Thriller Genre Timeline

30s and 40s

Thrillers were based on myths contained characters that were surreal, for
example King Kong, Frankenstein. A prolific director of this time, and considered
the grandfather of the thriller genre, was Alfred Hitchcock, Who directed famous
thrillers such as Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde.
e.g.King Kong, Frankenstein
Alfred Hitchcock recognised for his certain trademark e.g. pov shot, framed
shot in a way to create fear, empathy, unique editing style. Most of his films have
a plot twist at the end, contain murder elements.
Dr Jekyll and Hyde
50s and 60s
Due to the success and popularity of the growing thriller genre, films gained
more budgeting, allowing for better and more elaborate films to be produced.
This increased budgeting gave way for directors to use higher quality visual and
special effects in their films.
Hitchcock is a prime example of this as he started using technicolour in his films.
In addition to the increased budgeting of films, many films started developing
more complicated plots.
Hitchcock was at the height of his career with films like Psycho, Stranger on a
Train.
Hitchcocks Rear Window also created a sub-genre of mystery thrillers.
70s and 80s
Movies became more violent during this era as more violence was used in film
and thus another evolution of the thriller genre. More violent films were being
produced.
Directors started using new conventions.
Frenzy Alfred Hitchcock horror/thriller, thriller genre becoming more violent
Brian Del Palmer killing of someone early in the film
90s
Steven Baldwin the usual suspects
Brian Singer
00s and Present
Horror Thrillers have become more predominant in recent years - having more
violence, brutality and terror. Another hybrid genre that has been featured a lot
in modern thrillers is the action thriller, creating more suspenseful films for
audiences. Examples of this includes Unstoppable, Drive Angry and Contraband.
The advancements in technology have helped directors create more realistic
action set pieces and visuals. Special/visual effect developments have allowed
filmmakers to make their films more realistic.
More action and suspense/drama
Taken