Writing Thriller Movies

Thriller Movies belong to a larger genre family, along with Detective and Crime Movies. Thrillers are an emotional roller coaster ride, because they combine the Detective Story with the Horror Story. The main character, unlike in any other genre, has two goals: to escape and to solve a crime. This creates the character’s torn nature, which is reflected in the viewer’s feelings.

Believability in Thrillers

Either the genre leans more in the direction of the Detective Movie or in the direction of the Horror Movie. Thriller is one of the most unbelievable genres, which is why you should carefully work out the world and its rules in your script. For example, you have to explain why the main character doesn’t just go to the authorities.

Suspense: The thrill within a thriller

One of the greatest thriller directors was Alfred Hitchcock. He has mastered this genre like no other. He explained the difference between suspense and surprise: A group of men are playing cards. Suddenly – surprise – a bomb explodes in the room. The temporary effect wears off in a few seconds. Instead, the thriller filmmaker shows that there is a bomb hidden under the table at the beginning of the scene, turning even the most boring card game into an exciting, nerve-wracking suspense scene that can be stretched out over many minutes.

The Horror Thriller

Criminals are inhuman monsters.

• TATTOO
• SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
• SEVEN
• MISERY

The Action Thriller

Life consists of escaping and fighting.

• GUARDIAN ANGELS
• THE BOURNE IDENTITY
• THE MAN WHO NEVER LIVED
• SALT

The Political Thriller

Politics is a dirty business.

• THE FOURTH POWER
• THE 39 STEPS
• THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE
• THE THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR

Some genres work better in some media than others. Political thrillers work best in novels, because there you can depict complex political structures in all their depth. In addition, the political intrigue is not particularly interesting for the mass of cinema viewers.

Sven Eric

A few words about me: As a Writer-Director, I write my own stories. I wrote the eBook The Ultimate Reading Guide for students as a learning aid. I also give Writing Seminars and Film Workshops.