Analysis of Hair and Makeup in Psycho Thriller's

American Psycho (2000)

The Hair and makeup in this screenshot show the sub-genre as the characters are presented in a normative way. This creates the idea of the sub-genre as it is psychologically confusing to the viewer as they can't associate who the character truly is based on their appearance. This screenshot helps the narrative of the story because as the main character is becoming aggressive to someone who is obviously a lot older (this is portrayed through hair and makeup choice) it shows his in ability to respect others and hits at his Abnormalities helping the story to unfold. This is creative as it shows how simple ways of representing the character can do a lot to impact how they are seen by the viewer. To use this idea in my opening sequence I will use the idea of hiding abnormality with normality for our mentally disturbed main character.

The hair and makeup in this screenshot show the sub-genre of a psycho thriller as special effects blood makeup has been used. This suggests that some form of murder has taken place (usually classed as a psychopathic action). Furthermore the fact that his hair is almost perfect and that contrasting with his blood covered face also hints at the sub-genre because it shows that there is no direct relation between his presentation of himself and who he is making it psychologically confusing for the viewer. This screenshot helps the narrative of the story as it shows the other side to this character and helps the viewers to see that everything isn't what it seems. This screenshot is creative as it uses something that most people overlook and ignore : special effects makeup. Finally to use this idea in my opening sequence I could think about using special effects make to bring interest and depth into the back story of character A.

The hair and makeup in this screenshot help to present the sub-genre as similarly to my other points he looks what most would class as normal however, slightly later on in this scene he goes to kill someone. This would suggest the sub-genre as he doesn't clearly fit the usual assumption of what a killer would be like making it confusing to the viewer. Furthermore this screenshot helps to show the narrative as it helps the audience to see that he believes that killing is a normal event to take part in as he is representative in a normal way just before he is about to harm someone suggesting he doesn't see his own flawed personality. This screenshot is creative as from the way the camera shot has been used you can only really a strong focus on his smartly brushed hair and fresh face not allowing the viewer to assume what is going to happen next.

The hair and makeup in these screenshots represent the sub-genre as it shows that although the main character is psychologically damaged he can still be with those who would be seen as normal. Furthermore the hair and makeup presents an idea of innocence and not knowing about what the main character is truly like, causing psychological interest for the viewer. Furthermore these screenshot helps the narrative because it shows that the main character prays on those who are weaker than himself and that he still believes he can be normal even though his personality would suggest otherwise. These screenshots are creative because the hair and makeup of these two characters not only reveal something about their personalities, but they also reveal something about the personality of the main character. Suggesting that the type of characters around a person in a film are very important.

Fatal Attraction (1987)

The hair and makeup up in these two screenshots suggest the sub-genre as there is a clear contrast between the two representations of the same character. This suggests the sub-genre as it shows the deep psychological abnormality of the character as at one point she seems to be completely normal and then she seems to be broken down. This can be seen through her smudged makeup and messy hair in the first screenshot compared with her well put together look in the second. These two screenshots help with the narrative of the story as the visuals help the viewer to see that she can easily switch from one personality to type to another. These screenshots are creative because to show the characters different personalities nothing has been used but makeup and hair. I could use these ideas in my opening sequence to show how the event of losing character B has deeply impacted the mental stability of character A (a change in makeup/ costume could show this).

The hair and makeup in these screenshots show the sub-genre as it shows that the victims of the antagonist is represented in a normal and therefore an innocent way through their normative makeup and hair styles. This links to the sub-genre as usually in psychological thrillers a character is victimised by another who is unstable. This helps with the narrative of the story as it helps the viewer to clearly be able to see the difference between good and bad characters making a somewhat confusing plot simple. These screenshots are creative as again it shows how effective how one character can be at explaining at another. I could use this idea in my opening sequence by focusing strongly on each characters representation (through hair and makeup) and seeing how that may impact the representation of another.

This screenshot shows the sub-genre of a psycho thriller as his hair and makeup again represent him as a victim of the antagonist as he looks just like any other normal man. Furthermore, if you contrast this image with previous representations of this man you can see that what the antagonist has done has directly impacted his psychical appearance and overtime he has started to look more tired and his hair has become less slick back. This could imply that as he has started to become more worried about the antagonist destroying him he has let it psychically start to show in his appearance. This screenshot helps with the narrative of the story as it shows the impact of one character towards to other through visual representation making it easier for the viewer to understand the direct impacts of the antagonist. This screenshot is creative as even though you can't see the full face of the man in the screenshot you can clearly see what type of visual presentation is trying to come across. I could use these ideas in my opening sequence by representing characters in a similar way and playing close attention to detail.

Silence of The Lambs (1991)

These three screenshots are effective at showing the sub-genre through the hair and makeup included as each man looks very professional as their hair is slick back. This suggests the sub-genre as these three men all give warning towards to the female agent and from what they say to her it can be seen that they are trying to foreshadow what could happen if she got involved with a psychologically abnormal person; psychological abnormality being presented by professional looking characters serves as a great warning for the viewer and starts to make them think. These screenshots help with the narrative of the story as the men being presented as professional makes it seem like they know what they're talking about suggesting that the ideas they present are true, which helps the viewer to understand the psychological issues of their patient. These screenshots are creative as it shows that the more professional a character looks the more likely the audience are to take information from them. I could use this in my opening sequence by showing Character A as a somewhat professional looking personal person as she tells the story of what happened to her friend.

These two screenshots show the sub-genre as through this mans makeup an lack of hair you can that he suffers from psychological abnormalities as he has clearly been institutionalised. This can be seen by his very basic appearance and the fact he hasn't seem to put any effort into his look. This links to the sub-genre as psycho thrillers usually involve someone with psychological abnormalities. These screenshots help with the narrative as they clearly show who the antagonist could potentially be if he gains control over the agent. Showing clearly who is and is not to be trusted by the viewer. Furthermore these screenshots are creative because it shows how simplicity can tell a lot about something. I could use this in my opening sequence by presenting characters in a simple, but effective way.

This screenshot is effective at showing the sub-genre as this women's hair and makeup is very normal and natural looking, which would suggest she could be a victim of an antagonist. This links to the sub-genre as psycho thrillers usually include an antagonist and a victim. Furthermore this screenshot helps the narrative of the story as it shows who the viewer should be concerned for. It also starts to make them think of the consequences of someone who seems to look weak working with such a powerful antagonist. This screenshot is creative because again it shows that the detail put into each character is extremely important and can really impact the way in which the audience feels for them. Finally to use these ideas in my opening sequence I could show how one representation of one character can directly contrast with another.