One of the key differences between a sociopath and a psychopath is the predictability in their behaviour. Though sociopaths have a tendency to act violently, it is the unpredictability and randomness of a psychopaths actions endangering everyone around them which makes them the more terrifying. Nicholsons Jack Torrance should irrefutably be classed as a deranged psychopath what is more depraved than killing your own family? He may be unsuccessful in his attempts to kill wife Wendy and son Danny but this certainly isnt for want of trying. The insane father forces his family to frantically run around the isolated Overlook Hotel in a bid to escape his wrath. The iconic shot of the axe-wielding murderer manically tearing his way through the bathroom door to get at his wife and child demonstrates the deeply psychotic trait which has consumed him. The hotel was originally intended as a retreat to allow Jack to escape the memory of the alcoholism which caused him to lose his job as a teacher but it is clear that the isolation of the hotel has forced his many demons to resurface. The creepy, haunted hotel which we are told was built on a Native American burial ground brings out the deranged psychopath which we fear may have always existed in the family man.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
