The Definitions of Horror and Thriller Movies
Horror and thriller movies are two different types of films that can be difficult to tell apart. A horror movie is designed to evoke fear, terror, and suspense in its audience, while a thriller movie is designed to create excitement and suspense in its viewers. Generally, horror movies focus on supernatural, dark fantasies, and are usually set in dark locations. Thriller movies, on the other hand, typically use tension and suspense as the central elements and often has more of a detective story type feel.
Themes in Horror and Thriller Movies
A common theme in both horror and thriller movies is the concept of good versus evil. Most horror stories have the protagonist having to battle some supernatural force or monster that is trying to cause harm or destruction. A thriller movie will usually involve characters having to solve a problem or battle against a person or organization that is intent on causing harm or destruction. In both genres, the characters will face a powerful foe who is usually portrayed as being very dangerous and powerful and a lot more intelligent than them.
Structure of Horror and Thriller Movies
Horror and thriller movies tend to have the same basic structure. Both genres will begin with the introduction of the protagonist, who will either be in danger from the beginning or will find themselves thrown into an unexpected situation. Then, over the course of the movie, there will be a series of escalating obstacles that the protagonist must overcome in order to achieve their goal. At the end of the movie, the protagonist will either succeed or fail in their mission, and the movie will have a resolution.
Characters in Horror and Thriller Movies
The characters in horror and thriller movies will usually be archetypal. In horror movies, the protagonist is usually the one who is struggling against the terrifying force, while in a thriller, they will usually be the one who is trying to prevent the antagonist from achieving their goals. The antagonist, on the other hand, will usually be portrayed as an intelligent being who is in a position of power and is trying to use that power to cause harm or destruction.
Scares and Scares Tactics in Horror and Thriller Movies
The primary goal of both horror and thriller movies is to create a sense of fear in their audiences. In horror films, the way this is achieved is through jump scares, suspense, and the use of terrifying imagery. Thriller films, meanwhile, rely more on tension, suspense, and the use of escalating stakes to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. Both types of films also use sound effects and music to further increase the sense of fear and suspense.
Use of Reality in Horror and Thriller Movies
Horror and thriller movies also differ in their use of reality. Horror films often use supernatural elements, while thriller films tend to stay away from the supernatural and will usually focus on more realistic threats and dangers. This can be seen in films like The Shining and The Silence of the Lambs, both of which center around horror, but take different approaches to the genre.
How Horror and Thriller Movies Affect Audiences
Horror and thriller movies can be both entertaining and emotionally affecting for their audience. Horror films tend to evoke feelings of fear and dread, while thriller films are more likely to create feelings of anticipation and excitement. Both genres of films can also be used to explore social and political issues in ways that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Set and Costumes in Horror and Thriller Movies
The set and costume design in horror and thriller movies are also incredibly important to creating the right atmosphere. Horror films typically use dark, eerie settings with a lot of suspenseful elements, while thriller films usually take a more realistic approach. The costumes in horror films are often designed to enhance the horror elements of the story, while in thriller films they are designed to emphasize the sense of tension and danger.
Special Effects in Horror and Thriller Movies
Special effects are also used in both horror and thriller films. In horror films, special effects are often used to enhance the fear factor and create a more dramatic atmosphere. In thriller films, however, special effects are used to create a sense of tension and suspense. Common special effects used in both horror and thriller films include the use of lighting and color, sound effects, and the use of computer-generated imagery and animation.
Stunts in Horror and Thriller Movies
Stunts play an important role in both horror and thriller movies. In horror films, stunts are often used to create tension and suspense, while in thriller films they are used to enhance the action and create a sense of excitement. Common stunts used in both genres include car chases, fights, and explosions.
Conclusion and Assessment of Horror and Thriller Movies
Horror and thriller movies are two genres of film that can be difficult to tell apart, but they have many commonalities. Both types of films use themes of good versus evil, characters that are archetypal, and special effects and stunts to create a tense and thrilling atmosphere. They also tend to have the same basic structure, with a protagonist facing an escalating series of obstacles. Ultimately, both horror and thriller movies can be effective ways to explore social and political issues and keep audiences entertained.
