Here is some genre research I carried out about how the iconography, characters and settings in psychological thrillers have changed over time

1. Genre Research-
Iconography,
Characters, Setting
By Olivia Houlton

2. The Lodger- Iconography
Iconography- Alfred Hitchcock
often used catholic iconography in
his work. For example, when
Jonathan Drew tries to escape the
angry mob, who think he is the
killer, and he catches his handcuffs
on the fence, there are certain
connotation of the crucifixion.
Religious
iconography in
The Lodger
A painting of the
crucifixion by
Marco Palmezzano
1490

3. The Lodger- Iconography
Iconography- Another example of the
Catholic imagery in Hitchcock’s work is
his use of the Pieta (Virgin Mary holding
the body after crucifixion). This is when
Jonathan Drew is lowered from the fence
and Daisy holds him in her arms.
Pieta in The
Lodger
Pieta by
Hendrick
Goltzuis

4. The Lodger- Iconography
Iconography- Another example of
the Catholic imagery in Hitchcock’s
work is his use of a shadow in the
shape of a cross on Jonathan
Drew’s face. The use of this
religious iconography may
symbolise his suffering and
innocence
The window
frame casting a
shadow in the
shape of a cross
upon Jonathan
Drew’s face
A Catholic Cross

5. The Lodger- Characters
Stereotypes
Daisy- stereotypical damsel as she is very dainty and fragile, also she feels
love at first sight of Jonathan Drew
Mr. and Mrs. Bunting- stereotypical parents as they are very caring and
worried for the well being of their daughter
Countertypes
Jonathan Drew- Mr. Drew is the anti-villain as although he appears as a
villainous role, he really turns out to be the hero as is trying to hunt down
the killer
Joe- Joe and Daisy are sweethearts at the start of the film and he is
presented as the hero. However, as he begins to get jealous of the
closeness developing between Daisy and Jonathan Drew a darker side to
him is shown.
Protagonist
Jonathan Drew- He is the protagonist due to him being at the centre and
heart of the film
Joe- He is the antagonist as he is very against Jonathan Drew due to him
having suspicious that he is the killer and for stealing Daisy away from him.

6. The Lodger- Setting
London
• During Victorian London the industrial revolution took place
creating a smoggy and creepy setting
• Also this urban setting echoes the setting of the “Jack the
Ripper” murders too further enhancing the theme of enigma

7. Rear Window- Iconography
• Iconography- The frames of the window of the apartment Jeff
looks into have iconography of filmstrips. Perhaps this is to
reflect on Jeff’s career as a photographer the strong theme of
observing and witnessing
Film-strip iconography in Rear
Window
Conventional Filmstrip

8. Rear Window- Characters
• Stereotypes
Jefferies- He is the protagonist and main focus of the film. He is a
stereotypical hero in the sense that he sticks to his believes and
concurs the evil Thornton represents. However, he is also a
countertype due to his lack of physical ability due to the injury to his
legs, therefore has to rely on the female characters to help solve the
mystery.
Thornton- He is a stereotypical villain as he is very suspicious and
calculating throughout. Also he tries to deny and get away with
murdering his wife but in the end good concurs evil.
• Countertypes
Lisa-Although Lisa is a stereotypical damsel as she is attacked by
Thornton when she breaks into his house, she is also quite brave and
takes innovative which adds to her conventional stock character.

9. Rear Window- Setting
⁻ Paramount studio especially constructed 32 apartments on
their set so that each shot was properly lit and the ideal city
scape was created
- The apartment was a non-existent address: Manhattan 125 W.
9th Street
- The backyard setting is quite limiting and challenging however
is also very relatable to many people therefore the audience
could engage more with the plot and film

10. Fatal attraction- Iconography
Iconography- Alex boils Dan’s bunny in
order to get revenge on him. The
rabbit has iconography of breeding
and fertility which echoes the affair
Dan and Alex had and how Alex is now
pregnant which Dan’s child

11. Fatal Attraction- Iconography
Iconography- The genre of a
psychological thriller has certain
connotations of blood and violence.
This is definitely captured in the film
as there are several scenes with very
vivid imagery of gore.

12. Fatal Attractions- Characters
Stereotypes:
Beth (wife)- Stereotypical damsel as she is very much a
vulnerable and a victim of Alex
Ellen (daughter)- Stereotypical child, she is very innocent,
unsuspecting and trustworthy of Alex
Countertypes:
Dan- He is a sort of anti-hero as he sets out to do bad by having
an affair with his wife, however he fights for good in the end as
he kills Alex in order to save his family. He is also very much the
protagonist as the story is centered around him and his family
Alex- Although she is the villain in the story, at the start she is
very unsuspicious. Also, she is a damsel too, because she is self-
harming and has no respect from Dan either.

13. Fatal Attraction- Setting
• The film is set in New York.
• This urban settings has
connotations of being quite
busy and bustling which adds
to the chaotic plot line and
structure.
• The towering buildings can
have quite eerie and
intimidating connotations
which reflects on the genre of
a psychological thriller.

14. Flight Plan- Iconography
Iconography- The iconography of the
heart Julia draws on the plane window
demonstrates the amount of love,
affection and attachment between the
mother and daughter.

15. Flight Plan- Characters
Stereotypes:
Julia- Kyle Pratt’s daughter, Julia, is a very stereotypical damsel as she
is young and powerless
Gene Carson- Gene is a stereotypical villain and antagonist as he is
very scheming however no one is suspicious of his hidden intentions
Countertypes
Kyle Pratt- Kyle is the protagonist and hero of the plot. However she is
also a damsel too due to her loosing her daughter and no one on the
plane believing her story. Also, the audience is forced to question her
sanity as her heroic abilities are not made clear until nearer the end of
the film
Stephanie- Stephanie is Carson’s sidekick to the evil plot, however she
backs out and runs away once the plane has landed. This is very
unconventional of an evil sidekick role but effectively adds to the
drama of a one on one fight between Pratt and Carson.

16. Flight Plan- Setting
The film is almost entirely set on a plane.
This is very effective in communicating the
theme of entrapment and panic. Also, this
setting enhances the sense of enigma when
Julia goes missing as there are only so
many places to hide on a plane