Sub-genres of thriller films

Narrative-

Omniscient-the audience member knows everything about the character eg. Silence of the lambs

Restricted-audience only knows what the characters know eg. The sixth sense, shutter island

Linear- Clear beginning middle and end

Non-linear- flash backs to throw the audience off track

Enigma code- most commonly used narrative in the thriller genre

Audience are left to discover things throughout the film, this builds up the suspense and drama

Sub genres-

Disaster thriller- natural disasters occur, heroes attempt to survive/save people

Mystery thriller- relates to crime thrillers, we often see the circumstances of the mystery and find clues with the character

Psychological thriller- plays with the audiences minds, reflects the characters minds and problems

Crime thriller- more suspense, showing successful and failed crime acts, usually emphasise action over psychological

Conspiracy thriller- hero/ heroine trapped in a powerful organisation; plays with the secrecy of governments and major organisations

Religious thrillers- A quest to find the truth of religion, while viewing the good and bad effects/impacts of religion

Supernatural thriller- horror type film without the gore, the character often has a supernatural gift to unravel the ending.

Techno Sci-fi thriller- Manipulation of technology playing a large part in society and the warning how it can become corrupt

Crank beginning- Restricted

Psychological&crime thriller

The usual suspects- Mystery thriller

Omniscient                       

Memento- Non linear

Psychological thriller

Vertigo-linear

Crime thriller

The bourne identity-Restricted

Political thriller

Enigma code.A theory used in film to suggest different questions about the plot, characters etc. By presenting a mystery and giving the audience subtle clues throughout the film to answer the mystery, it creates a suspense and intrigues the audience.
The enigma code has been developed from Roland Barthes.