Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho Essay Example

of the most peculiar and bizarre serial killers of the 20th century. His story has inspired movies like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Silence of the Lambs".

Alfred Hitchcock intentionally enhanced the creepy atmosphere of his films by making specific choices. He utilized black and white rather than color to accentuate shadows, which he skillfully incorporated to outline characters and objects- even the face of protagonist Norman Bates. This approach generated a feeling of indulgence and unease, particularly in scenes showcasing stuffed animals. Additionally, Hitchcock relied on shadows to conceal the identity of the movie's murderer, heightening viewers' sense of anticipation.

'Psycho' was shot in a way that engages the audience by letting them see more than the characters on screen, meaning they can anticipate what will happen to the victims. Hitchcock used inventive techniques, including framing each shot, to create iconic horror scenes like the shower scene. By using extreme close-ups of the victim's face, viewers could see her horrified expression with great detail.

By incorporating sound effects, Hitchcock designed a chilling experience that leaves the impression of the protagonist being stabbed ingrained in the viewer's mind, despite never actually seeing the wound. Throughout the sequence, the camera remains relatively still, yet an eye-level angle is utilized to depict the brutality in a manner that places the viewer within the scene. The director switches between the perspectives of both victim and attacker, enabling a wider range of angles and framing. The brevity of shots and cuts further accentuates the scene's intensity.

In his films, Hitchcock employed sound, music, and sound effects to manipulate emotions and emphasize crucial plot points - specifically the murders. Furthermore, his marketing tactics

were integral to the success of his films. He personally appeared in trailers acting as a guide through crime scenes and concluding with the famous shower scene. To fully appreciate his movies, Hitchcock implored viewers to watch them from start to finish without revealing any spoilers that could ruin the experience for others.

Renowned for his work in the suspense genre, Alfred Hitchcock, KBE, was a famed British filmmaker who heavily drew influence from expressionism in Germany. He began directing in England before transitioning to the United States in 1939 and directed over fifty feature films throughout his distinguished career that spanned six decades. Hitchcock's unique creative vision and innovative style have left an indelible impact on countless filmmakers, producers, and actors. His movies masterfully combine fear, fantasy, and droll humor while frequently featuring ordinary individuals who become embroiled in circumstances beyond their control or comprehension.

The horror genre was transformed by Hitchcock's 'Psycho'. The film explored themes such as guilt transference, where the shortcomings of one character are magnified in another, and the compatibility of men and women, taking a cynical view of traditional romantic relationships. This changed the classic gothic stories into a modern-day version that was never seen before by audiences.

The terror of "Psycho" was amplified by its contemporary setting, which allowed viewers to connect with specific situations such as solitary motels. As a result, the movie has become synonymous with legendary horror director Alfred Hitchcock and is typically the first thing that comes to mind when discussing scary films.