THRILLER GENRE
ICONIC DIRECTORS relating to the thriller genre:- Alfred Hitchcock
Often referred to as "The Master of Suspense", Hitchcock developed many elements of the suspense and psychological thrillers and ultimatley helped to shape the modern-day thriller genre, beginning with his early silent film 'The Lodger'. He is most famously known for films such as 'Psycho' and 'The Wrong Man' (seen above).
- David Lynch
Lynch is renown for his surrealist films and completely unique cinematic style. He has directed a number of thrillers, including 'Eraserhead' (seen above) and 'Blue Velvet'.
- Brian De Palma
- Quentin Tarantino
Cited as one of the most celebrated directors of the late 20th century, Tarantino redefined the thriller genre, introducing hybrids of it with comedies and challenging audience expectations; for instance his films prompted a discussion of both the morality and the aesthetics of onscreen violence.
HISTORY OF THE THRILLER
🔪One of the earliest 'thrillers' was Harold Lloyd's film 'Safety Last' (1923) which followed a boy performing a daredevil stunt on the side of a skyscraper; which can be categorised according to Christopher Metz's theory as in the 'experimental' phase of the thriller genre. Included in this phase is the more commonly known 'The Lodger' (1926) directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
🔪As thrillers began to attract a mainstream audience in the 1940's, with Hitchcock releasing renowned thrillers such as 'Shadow of a Doubt' (1943).
🔪Next came the developmental stage of the genre. 'Cape Fear' starring Gregory Peck was released in 1962 following Hitchcock's 'Psycho' (1960), perhaps his finest film, that would rewrite the conventions of the thriller genre for the rest of the twentieth century.
🔪Later, in the 1970-80's thrillers tackled darker and more psychological fears; for instance Stanley Kubrick explored addiction, abuse and insanity in his cult classic 'The Shining' (1980).
🔪With the millennium on the horizon, the thriller genre thrived with films such as 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'Se7en' (1995) gaining mainstream and academic attention. Much of what was being produced can arguably be categorised as residing in the grey area of horror/ thriller which is often a result of repeated use of explicit violence in thrillers, for example 'Fire Walk With Me' (1992).
🔪In the present century, with the advancement of technology, thrillers have been able enhance their powerful impact on audiences, increasing tension and the fear through special effects and enhanced sound. This is evident in films such as 'Inception' (2010) and Mulholland Drive (2001).
🔪As thrillers began to attract a mainstream audience in the 1940's, with Hitchcock releasing renowned thrillers such as 'Shadow of a Doubt' (1943).
🔪Next came the developmental stage of the genre. 'Cape Fear' starring Gregory Peck was released in 1962 following Hitchcock's 'Psycho' (1960), perhaps his finest film, that would rewrite the conventions of the thriller genre for the rest of the twentieth century.
🔪Later, in the 1970-80's thrillers tackled darker and more psychological fears; for instance Stanley Kubrick explored addiction, abuse and insanity in his cult classic 'The Shining' (1980).
🔪With the millennium on the horizon, the thriller genre thrived with films such as 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'Se7en' (1995) gaining mainstream and academic attention. Much of what was being produced can arguably be categorised as residing in the grey area of horror/ thriller which is often a result of repeated use of explicit violence in thrillers, for example 'Fire Walk With Me' (1992).
🔪In the present century, with the advancement of technology, thrillers have been able enhance their powerful impact on audiences, increasing tension and the fear through special effects and enhanced sound. This is evident in films such as 'Inception' (2010) and Mulholland Drive (2001).
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