How does Hitchcock’s Psycho retain and sustain a modern audience Essay Example

theme tune to the murder scenes, is sharp, shrieking and symbolic. It really leaves a lasting impression of horror and insanity on the viewers' mind. The most shocking scene in the film is the shower scene. The murderer whips aside the shower curtain and raises a menacing butcher knife. The piercing, stabbing and screaming of the violin creates sheer terror for the audience. The strings shriek before Marion's own screams, making her screams sound like wild birds. Another horrific scene is when an old woman emerges from the bedroom on to the landing with a long butcher knife, unexpectedly murdering Arbogast.

The movie's theme song plays twice in crucial moments, first during Arbogast's violent death, and later while Marion drives alone in stormy weather. The film's use of lighting is skilled in portraying both the good and evil aspects of the story, achieved through the clever use of light and shadow. Meanwhile, the recurring ominous melody helps to build suspense as Marion struggles to make sense of the unsettling voices in her head.

The movie produces an unsettling atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge, achieved through the creation of an alternate reality. Contrast plays a significant role in making a strong impact, particularly with light and shadow. This effect is most noticeable towards the end of the film, when Lila goes down to the cellar and accidentally hits the light bulb. The swinging light bulb causes the stuffed mother's eyes to appear real again, while the moving shadows provoke laughter. The cunning use of light and shadow leads the audience to believe that the dead mother is alive, adding to the overall sense of unease.

When

Arbogast departed and Norman Bates remained, Hitchcock expertly utilized light and shadow to create a powerful effect. The use of such contrasts could symbolize ambiguity similar to that of a traitor. However, in this case, the portrayal of Norman Bates in half light and half shadow is fitting as he is both mother and Norman Bates. Additionally, Hitchcock's skillful use of dramatic irony is effective in building suspense and maintaining tension for a contemporary audience. This is especially evident during the scene where Arbogast meets his demise. Through clever camera work, we observe his vulnerability as Bates approaches him from behind the corner to launch his attack.

The shower scene in Psycho is still capable of tingling the nerves of a modern audience, as the viewer can see Marion's eyes and the attacking figure behind her. The film is rife with hidden meanings and irony, as evidenced by the previously mentioned secret meaning behind the half lit, half dark shot of Norman Bates' face. Even after watching the film for the first time, this meaning may have escaped the viewer.

There are various instances in the movie that have deeper implications. One such scene is when Marion appears in her lingerie. Initially, she is seen wearing a white bra, but after the theft, she changes into a black one symbolizing her criminal act and her obscured nature. The film incorporates irony when Norman Bates converses about insanity with Marion, as if he has expertise in the area. Towards the end, Sam advises Norman Bates that solitude could drive him insane.

In response to the notion that the use of hidden meanings and ironic comments

in Hitchcock's films may cause overreaction, Bates suggests otherwise. These elements effectively capture the interest of a contemporary audience, even after they've seen the film several times. Additionally, Hitchcock makes a cameo appearance, thereby further engaging viewers who remain attentive in order to catch a glimpse of him.

Alfred Hitchcock appears in a brief cameo outside Marion's workplace in the film Psycho. The use of camera angles is crucial in creating a tense atmosphere. Through manipulation of angles, Hitchcock allows the viewer to see things that the actors cannot, leading to worry and unease. Various angles such as high, close-ups, and long shots leave the actors appearing vulnerable. For instance, when Arbogast ascends the stairs towards Bates' house, his vulnerability is magnified.

The camera captures a small figure walking towards a towering, enormous house which foreshadows an impending event within. Hitchcock implements important zooming techniques throughout the film, particularly when Norman Bates voyeuristically watches Marion undress. The camera zooms in and out on his unblinking eye and later repeats this technique on Marion's dead eye in the final scene. Despite a limited number of characters in Psycho, their diverse personalities and motivations evoke sympathy and concern from the audience for their wellbeing and safety.

Alfred Hitchcock's techniques for retaining and sustaining audience attention involve creating a sense of anxiety and tension. This is achieved by presenting the viewers with knowledge that the characters do not have, making them feel as if they should warn the characters. Additionally, Hitchcock deliberately leaves mysterious questions unanswered, such as when Marion will marry Sam or what she will do with the $40,000. This puzzles the viewers and maintains a sense of

tension and suspense throughout. The plot is centered around Sam and Marion, but it doesn't fully open up until Marion's death.

Hitchcock employs various techniques to maintain audience engagement and heighten suspense in the film. The theft of $40,000 is a crucial turning point that propels the plot forward. Furthermore, the characters' mistakes and poor decisions increase tension, such as Marion's theft and Norman Bates' lies to Arbogast. This film remains a classic example of 20th Century cinema that even modern audiences can appreciate. Although not all films from this era are relevant today, those featuring psychotic characters still evoke a positive response from viewers.

The title of Psycho is captivating on its own, even though modern audiences are not accustomed to black and white films. While black and white movies are often associated with past decades, which could discourage contemporary viewers from watching them, the absence of color in Psycho is one of the first things that catches their attention. This lack of color may result in a decrease in initial interest.

As the film progresses, it becomes more captivating due to the benefits of utilizing black and white. The use of black and white highlights shadows, lending them a sinister quality, while intensifying 'after dark' effects. Hitchcock employs a substantial amount of voyeurism to convey to the audience that they should not be observing what is happening. In contemporary times, sexual content or partial nudity inclusion has become customary in television programs and films; however, during the 60s, Hitchcock's decision to incorporate such content in his film was a significant risk.

It is true that some modern viewers find partial nudity captivating and it holds their attention.

A clear instance of such nudity occurs when Marion is getting ready for a shower, revealing her bra and underwear. This posture keeps the audience engrossed as they anticipate what will happen to her. Ultimately, it can be concluded that Hitchcock's Psycho is capable of retaining and engaging a contemporary audience.

With his technical and narrative abilities, he is capable of captivating and holding the audience in tension and suspense, as previously discussed.