Friday 28 January 2011

Psychological Thrillers


The central theme of identity in the psychological thriller genre can often be twisted to give the viewer a very different perception of the protagonist/antagonist’s psyche. Common examples of this include mistaken identity, stolen identity, dual identity, doppelgangers, confused identity and amnesia.
 Directors of psychological thrillers often use the effect of an altered perception of reality, often making the protagonist/antagonist have a different view on what is right or wrong. This may make the viewer cautious as to whether or not to trust the lead character, keeping the atmosphere tense.
The stream of consciousness is a device used in psychological thrillers to give an insight into the psyche of a particular character’s, usually the main protagonist.
Directors can often use the unreliable status of a narrator or central character to keep the viewer on edge throughout the performance. For instance, if the character is a convict or suspicious in any way; their view may be unreliable.
Imagery is one of the easiest devices to use in cinematography to convey the psychological thriller genre. Eyes are a frequent motif.
Technical devices such as flashbacks and repetitions in editing are common within psychological thrillers. 

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