Psychological thriller is a genre combining the thriller and psychological fiction genres. It is commonly used to describe literature or films that deal with psychological narratives set within a thriller or thrilling setting.
Facts
Place of OriginVictorian-era sensation novels, considered socially irresponsible for their themes of sex and violence and inspired by the real-life detective Jack Whicher, are counted among the genre's early literary examples. 1 Notable ExampleAlfred Hitchcock's psychological thrillers, including Rebecca, Vertigo and Psycho, applied Freudian concepts to suspense narrative. 1 Defining TraitA psychological thriller is distinguished by narratives set in domesticated settings where overt action is suppressed and thrills instead come from investigating the psychologies of the principal characters. 1 Connections
Sources
1. Psychological Thriller (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationDefinition section, quoting Peter Hutchings
narratives with domesticated settings in which action is suppressed and where thrills are provided instead via investigations of the psychologies of the principal characters
Examples, Screenwriters and directors section
Hitchcock often applied Freudian concepts to his thrillers, as in Jamaica Inn, Rebecca, Spellbound, Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho and Marnie.
Themes section
Sensation novels, examples of early psychological thrillers, were considered to be socially irresponsible due to their themes of sex and violence. These novels, among others, were inspired by the exploits of real-life detective Jack Whicher.
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