mistrust and betrayal

His films like 'Chinatown' and 'Rosemary's Baby' masterfully depict paranoia, conspiracy, and the erosion of trust in intimate relationships.

De Palma's thrillers consistently explore betrayal and psychological manipulation, particularly in 'Blow Out' and 'Body Double' where characters are deceived by those closest to them.

His disturbing works like 'Funny Games' and 'The Seventh Continent' systematically dismantle trust and expose the fragility of human bonds under extreme circumstances.