Genre Research: History

What is a psychological thriller?A psychological thriller plays on characters fears and emotions. it should keep the audience at the 'edge of their seats' by building up tension towards the climax. It creates tension, excitement and suspense. 

Typical Stereotypes:Ordinary people are facing unusual problems either with themselves or with a villain. they use high stakes, plot twists whilst keeping an intense pace. There is a use of a life being threatened in a dangerous situation.

History:
A well known film director was Alfred Hitchcock who is very well-known for his films. Especially thrillers. Psycho made in 1960 is a horror/thriller, as it involves a convicted serial killer it allows the films to have other sub-genres such as mystery/crime. Another Hitchcock film is Frenzy, this was made in 1972 and is a thriller also but a sub genre of crime. It involves a serial killer killing woman but the police have the wrong man. 

From 1990-current more psychological thrillers have been produced such as Se7en or the shining which have elements of tension, serial killers, mental individuals. Films today cut ideas from past decades in different ways so it's not repetitive. 

Psychological Thrillers: 

• Se7en (1995)
• Psycho (1960)
• Frenzy (1972)
• The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
• The Shining (1980)
• Pi (1998)
• Paranormal Activity (2007) 
• The Ring (2002)
• The Butterfly Effect (2004)