Iconography of Psychological drama films

Iconography of Psychological drama films

There is sometimes the mystery of having the main character not knowing what situations have occurred and they have to find out. Like in the film Shutter Island and Memento. In both of these films the truth is not what it seems the the main characters and they try and find closure but there ends up being a twist at the end.

Shadows are commonly used to try and make the audience feel uneasy as they don't know what else could be lurking in the dark. 

They can be used when the main character catches a glimpse of the shadow of the villain, to make the audience feel uneasy and the sense that someone/something else is watching.

Small rooms are commonly used to make the character look/appear trapped. It can also make the audience feel claustrophobic as they know they character won't be able to run any where in a small room.







Weapons are commonly used. This would be used to make the films more dramatic and tense and to add danger to the scene. Like in the film Memento, a gun is used.

Time limits are often used to make the film more on edge and suspending as they have to solve the dilemma before the time runs out. For example, in the film Shutter Island, a time limit is put on to save his friend.

Psychological disabilities are often used for both the protagonist and antagonist, this makes the film more tense as the characters may not have full control of their own mind. For example, in the film Shutter Island, at the end you find out that it's the main character that has psychological problems.