Does a thriller need a weapon

A thriller definitely does NOT need a weapon. Its a handy fall back in a short however when theres limited time to get attention and play things out.

Does that weapon represent merely a weapon though? Can it symbolise something entirely different?
 
can you give an example of how a weapon is used as a crutch??
Easy. Movies where people are constantly shooting at each other but you know the good guy is never in any real danger. The guns are just 'there'. Something to create a sense of danger but it takes more than that to branch into thriller.

But then there's the game in Deer Hunter. Then tension comes from more than just the gun. It's the acting and writing that really sells it.

MAH
 
No weapons, no monsters. Creating suspence without these makes it very physiological and intimate. Being scared without being forced into that state seems frightening in itself.
 
Easy. Movies where people are constantly shooting at each other but you know the good guy is never in any real danger. The guns are just 'there'. Something to create a sense of danger but it takes more than that to branch into thriller.

But then there's the game in Deer Hunter. Then tension comes from more than just the gun. It's the acting and writing that really sells it.

MAH

I couldn't agree more. Well said.
 
can you give an example of how a weapon is used as a crutch??

what if there is a weapon, but it's never seen?

Phone Booth, take away the gun the snipper has and film becomes a joke. The only thing keeping the main character in the tense situation is the gun and it is hardly ever seen.
 
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