Psychological Thriller

Genre
Research

Target audience
Psychological Thrillers usually include a conflict of the mind, this results as most Psychological
thrillers are aimed at an audience of 16+. In a lot of Psychological thrillers there is violence and
can cause discomfort and disturbance for younger viewers. Depending on the elements and
narrative of the psychological thriller determines whether the film appeals to females and males
more, but for most psychological thrillers they suit most genders. Psychological thrillers don't
usually specifically aim to a demographic code which is why it has such a wide audience. Some
people wouldnt be attracted by psychological thrillers as it presents a harsh reality.

As I chose to look at psychological thrillers its very important that I research into existing
products to see what
Conventions makes up psychological thrillers. Looking at elements, I found a common theme
throughout many of the products, this includes mystery, drama, reality, perception, mind, identity
and death. A common occurrence in psychological thrillers include a character(s) where the focus
is frequently on the characters mind and the inner conflict with the characters emotional state.

Theories
With the concept of genre there are theorists who have different views on how genres are formed:
Robert Stam
He says that
the concept
of genre
doesnt exist
and is made
up by
theorists and
critics: With
psychological
thrillers they all
have a
common theme
of conventions,
this would go
against this

Rick Altman He
said that genre is
made up of two
elements. One
element is semantic
which are elements
shown through
colour, mise-enscene, sound and
camera movements.
The other element
is syntactic which
are themes
throughout the
films: In psychological
thrillers the semantic
elements could
include props such
drugs and alcohol,
also could include
dark colours in the

Laura Mulvey
She suggests
that women in
media are
objectified as
sexual objects:
With
Psychological
thrillers,
sometimes there
may be women
sexually
objected
however this
isnt the main
focus of the

Steve Neale: He said the

genres have 5 stages of
evolution: With
psychological thrillers
1. Form finding itself The
lodger (1927) directed by
Alfred Hitchcock who shaped
the genre.
2. Classic Psycho (1960)
again directed by Alfred
Hitchcock and is regarded as
the greatest psychological
thriller.
3. Stretching Boundaries
Inception as psychological
thriller film which follows
most conventions however
there is more of an action
element to the film.
4. Parodies There isnt a
specific parody for
psychological thrillers,
however scary movie 5
includes a parody section

These 3 films are examples of psychological thrillers that I particularly enjoyed. All 3 films followed conventions of the genre. Comparing
them it is easy to see that
The similar attributes are the inner conflicts with the main characters. When I come to creating my trailer, the main character is going
to be battling with their emotional state.