The use of psychological or sociological themes can go a long way in adding depth and intrigue to dramatic movies. 2019's Joker further illustrated that these elements can keep the viewer on edge and guessing. This deep and often uncertain backdrop can add to the suspense and tension throughout.
Through this exploration of mental health and sociological commentary, director Todd Phillips managed to take this established supervillain and make it his own. It's this psychological angle that makes the Joker more unsettling and eerie than ever. This has helped Joker become the highest-grossing R-rated movie to date. Yet, there are various other tense or disorienting films that excel by using these themes in their own distinct way. Let's take a look at ten of the best examples.
10 Joker (2019)
Films occupying the DC and Marvel universes have certainly soared into dark territory before. Yet they've scarcely tapped into psychological or sociological themes until this twisted origin story of the Joker.
Joaquin Phoenix takes center stage with his unsettling portrayal of the antihero-turned villain. This '19 hit received many accolades with its stand-out performances and stylistic cinematography - along with a gripping narrative centered around mental illness and political unrest. This is far from your flashy, squeaky-clean superhero movie, but that's really part of what makes Joker great.
9 Black Swan (2010)
Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis take center stage in this dark, Avante-Garde tale of a troubled human psyche. The plot involves the performance of the ballet Swan Lake, which features the delicate and innocent White Swan, and the nefarious Black Swan - roles that Portman and Kunis embody respectively.
The "yin and yang" rivalry and friendship of this melodrama serves as the parallel of the play it's centered around. The narrative builds up to the ballet itself; an event that Nina grows ever-more passionate about to the point of obsession. With plenty of stylistic flair, intense acting, as well as dark imagery and metaphor, Darren Aronofsky's film makes for a memorable watch from start to finish.
8 Horse Girl (2020)
With 2020's Horse Girl, director Jeff Baena takes his viewers on a trip that melds human psychology, drama, and a tinge of ethereal sci-fi. Taking on the role of screenwriter and lead actress, Alison Brie provides a memorable performance and narrative. It explores the idea of trauma through the eyes of a mentally-marred young woman. What starts as a seemingly normal tale of daily life delves into darkness and wonder, as we learn of Sarah's (Alison Brie) troubled past, as she's forced to cope with her mother's death.
Sarah experiences a series of odd, paranormal events which has her convinced she's a clone of her deceased grandmother sent by extraterrestrials. Viewers are then left to wonder whether these warped occurrences are merely in her mind, or maybe, just maybe - actually happening. It's an interesting psychological journey that invokes both emotion and imagination.
7 Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
Despite the seemingly random, routine nature of this dark comedy romance, Paul Thomas Anderson keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and intrigued throughout. This is partly on account of the intense, authentic acting of Sandler as the peculiar lead, Barry.
Eccentric and socially awkward, Barry serves as the amusing, often unsettling focal point, as he bounces between a romantic pursuit and his obsession with a frequent flyer miles promotion. Punch-Drunk Love is a story of finding purpose and love at its core; but put it through the frantic, warped lens of the film's downtrodden lead.
6 Mullholand Drive (2001)
David Lynch is known for his mind-bending projects which keep the viewer off-balance, and this gripping thriller is no different. Mullholand Drive presents a tale of romance and suspense, shown through the perspective of a scorned, troubled lead (Naomi Watts). It's clear from the getgo that something's amiss when a wandering, amnesia-ridden Rita (Laura Harring) wanders into the opening act. The weirdness only amplifies from there as we tumble down this psychological rabbit hole and the mysteries surrounding Rita unfold.
Being initially conceived as a miniseries, this film runs well over two hours - but captivates throughout with its constant curveballs and trippy atmosphere. Raw performances, bizarre imagery, and a stylistic neo-noir vibe make this a standout film that will leave an impression. It's likely to have viewers pondering its ambiguities long after it's concluded.
5 Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Making an about-face from the typical gun-go war movies that preceded it, Full Metal Jacket excels in conveying the darker realities of war - in this case, the grueling Vietnam War. Stanley Kubrick brings his personal brand of depth, atmosphere, and intrigue to this war film by portraying boot camp and war from a more personal, psychological side. The first half features an inept, timid protagonist struggling to handle the rough training, whilst being driven to madness by a barking drill instructor.
Following a grim and shocking end to this segment, the film shifts gears into scenes from the battlefield itself, with a sly military journalist as the lead. Full Metal Jacket helped usher in a new era of more thought-provoking war movies that brought a more sociological sensibility.
4 Rope (1948)
Long before Phone Booth proved great films can transcend minimalistic sets, Hitchcock was breaking new ground with this psychological crime movie from 1948. This movie has the aura of a play more than a Hitchcock thriller, with its innovative use of long takes inside a single set and a vast painting comprising the background. But despite - and perhaps even because of its bare-bones approach - Rope reels in viewers with its great writing and palpable tension.
The film poses the question by way of the smug criminals, Brandon and Phillip - what if the "perfect murder" could be executed, and hidden in plain sight? This is exactly what the two strive to prove, as they host a party and bring out a buffet table that hides the body of their victim.
3 The Game (1997)
Trust can be a fickle thing that, when shaken, can play with the mind and make one question quite a bit. Such is the idea David Fincher plays with in '97's The Game, a suspenseful thriller that has viewers doubting their own judgment and sanity right along with the frantic lead. Nicholas is a well-off investment banker, whose excesses of life have brought boredom. He seeks to bring excitement into his life again by enlisting the help of a company offering an unpredictable, real-life "game" to provide thrills.
But this deadly game becomes a case of "be careful what you wish for," as Nicholas finds himself in a whirlwind of odd and chaotic happenings that may or may not be real.
2 Fight Club (1999)
With this '99 hit, Fincher takes the "disorienting suspense" formula established in The Game and ups the ante with an even more interesting cast and narrative. Fight Club draws from the '96 novel by the same name and adds cinematic flair with thrilling action and convincing performances by Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter.
The movie follows the escapades of antihero Tyler Durden (Pitt) along with an unnamed everyman (Norton) who decide to establish a physical outlet for their frustrations and aggressions. But the unique plot expands far beyond these visceral brawls, as we learn there is more to these dual characters and their background than meets the eye.
1 Vertigo (1958)
Hitchcock's great use of suspense and psychological themes is on full display in what's largely seen as his masterpiece, Vertigo. The movie centers around a troubled man, whose palpable fear of heights gets him wrapped up in a mind-bending plot of romance, introspectiveness, and conspiracy.
James Stewart shines in his role as Scottie, whose traumatizing past as a San Francisco detective continually comes back to haunt him. With its uniquely nuanced cinematography, clever ironies, and shocking plot twists, this is really Hitchcock at his best.
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