Historical Research Thriller Films

History The definition of thriller is a novel, play or film that has an exciting plot usually involving crime or espionage. Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Lodger was the first thriller film to be released. In 1929 Hitchcock released the first sound thriller film called ‘Blackmail’ There are multiple subgenres of thriller films for example; thriller, action thriller, crime thriller, mystery thriller, psychological thriller and supernatural thrillers. Between 1970 and 1980 there was a wave of thriller films with movies such as Frenzy, Duel and Deliverance. Characters in thrillers often include criminals, stalkers, innocent victims (often on the run), prison inmates, characters with dark pasts, psychotic individuals and fugitives

Popular Thriller Films Seven Psycho Vertigo Nerve The Boy Memento Gone Girl Dial M for Murder Don’t Breathe Taxi Driver Insomnia Blue velvet

The Silence of the Lambs, 1991 Synopsis: Clarice Starling, an FBI agent, is given the task of questioning Dr Hannibal Lecter when she discovers that its because the FBI are trying to track down a vicious serial killer called Buffalo Bill. Awards: It is one of only three to win Oscars in all 5 major categories. It won 35 awards including Peoples choice award, New York film critics award and Silver Scream award. Facts: Directed by Jonathan Demme. Buffalo Bills was actually based off 3 serial killers; Ted Bundy, Gary Heinik and Ed Gein. It was released on February 14 1991. World wide the film made about $272,742,922. What went wrong: The film adaption came under fire from some gay right groups because of the negative portrayal of Buffalo Bill being bisexual and transgender. Critics review: Seen as frightening, involving and disturbing. However it was also said to be a ‘perfectly executed dramatic thriller’ and a ‘truly remarkable film’

Rear Window, 1954 Synopsis: Professional photographer L.B. Jeffries breaks his leg and is bound to a wheelchair whilst he recovers. To pass the time he spies on his neighbours and accidently witnesses a murder take place. Awards: Won 5 awards like the Edgar Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay and National Board of Review Award for Best Actress. Facts: It was an American Technicolor mystery thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Based on Cornell Woolrich’s story ‘It Had to be Murder’ The movie earned $5.3 million at the North American box office. It was released on September 1st 1954. It was rereleased on DVD in 2012. Critics review: Critics seemed to love the film with some saying it was Hitchcock’s best film. Time magazine called it Hitchcock’s second most entertaining film.

Peeping TOM, 1960 Synopsis: Psychotic killer Mark Lewis is obsessed with capturing the dying looks on his victims faces. After two women rent out one of his flats and accidently watch a video of Lewis killing his second victim Lewis films himself committing suicide as he knows he cant kill again with the police having him on surveillance. Facts: Directed by Michael Powell. It was one of the first slasher film in horror movie history. It was the first horror movie to be shot from the killers point of view. What went wrong: Powell’s career was pretty much destroyed after the release since the film was too graphic and the public didn’t like it. After five days British cinemas pulled the film as it didn’t have the reaction of the public Powell wanted. Until 1981it was banned in Finland. Critics review: Labelled a ‘dark masterpiece’ and ‘powerful and moving.’ However in its first release critics hated it, they said it was perverted nonsense and that it should be flushed down the toilet. Critics hated it because Powell used his own son, then 9 years old, as a young Mark Lewis and the fear on his face was real since the scenes he was shown were horrific.