Political Thriller

An all-encompassing term to describe several subgroups of thrillers in which the intrigue and suspense centers on a bureaucratic figure(s) and/or a hazardous political event. Among the numerous types of films that fit under this moniker are: state terror films -- internationally made thrillers with civilians under siege by their own totalitarian government (Cry Freedom, Salvador); spy/espionage films concerning traitorous acts (The Manchurian Candidate, The Hunt for Red October); conspiracy mysteries detailing corrupt politically motivated attempts to overthrow the government or assassinate the head of state (JFK, Z); and cover-ups, in which a common man is thrust into conflict against a government after finding out too much information (All the President's Men, Missing). All of these subgroups generally feature similar conventions, including deception, corruption, large doses of action and mystery that propel the narrative, and a dark vision of the world where things aren't what they seem or where free will is subordinate to fate.

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