Thriller Research Introduction...

Westerns, musicals, horror and science fiction are easily distinguishable to the public; however, thrillers cover more aspects and genre such as mystery, murder, suspense and shock. Although there is no certain criteria which labels a thriller, they often share a comman similarity - this being to thrill the audience or at least to make their pulse race a little faster. For example,this is usually achieved by the focus being concentrated on the victims of crime trying to escape a crazed killer, or to clear their name of a murder they didn't commit, the victim in danger therefore keeps viewers on the edge of their seats!

History of Thrillers

Throughout the years thrillers have been based on true-life events and scenarios or have even been set during significant periods of time which have been part of history. For example, many thriller films have been set during the time of the Great Depression, the Cold War as well as the Prohibition period,etc. Basing films on actual events means that the audience can easily relate and become more involved with the film, drawing a larger audience as the storyline attracts attention as it is recognised as a realistic and historic event. (A few films which have been based on true-life events are shown below.)

• 'M',(1931) is based on the true story of serial murders that took place in Dusseldorf in Germany.
• Both 'Scarface',(1932) and 'The St Valentines's Day Massacre',(1967) are based on the historical St Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929 when members of one gang were violently murdered by another gang.

Becky.