Conventions of a psychological thriller

After analysing several trailers of our chosen film genre, psychological thriller, I can now establish the generic codes and conventions of this genre.

• Tend to have a heavy focus on the unstable emotional states of character, whilst bringing in elements of mystery and thriller.
• Characters are no longer reliant on physical strength to overcome their enemies, and more reliant on mental resources.
• The suspense of psychological thrillers tends to come from two or more characters preying upon one another’s minds. This is either by playing deceptive games with the other or by trying to demolish the other’s mental state.
• There is often a back story to the film, this being the history before the start of the film. This deepens the psychological element of the film as it means the audience is able to get a better understanding of the character. It can reveal his/her intentions and how their past has shaped the present.
• There are common themes which can be seen in psychological thrillers: reality, perception, mind, existence/purpose, identity and death.
• These help shape the characters personalities.
• Dark and sinister music used to create tension.
• Films are most commonly certificated 15 or 18.