Psychological Horror

Psychological horror is one of the many sub-genres of horror. It is believed to be scarier than other sub-genres, purely because it focuses on everyday life, meaning that there is a chance that those events can happen in reality, therefore making the audience more cautious. This would differentiate from other subgenres such as supernatural horror because those events are less likely to happen. ‘Based on true events’ is often used with psychological horror because it tends to be based on factual occurrences in real life. Film makers often use this as it creates the illusion that there is a possibility than the plot can happen to the audience, thus making them want to watch it. They rely on the audience’s mind to create the horror effect.

Conventions:
  • rely on character's beliefs, fears and other hidden truths about the character/what they have done
  • expose the evil that hides behind normality
  • paranormal elements.
  • the antagonist will appear normal as there aren't any physical signs of their psychological disorder.
  • lack of weapons - the antagonist's twisted mind is used to frighten the victims. Visions, 'jumpy' moments etc. are used instead of physical weapons such as guns and knives.
  • Setting: big houses, woodland locations, warehouses, schools, and hospitals. These all create a sense of realism, and therefore increase fear for the audience as they can picture themselves in the position of the victims.
  • flashbacks to inform the audience of why the antagonist has reached such a state (however, remember it is only a short film)
  • contrapuntal sound is often used (I.e. the sound does not often match the action that is onscreen).
  • the use of children as killers is common.
  • complex plots - may contain a plot twist.
Psychological horror short film

INSiDE starring Jeremy Sisto.



The genre theorist, John Cawelti, believed that genres tell a story about itself. The popularity of a genre suggests it reflects the values of society. I agree with this because a reason why psychological horror is so popular is because it represents a sense of realism in that the things that happen in psychological films are very real - and people fear this because it could happen to them or witness it at any moment. 

Comments

  1. Unknown11 July 2017 at 09:34

    I will be making movies, these things you've been sending are really helping!

    ReplyDelete

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