History of a thriller

The thriller genre's main aim is to create suspense, tension and anticipation, in order to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, as what is next to come is always unknown. The history of a thriller is very important when focusing on it as a topic. I find it very interesting to see the difference in how much thrillers have changed over the years with specific elements.

One of the first ever thrillers made was the silent film, 'The Lodger' made in 1926 by Alfred Hitchcock, which was then followed by 'Blackmail', made in 1929 which was Britain's and his first sound film. In the 1950's Hitchcock then began to add technicolour to his thriller. These examples are exactly what to look at when focusing on the changes within the history of thrillers. Hitchcock had a strict rule that no one was to turn up to a viewing of his film late, as he had an on-going suspense buildup throughout, that no features could be missed. In the 1960's Hitchcock produced a film called 'Psycho'. One particular scene within the film had to be continuously edited, due to a clear view of a naked women. Within the 1960's this was seen to be unacceptable, therefore having to cut it out.

The Lodger, 1926

Blackmail, 1929



Already there is a huge difference between the two thrillers, within the 3 years the use of sound is included, therefore the audience are able to have more of an understanding of the plot, emotions of the characters and so on, through hearing characters conversations.

 JAWS, 1975

'JAWS' is an American thriller that was filmed in 1975, and is a prime example of how thrillers have changed throughout the years. It is about continuous shark attacks occurring on Amity Island. Within this clip the audience can see that the shark is incredibly unrealistic, although still managing to create a jumpy atmosphere.

Comparing 'JAWS' to 'The Lodger' and 'Blackmail' there is a clear contrast between the amount of blood and gore shown on screen, editing techniques have widened in variety, as well as including high maintenance props such as the sharks.

 Orphan, 2009

Orphan is also an American thriller, that was created in a more recent time; 2009, where technology had significantly changed. In contrast to the films above, it includes a more intense murder from one character to another, showing visual emotions during continuous stabbings. The editing is phenominal in the way it portrays the murder to look so real, with the intense blood and gore.

Psycho, 1960

The film Psycho, made by Hitchcock is an example of a film that have scenes cut out of it. The scene used to consist of a shower scene, this scene was cut due to too much violence and the victim being in the nude. In the 1960's nudity was seen as unappropriated, and violence was not shown to such an extent.