The Psychopath In Film and Literature


A scene from Dario Argento's "The Stendhal Syndrome."



Violent, Predatory Psychopaths:

The Stendhal Syndrome A psychopath pursues a young policewoman (Asia Argento) in this taut, disturbing, yet intellectual thriller.

A Clockwork Orange Stanley Kubrick's famous film about a futuristic society and a gang led by a psychopath named Alex.

The Silence of The Lambs The famous, award-winning picture that began the obsession with "Hannibal Lecter."

To Catch A Killer Bio-pic about John Wayne Gacy.

Ted Bundy Bio-pic about Ted Bundy.

Cape Fear Famous film starring Robert De Niro.

The Covetous, Malicious Psychopath:

Bad Influence Rob Lowe stars as a disturbingly malicious psychopath named Alex who won't leave Michael (James Spader) alone. Alex gives Michael what he wants (a job promotion, for example), but at a twisted cost only a psychopath would play on his unsuspecting target. As time goes on, Michael tries to get Alex out of his life, only to find that the harder he tries, the harder Alex strikes back. This is one of the most eerie and realistic depictions of the psychopathic personality on film.

Hush A controlling, covetous female psychopath who would rather kill someone than let them live their own lives.

Cold Creek Manor A psychopath loses his home and then terrorises the family who moves into it.

Pacific Heights Michael Keaton stars as a dangerous psychopath who weaves destruction around him.

The Talented Mr. Ripley Socially adept psychopath who steals identities and destroys the lives of others.

The Shape of Things An art student manipulates people, relationships, and ultimately destroys everything and everyone around her.

Society as Psychopath:

Eyes Wide Shut Stanley Kubrick's last, masterful film about a depraved, underground society.

Wall Street "Greed is good" is the motto of the characters in this film.

Rosemary's Baby Often thought of as a "horror" film, this movie depicts the classic cult and how groups and organisations can be psychopathic.


More films will be added to this page, as well as selected literature; thank you for being patient!