How has the thriller genre developed in both the mainstream and independent fields over the last 30 years?

Over the past 30 years the thriller genre has changed a lot, this may be because of the advanced technology.

The thriller films that were produced during the 1940's - 1970's were based on peoples actual fears. These films were considered realistic. The modern thrillers have many sub-genre's such as conspiracy, disaster, mystery and techno.

These are some thriller sub genre's with some examples of films;

Conspiracy Thriller - The protagonist of conspiracy thrillers are usually journalists or investigators that often find themselves pulling on a small thread that unravels a vast conspiracy.

• The Bourne Ultimate
• Seeking Justice

Disaster Thriller - This genre follows a group of people in conflict with natural forces like floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanoes.

• 2012
• The Day After Tomorrow

Mystery Thriller

• Them
• Joy Ride

Psychological Thriller

• Psycho

Techno Thriller

• iROBOT
• Matrix

These thrillers each have different codes and conventions, they include;

Tension, Surprise, Suspense and Shock.

Settings- Forest, Houses, Motel, Dungeon, Abandoned places.

Timings of shots (Fast / Slow paste)

Music (Slow / High tempo)

Weapons (Knife, Gun, Saw, Rope)

Camera shots (Hand held camera, Point of View, Close-ups)

Killer, Blood, Murder

Low key lighting (Shadows/Fog)

Chase

Hidden Identity

Enigma

Film Trailer (Taken)

Close-up (Cellular)                                 Long-shot

                                                              (Roadkill)

                                                                  Mid-shot (Taken 2)