One of the most famous is 'The Shining' based on Stephen King's novel. It has a great sense of psychological dread as the main character slowly descends into madness in the isolated hotel. The film adaptation is very well - known for its creepy atmosphere and the performance of Jack Nicholson.
There's also 'Carrie'. It's about a girl with telekinetic powers who is bullied at school. The psychological aspect comes from Carrie's internal struggle with her powers and the abuse she suffers from her peers. It shows how her suppressed emotions can lead to explosive and terrifying consequences.
One great example is 'Misery'. It's about a famous novelist who is held captive by his 'number one fan'. The psychological tension is palpable as the fan torments the writer. Another is 'The Shining'. The slow descent into madness of the main character while in the haunted hotel is a classic psychological thriller aspect.
Gillian Flynn is a well - known author of classic psychological thrillers. Her book 'Gone Girl' was a huge success. Lionel Shriver, the author of 'We Need to Talk About Kevin', delves deep into the psychological aspects of a mother - son relationship. And Robert Bloch, the writer of 'Psycho', is renowned for creating a truly terrifying psychological thriller.
Another one is 'The Shining'. The isolation of the family in the haunted hotel, along with the slow descent into madness of the father, is a classic in psychological horror. It plays on themes of family dysfunction, alcoholism, and the power of the supernatural to drive a man to the brink of insanity.
They often use the characters' inner demons. For example, in 'The Shining', Jack Torrance's alcoholism and his past traumas are gradually uncovered as the story progresses. This makes the audience wonder how his inner issues will affect his actions and the safety of his family. Also, the isolated settings in many of King's works, like the Overlook Hotel, add to the suspense as the characters are cut off from the outside world.
Well, 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is a great classic psychological thriller novel. It's told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator, which adds to the mystery and psychological intrigue. 'Misery' by Stephen King is also a classic. The psychological torment that the main character endures at the hands of his 'number one fan' is truly nerve - wracking. And 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' by Patricia Highsmith is a classic that explores the dark side of envy and identity through the character of Tom Ripley.
Patricia Highsmith. Her 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' is a classic psychological thriller. Highsmith is masterful at exploring the psyche of her characters, especially the dark and complex nature of Tom Ripley as he weaves his web of lies and deception.
Isolated locations are great. Think of a big, old, creaky mansion in the middle of nowhere. It adds an air of mystery and unease, like in 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. The large, empty rooms and the sense of being cut off from the outside world heighten the psychological tension.
Virginia Woolf is a well - known author in this genre. Her works, such as 'Mrs. Dalloway' and 'To the Lighthouse', are famous for their stream - of - consciousness writing that delves deep into the characters' minds. Another is James Joyce with 'Ulysses'. His complex and detailed exploration of the characters' psychological states is remarkable. And Marcel Proust with 'In Search of Lost Time' also belongs to this group. His long - winded descriptions often revolve around the memories and psychological experiences of the narrator.
Well, 'Psycho' is a classic in the genre. Norman Bates' split personality and the infamous shower scene are staples of horror and psychological thriller. It delves deep into the disturbed mind of a killer. Then there's 'Misery', where the obsessed fan holds the writer captive. The psychological torture she inflicts on him and his attempts to escape are very nerve - wracking.
One great psychological thriller short story is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's about a narrator who is driven mad by an old man's 'vulture - like' eye and ultimately commits murder. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It takes place in a small town where an annual lottery has a very dark and unexpected outcome. And 'Lamb to the Slaughter' by Roald Dahl is also a classic. In this story, a wife uses a leg of lamb to cover up her crime in a rather clever and chilling way.