Analysis Of Psycho

Psycho (1960) is filled with grisly shocks and disconcerting moments throughout this picture. A filmmaker’s film must give the ability to appeal to mass emotions and be an entertainer at the same time. Thus, famous director Alfred Hitchcock was the right individual for the direction of Psycho. Hitchcock is a veteran of adding disturbing images and frightening audiences by creating unique plot, characters, and tricking the camera. Hitchcock does this by establishing identification with characters like heroine Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and a sensitive yet perplexing antagonist Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). The cinematography in Psycho manipulates audiences across the globe by building the suspense slowly and inexorably towards the films conclusion. Hitchcock delivers the cynical picture to life by using these cinematic techniques: elements of lighting, framing, and creating tension. Hitchcock knows how to portray the perfect yet spine-chilling moments.

Psycho is an extremely visual film, and it is obvious that this is its visual medium.

In addition, the elements of lighting can be a supplement to a visual story with alluring amount of light and darkness. Firstly, light versus dark is a complex theme in the film. It is looking at terms of the film’s images with use of lighting, day and night, and use of color. Second, is the way the film examines the dark recesses of the human mind and its dimensions of evil. For example, in one scene in the film, Marion Crane gets to know Norman Bates a little too well. Norman states, “Well a boy’s best friend is his mother”. There is an alluring shadow behind Norman Bates, as a shadow is not seen from Crane. It was implied in the film that Bates was deranged and had multiple personal...

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...of what an individual can truly be to give ambiguities of framing and atmosphere. The ending of the film is by far the most unnerving scenes of all time. This is done in one shot in front of the camera, no other dialogue is said but narration.

(image 7, 1960)

The only actor in the shot is Anthony Perkins. It is voiced over by Paul Jasmin: “They know I can't move a finger, and I won't. I'll just sit here and be quiet, just in case they do... suspect me. They're probably watching me. Well, let them. Let them see what kind of a person I am. I'm not even going to swat that fly. I hope they are watching... they'll see. They'll see and they'll know, and they'll say, "Why, she wouldn't even harm a fly..."” (Jasim, 1960).

In conclusion, Psycho is a film not only audiences can be impressed by, but Hitchcock himself would admire every aspect this film has to offer.