How ‘psycho’ Alfred Hitchcock Engage And Retain Essay Example

and his mother.

Alfred Hitchcock effectively creates suspense with his choice of musical instruments, using high-pitched, intense notes to heighten tension before the film even begins. This dramatic and violent sound is then followed by a shift to calming music, leaving the audience curious as to why the sudden change has occurred. The scene then switches to a panoramic view of Phoenix, with the exact time, 2:43pm, displayed on the screen. The use of this specific time leaves viewers mystified as to its significance in the film.

As you observe a window in a high-rise building from a distance, you start pondering why Hitchcock has specifically opted for this particular window. By this point in the movie, you are deeply absorbed in the current events. As Marion drives towards the 'Bates Motel', it gradually gets darker and rain starts pouring down, and suddenly she spots the 'Bates Motel' sign. This sign lures her to her doom, with Alfred Hitchcock using Pathetic Fallacy to portray Marion's state of mind.

The scene focuses on Marion, starting with a slow zoom onto her face, which then reveals a close-up shot displaying a mixture of confusion, contentment, and guilt, as only one half of her face lights up, indicating her ambiguous emotions regarding the money she took.

After Marion exits the car and arrives at the Bates Motel, she discovers nobody is present at the reception, causing her to step outside. As the camera pans out to show a distant view of the house on the hill, it eventually focuses in on one of the rooms, which is illuminated and contains Mrs. Bates gazing outward from the window. Upon Marion's call, Norman

appears.

Within the film Psycho, there are a number of key elements which help to establish the character of Norman. For instance, when he is coming out, the shot is from his point of view and there is no accompanying music. Additionally, in Bates Motel, the environment is always dark and gloomy - mirroring the darker aspects of Norman's personality. When he guides Marion to her room, he cannot bring himself to say 'Bathroom' as he knows that he has killed other women there before. Nevertheless, even in the moment when they are in the parlour, audiences remain engaged as they anticipate what the conversation may hold.

The room is dimly lit, with a lamp located next to Marion illuminating only half of her face, revealing her dual nature. Positioned behind Marion is an owl, which serves as a symbol of predators tracking and ultimately killing their prey - much like how Norman stalks and murders his own victims. The irony of Norman's statement "Mother is not quite herself today" is striking, given that she is in fact deceased. When Marion proposes sending Mother to an institute, Norman becomes agitated and eerie music sets the tone.

After Marion finishes her meal and leaves, a Raven emerges behind her with its beak pointed at her neck, representing death. Once Marion is gone, Norman removes the painting and a point-of-view shot shows Marion undressing. The eye is then shown in close-up. Despite being disgusted by Norman's behavior, the audience remains fascinated by what he will do next.

The final sequence of the movie features Marion removing her clothes, revealing black underwear which is commonly associated with evil and negativity. The

ensuing scene takes place in a stark white shower room, depicting a clean and sterile environment. As this is not typical of a murder scene, with no music playing and only the sound of water running while Marion enters the shower, one would not expect any gruesome events to occur. A medium close-up shot is used to show Marion entering the shower.

The shower head spewing water in extreme close-up represents cleanliness while the music gradually builds in volume and suspense. As the tension mounts, the sounds of piercing shrieks evoke a sense of dread. Finally, Hitchcock focuses on Marion's eye in another extreme close-up as the music dissipates. By defying conventional filmmaking norms - such as a close-up on Norman's eye - Hitchcock expertly entraps audiences in suspenseful curiosity.

Alfred Hitchcock employs a range of methods such as cinematography, sound, narrative, and mise-en-scene to enthrall his viewers. Nevertheless, these techniques may occasionally result in confusion among the audience.