Iconography

Why iconography is important:

The physical attributions in a scene of a film give a lot of obvious indications to the audience and helps construct the plot line and creates the mood and atmosphere to make the audience feel a certain way. In a psychological thriller, the audience is meant to feel on edge, building up suspense and is very gripping.

Examples of iconography in a psychological thriller:

Small, confined spaces
Small. confined spaces create a feeling of being trapped and a sense of claustrophobia. This makes the audience feel uneasy and maybe even stressed whilst watching.

Shadows
Shadows make the audience feel like someone is always following and watching the 'victim'. Shadows also demonstrate how although there may be darkness, there must be a source of light, which could hint a possible escape.

Darkness
Darkness scares the audience as the feeling of the unknown is present. Darkness suggests that something bad may happen and it shows it is quite a sinister genre of film. When darkness is broken by a source of light this may portray a feeling of freedom.

Distinct sounds
An example of the generic sounds heard in a psychological thriller are diegetic conversations that suggest something bad may happen, also screaming and scratchings on the doors or walls of a location. Non-diegetic sound heard may be atmospheric music, that build up suspense and make the audience feel tense.

Very small amounts of light
Very small amounts of light can suggest a small chance of escaping or even survival. But could also suggest that wherever there is light there is hope. In a psychological thriller, there is normally minimal light to disturb the audience.

Objects in rooms that create thrill (sharp objects/ concealed objects)
Concealed objects create suspicion and a tense atmosphere as the 'villain' may be hiding something that could harm others. Sharp objects such a knives and axes also suggest harm and sometimes even murder.