Psychological – Elements that are related to the mind or processes of the mind; they are mental rather than physical in nature. The tension/suspense tends to come from within one lone character in which the character must resolve conflicts with their own minds. Usually, this conflict is an effort to understand something that has happened to them.
Thriller – Thrillers focus on plot over character, and emphasize intense, physical action over the character's psyche. Psychological thrillers however tend to reverse this, emphasizing the characters just as much, if not more.
Psychological Thriller – Characters are no longer reliant on physical strength to overcome their enemies, but rather are reliant on their mental resources, whether it be by battling wits with a opponent or in the character's own mind. The suspense created by psychological thrillers often comes from two or more characters preying upon one another's minds, either by playing deceptive games with the other or by merely trying to demolish the other's mental state.
The lighting in most trailers for thrillers tends to be low key lighting, this I believe is to make the film seem darker and more threatening.
They use a lot of quick shots, multiple different angles and also montage edits, to create a fast pace throughout the trailer.
It tells very little relating to the story in order to intrigue the audience to want to keep watching.
The music used changes volume throughout to indicate the levels of tension.
Common elements in a psychological thriller are: mind games, stalking, obsession, change in personality, murder.
Stereotypical iconography for a psychological thriller are: old mansions, isolated places, dark settings (night), strange mirror imagery and flashbacks.
