The thriller genre is defined largely by its inclusion of other genres.
Thrillers have no set definition, viewers know one when they feel it.
Despite all this,Copwouldn’t succeed commercially,grossing less than a measly $2 million.
Still, the film is violent and relentless enough that it will surely have an audience out there.
But for those who revel in the delights of savagery,Killer Joeis an inspired work of psychological torment.
It is also shot very effectively thanks in tandem to directorDavid Druryand cinematographer, the greatRoger Deakins.
Image via LD Entertainment
7'99 Homes' (2014)
Few neorealist filmmakers have such a heavy heart asRamin Bahrani.
Still a young auteur, Bahrani’s career has gone through many up and downs already.
It works in part due to the cruelty of the circumstance juxtaposing Bahrani’s natural humanity.
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Regardless of paltry financial success,99 Homesis a heartbreaking account of the modern American economic landscape.
Even for all this praise,Dead Ringersbarely broke even at the box office.
Like a great thriller, it is pulse-racing and absorbing but without the same visceral propulsion.
Soon, the film may gain more notoriety as it is set for a remake series for Amazon Prime.
But that only intensifies the film’s tension, as Anderson makes the location a true character.
Patiently plotted and psychologically layered,Eye of the Needleoffers a more pensive thriller with emotional intrigue.
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Sutherland is the one who makes the film what it is.
Tall, brooding and sharp, Sutherland’s cerebral menace looms over the entire film.
The conclusion, keeping with the movie’s nature, is shocking, contemptuous, and bleak.
Gere rarely did, opting for characters more debonair than guileful.
In addition, the combination ofMike Figgisas director andHenry Beanas writer elevate the film past its genre conventions.
NEXT:The 25 Best Thrillers of the 21st Century (So Far)
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