What are the characteristics of a thriller? - Part 1 - Suspense

The usual characteristics of any typical thriller are that the movie is fast paced, unpredictable and hard to keep up with. The viewers are confronted with red herrings and cliff hangers which keep them on edge. Sudden plot twists involving disasters and character development such as deaths or a romance which keeps the viewers interested and on their toes. The suspense can become almost unbearable. They must go through a level of fast action packed, stressful adventures to reach the last big climax of the movie of which the protagonist either succeeds or fails in reaching their goals. And this can result in a happy ever after type of ending or one which sees the protagonist injured, lost or even dead.

Possibly the most important characteristic in a thriller for the viewer is suspense. They allow the viewer to be involved, anxious and uncertain throughout the film which results in them on the edge of their seats, hooked throughout the movie wanting to see the climax and hopefully returning for more when another movie from the same director or actor comes out. The suspense throughout the movie ultimately builds up until the last scenes of the movie where all is explained and the actions and choices that the protagonist takes will determine the final outcome. Suspense is created through the impending obstacles that the protagonist must face in order to reach his or hers goals. They must constantly face a possible end of impending doom, surprise and action. The hope and/or fear that the viewer experiences keep them alert and intertwined in the story and desperate to see more.

As described best by thriller director Alfred Hitchcock: “An audience experiences suspense when they expect something bad to happen and have (or believe they have) a superior perspective on events in the drama's hierarchy of knowledge, yet they are powerless to intervene to prevent it from happening.” (Taken from Wikipedia) This exactly explains why viewers find thrillers so captivating.