In praise of suspense thrillers

Carefully made thrillers always grab my attention. No matter how many times I watch the movie The Usual Suspects, I still wonder how filmmakers create story endings so twisted that they become classics.

When I look for a good suspense thriller, there are three factors I consider: a riveting storyline with a twist, the reputation of the director, and box office results.

A complex, well-developed storyline is what I expect from a good suspense thriller. Steven Spielberg once said, “It all begins with the right script.” He knows that the suspense thriller must include a fastpaced, interesting plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the film’s end. The Usual Suspects, directed by Bryan Singer, is an excellent example of how a great script makes a difference.

The reason that this movie made an impression on me is that it takes advantage of the gullibility of the audience. For the first 100 minutes, it delivers an intriguing and complex story to which there seems no easy answer.

When the final piece of the puzzle appears to be in place, the final revelation leaves the audience speechless. Shortly thereafter, the audience realizes that they have fallen for a brilliantly inspired trick.

The storyline of a good suspense thriller should be worthy enough to make viewers want to see it again. I have watched The Usual Suspects three times.

I care about who directs the movies I watch. A director’s ability makes a difference in the final outcome. The director’s role is even more important in suspense thrillers. He or she should be able to combine a brilliantly written script with the performances of actors, using them to create a masterpiece that constantly challenges the audience.

Movie viewers can easily ensure the quality of a thriller by checking out the director’s previous credits. For example, the moody and stylish direction of Singer helped to bring The Usual Suspects together. He perfectly created a dark tone. But Singer is not the only director able to thrill audiences using suspense.

I also appreciate the writing talent of writer and director M. Night Shyamalan., who brought us The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable. If a suspense thriller is released bearing the names of Singer or Shyamalan, I will have confidence in the movie’s quality. I look for famous writers and directors with credits that vouch for the quality of their work.

Moviegoers vote with their dollars, making box office records an important factor when deciding on a suspense thriller. Success at the box office often indicates that a suspense thriller has both an intriguing storyline and skillful directing to support its plot.

Of all the categories of film, the suspense thriller is my favorite genre. I love the idea of a story that keeps me on edge, one where I am not sure whom I can trust. Some of these movies make me bewildered with the unexpected endings and others just leave me with a bitter taste. I get a sense of satisfaction when a movie constantly challenges me, right up to the final scene.

Top Ten Most Heart-Pounding American Movies

1. Psycho 1960
2. Jaws 1975
3. The Exorcist 1973
4. North By Northwest 1959
5. Silence of the Lambs 1991
6. Alien 1979
7. The Birds 1963
8. The French Connection 1971
9. Rosemary’s Baby 1968
10. Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981