Psychological Thrillers...

As part of my research I decided it would be useful if I did some research into my chosen genre. By doing this I could gain some understanding of the codes and conventions of a psychological thriller which would help me to create my own trailer accurately. 

Ok, the first thing I realised whilst doing my research was that a 'psychological' thriller is actually just a sub- genre of 'thriller'. This is helpful to me as it means that I can more accurately nail down exactly what makes a psychological film different from the other sub-genres of thriller movies. The other thing I realised was that a psychological thriller, unlike the other sub-genres, will often include certain elements from other genres. These other elements can range from drama and mystery all the way to romance and tragedy. The trick with this bit is finding the perfect balance of genre elements that will make my trailer come across the way I want it to. 

---

As part of my research into the sub-genre of psychological thrillers I decided to watch a few so that I could gain some insight and understanding into the different themes that make up a psychological thriller. The films I watched included; Black Swan, Shutter Island and Donnie Darko. After watching these films my understanding of psychological thrillers are that the main themes to include are; the state of the main protagonists’ mind- often the main character will have some kind of problem which sets them apart from the other characters. Their mind is usually used as the setting for narrative conflict which forces the audience to experience what the character is experiencing. Also, the character will often perceive the world around them in an abnormal way. This is how filmmakers can include the 'scarier' elements in the film such as ghosts, hallucinations, death ect. Despite this, an element of reality is crucial in a psychological thriller as it makes it more believable, the more real something potentially scary is the more of an effect it will have on the audience. 

The last main theme I decided was essential in a psychological thriller is the issue of identity. The protagonist will usually be confused as to who or what they are and will either fight to find out, or succumb to the madness...

Film Classifications

In order for me to decide upon the age range I wanted to target with my film trailer I did some research into the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). My hope was that I would better understand what content I should (or shouldn't) include in my trailer in order to meet the requirements for my chosen age-group.

   

Before properly researching the different certificates I knew that I wanted to appeal to an age group of at least my own age. Because of this and also because I do not wish to include strong violence or sexual activity in my trailer, I decided that in order to save time it would only be necessary to look into the information behind the age 15 certificate.

After reading up on this certificate I understand that as a whole, an age 15 film may not encourage or endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Also, drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole cannot be seen to promote or encourage it. In addition to this, the misuse of easily accessible drugs is unacceptable in an age 15 film.

On the issue of imitable behaviour, there must not be too much detail on incidents such as self-harming, hanging or suicide as it could be copied. The same goes for the glamorization of easily accessible weapons such as knives.

An element of horror, threat and/ or menace is permitted, unless it is sadistic or sexualised.

In a certificate 15 film, the use of frequent strong language is permitted. However, the stronger terms such as 'c**t' are only permitted if justified by the context. Also, it is unlikely to be accepted as a 15 if the language is repeatedly used and in an aggressive manner.

With the exception of strong detail, nudity is permitted in a certificate 15 film. Sexual activity may also be portrayed, again with the exception of strong detail.

Without dwelling on the infliction of pain and injury, (strong) violence is permitted. Despite this, it is likely to be unaccepted if the violence is sadistic or sexualised without the justification of context. Also, the strongest of gory images is likely to be unaccepted.

Now that I have an accurate understanding of exactly what an age 15 film should and should not include, I can begin to think about the angle I want to take with my own film trailer.