Daniel Radcliffe is seeing a psychologist to prepare for a new film role.

The Harry Potter star is taking research for his new movie horror thriller The Woman In Black so seriously he is seeing a specialist with expertise in grief and loss to prepare as best he can, drawing on the loss of his own grandmother Elsie.

“The preparation has been difficult. Daniel is filming a mature, complex role and wants to understand his character’s emotion,” a source said.

Daniel plays young lawyer Arthur Kipps in the movie, a young man who must visit the estate of a deceased client, later discovering he is not alone in the property. The movie - based on the book by Susan Hill - is being adapted by Kick-Ass screenwriter Jane Goldman and My Little Eye scripter James Watkins.

Daniel, 21, previously admitted he was “excited” by the movie, his first since completing work on the Harry Potter series: “I am incredibly excited to be part of The Woman In Black. Jane Goldman’s script is beautifully written - both tender and terrifying in equal measure. It is thrilling to be working with James Watkins. From his brilliant work on Eden Lake and also having met him and heard his vision for the film, I know he will make a fantastic film.”

The movie, which is being shot in 3-D, is due for release in 2011.