Psycho Movies

[Flick James]

I'm looking for suggestions on good movies that portray a psychopathic/sociopathic character. It doesn't necessarily have to be a serial killer movie, although that would be ideal. Mainly I'm looking for good film portrayals of sociopathic characters. Sociopaths tend to be functional and very good and blending in and manipulating. That's kind of what I'm after.

I want to start watching lots of movies that fit this bill.

Any suggestions?

[Mr. DS]

Try Maniac

Love this poster btw 

[dean]

Misery comes to mind straight off the bat. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptpaEntid74&feature=related

[RCMerchant]

I'm sure you've seen all the obvious classics-so here's a few less known...
.LOVE FROM A STRANGER (1937)-Basil Rathbone is absolutly scary as a crazy suitor of a lottery winner. Why didn't he get more roles like this?
.IMPULSE (1974) William Shatner is a gigalo/psychopath/pedophile.
.YOU'LL LIKE MY MOTHER (1972)-Richard (John Boy) Thomas terrorizes Patty Duke-he shoulda played more psycho's too!
.NIGHT OF BLOODY HORROR (1969) Future MAJOR DAD star Gerald McRaney is an axe murderer. Or is he? One thing is certain-he's off his rocker.
.DON'T ANSWER THE PHONE(1980)-Nicholas Worth is a weight lifting nut job who terrorizes a female radio DJ. Worth is EXCELLEANT! His best role!
.The BURNING (1981) A maniac goes around killing folks with a large pair of shears .
.DONT GO IN THE HOUSE (1980)-A flip out with a flame thrower! An obscure CLASSICK!

NSFW!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDdXNiZqLQI

[The Burgomaster]

See my recent comments on the movies THE PSYCHOPATH and THE MAD BOMBER.

A few other suggestions:

* NECROMANTIK (this will make you want to take a shower after you watch it)
* MONSTER
* DRILLER KILLER
* BEYOND THE DARKNESS
* DERANGED
* FUNNY GAMES (I love the original, but have not seen the remake)
* WICKED, WICKED

[Flick James]

I should have said why I was wanting this. No, I don't just have an urge to watch psychopaths. My wife and I are going to start a screenplay soon where a central character is a brilliant sociopath.

Here are some examples of the kind of vibe I'm looking for:

The Silence of the Lambs
Amerian Psycho
Misery
Black Widow
The Hitcher

[The Burgomaster]

In that case, I would say MONSTER (2003), which is a great character study.  There are also a couple of good documentaries about Aileen Wuornos that are available through Netflix.

[Flick James]

In that case, I would say MONSTER (2003), which is a great character study.  There are also a couple of good documentaries about Aileen Wuornos that are available through Netflix.

Yeah, I've seen Monster, and plan to watch it again for this endeavor. I am interested in Funny Games and Wicked, Wicked, however. Funny Games is streaming on NetFlix. Sweet.

Oh, and another one that fits what I'm looking for: May (2002).

Don't Answer the Phone that RC brought up looks promising as well. Sadly it's not on NetFlix at all where I am.

[Kaseykockroach]

....Psycho? :P

[claws]

The Lost (2006)



Trailer NSFW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RBY2EJ4ovs

[Flick James]

The Lost (2006)



Trailer NSFW

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RBY2EJ4ovs

That on is on Netflix streaming as well. Thanks.

[ChaosTheory]

PEEPING TOM is a personal favorite of mine.

[The Burgomaster]

How about TARGETS?

[RCMerchant]

I should have said why I was wanting this. No, I don't just have an urge to watch psychopaths. My wife and I are going to start a screenplay soon where a central character is a brilliant sociopath.

Here are some examples of the kind of vibe I'm looking for:

The Silence of the Lambs
Amerian Psycho
Misery
Black Widow
The Hitcher

Mebbe read about REAL serial killers.

Actually-I'm a big fan of true crime books-and try-

.The Stranger Beside Me-Ted Bundy.
.Deranged-Albert Fish
.The Family-Manson
.Zodiac -and......
.Zodiac Unmasked-Utterly fascinating story of the never caught Zodiac Killer .HIGHLY recommended.

And-of  c ourse-back to movies...
.NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY (1968)-with Rod Steiger as the psycho! And yes-a smart,conniving one-no drooling EC comic book hillbilly.
.WHITE OF THE EYE (1987)-A woman is stalked by a crazy stero salesman serial killer-in the desert.
.DEAD CALM (1989)-A serial killer on a boat with a woman. May not seem like much from that sypnosis-but it is GREAT!
I agree with MONSTER-classic. I love Aileen Wournos. She's my hero. Remember the Insane People thread? I AM.
Not a serial killer,though.
Yet.
MOO HOO HAHAHAHA! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFBcjII3QAE

In response to that-I say-rather ASK you....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XREnvJRkif0&feature=related

[major jay]

CAPE FEAR seems a good depiction of a psychopath.