Psychological Genre Research

1. Genre Research:
Psychological Horror
MATTHEW PARKS

2.  Psychological Horror is a subgenre of Horror, and it relies on a characters
fears and emotions to build tension. Most audiences find psychological
horrors scarier than other types of horror genres because it focuses more
on everyday life, meaning that there is a chance that those events can
happen in reality, therefore making the audience more cautious.
 ‘Based upon true events’ is often used in psychological thrillers as
a lot of them are based on factual occurrences,
and film makers rely on the audiences mind to create
the horror effect.
Background Research

3. Characters
 Characters that are psychologically damaged, Psychological Horrors tend
to rely on characters beliefs, fears and hidden truths about themselves.
They expose the evil that hides behind normality.
 Characters show fear towards the main antagonist, who is generally a
disturbed or tormented individual.;

4. Shots and editing
 POV shots of the characters when searching for something in places such
as the dark or when they are being watched, this shows danger.
 Hand held shots when the person is being chased, this builds up tension
and panic and makes the audience feel like they are in the chase.
 Fast cuts are often used in psychological horrors, again
this builds up tension and makes the audience panic.

5. Music and Sound
 The music is used to create a mysterious atmosphere, and will build up
suspense to indicate to the audience that something is going to happen
soon, keeping them on the edge of their seats.
 Loud noises such as bangs or screams are used frequently, this is used to
make the audience jump, and wonder what's happening.
 There are some areas of silence incorporated within psychological Horrors,
this creates a sense of unknown

6. Mise-en-scene
 Dark atmosphere with an Empty looking area (e.g. house)most places have
a Look of isolation, making people wonder why the characters are going
there.
 Psychological Horrors do not normally incorporate weapons, they normally
rely on the twisted mind of the killer to frighten the victims.
 Only small lights from candles, lamps, or streetlights are used, this hides
most of the screen behind darkness, making the audience curious to
what's happening.
 Props such as knifes and claws are carried by the killer, making
him look more twisted and scary.