Film techniques used in the movie psycho

In order to build incredible suspense, there must be a shred of doubt. Psycho features some of the most amazing cinematography ever captured on film. Rebecca, spellbound, rear window, and psycho under his belt, it is safe to say. All three of these techniques that hitchcock has used in his films are incredibly important for crafting a cinematic environment where suspense. Psycho broke the mold in a lot of ways, but perhaps the biggest shocker for the movie going public in the early 1960s was that the protagonist of psycho is killed off halfway through the movie. Normans creepy, looming house, the muddy swamp, and of course normans mothers gaping skullthose are all touches that could have been used in a horror story going back to just about the beginning of film. Get an answer for what are some film techniques used in psycho by alfred hitchcock. To cast a star like janet leigh and then kill her off at the end of the film s first act was completely unheard of then and now. It goes without saying that alfred hitchcock is one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema. It is at first about a woman who steals money from her boss, and then tries to run away to her lover.

Because ofthis we as an audience assume that these opposing characteristics will berepresented through the characters in the film. The techniques that alfred hitchcock employs to create. He plays on horror stereotypes like the big, dark, lonely house on a hill in the rain as marion. Hitch was nervously pacing back and forth, saying it was awful and that he was going to cut it down for his television show. This list represents the techniques and methods he used that made his movies stand out. What innovative cinematic techniques used by alfred.

In psycho, this technique is used to make the killing scene more realistic and to hide the fact that the antagonist doesnt actually touch her with the knife. Film analysis of the movie psycho psycho analyses paper the movie psycho, is one of the most influential movie in cinema history to date. Hitchcock also uses sharp objects in many ways for example the beaks in the birds and the weapon in psycho. The film analysis of hitchcocks psycho film studies essay. In the film psycho, director alfred hitchcock uses several innovative film techniques to maintain the audiences sense of suspense and tension. The director alfred hitchcock, wanted to test many of the conventions of movie making that was common at that time. Describe the rhythm of the montage during the famous shower scene. Psycho have done so, which is probably why film students and professors study both of those films worldwide. It stars anthony perkins, janet leigh, john gavin, vera miles, and martin balsam, and was based on the 1959 novel of the same name by robert bloch. As an avid fan of alfred hitchcock, jeffrey directed the australian suspense film offing david and is currently in development of two new films. Next, the final scene in psycho with norman being shot in a high key lighting exposes his insanity, like shining a light on the dark places.

Schickel the famous shower scene in psycho uses montage to hide the violence. I have recently developed an interest for cinematic techniques what choices directors make to build a character etc. Apr 02, 2015 in order to turn out with a great movie, one has to make all three of those techniques work well together without the audience noticing. What cinematic techniques are used to explain patrick bateman american psycho. For decades, psycho was hitchcocks lead representative on most movie best lists. The audience is pulled in by eyes, camera, distractions, pov, montage, simplicity, ironic characters, dual actions, macguffin. Jul 01, 2017 despite that, though, hitchcock leaves nothing else up to chance in that the rest of the events that unfold during the film are motivatedyou wont find a deus ex machina in a hitchcock film. The mass appeal that psycho has maintained for over three decades. The film psycho directed by alfred hitchcock is an excellent example that exploits many film techniques, to create different effects in the opening sequence and further on in the film. Dec 09, 2010 alfred hitchcocks psycho does so, with grace, but without any restraint. Nov 12, 2015 in the previous seminars, we discussed about a new topic.

If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. Describe the editing techniques used in the film s opening shots. Oct 15, 2016 lets dissect psycho, one of alfred hitchcocks masterpieces. Psycho was revolutionary because it used unique forms of film editing. Filmmakers and critics alike have rejoiced at this simplified encyclopedia of film director alfred hitchcocks techniques. Suspense is no foreigner to the film even from the beginning in which we see the pursuit by police. Lets dissect psycho, one of alfred hitchcocks masterpieces. This would have deceived the audience easily, because in 1960 when the film was. Juxtaposition is the film editing technique of combining of two or more shots to evoke an idea or state of mind. How to turn your boring movie into a hitchcock thriller. How does hitchcock manufacture suspense in his films.

Using the famous shower scene from psycho, the above techniques can be well explained. A montage can be a juxtaposition of two shots, but commonly refers to the juxtaposition of multiple shots to depict an event often in stretched or condensed time. I started with psycho and then the 2012 film documentary about the director and the making. Lowerys money, she locks eyes with her boss while hes crossing the street she knows shes been spotted doing something she. Hitchcocks techniques voyeuristically implicate the audience with the universal, dark evil forces and secrets present in the film. Techniques used by hitchcock in psycho 547 words 123 help me. Psycho is a 1998 american horror film produced and directed by gus van sant for universal pictures and starring vince vaughn, julianne moore, viggo mortensen, william h. Alfred hitchcock movie broke many cultural taboos and challenged the censors. Hitchcocks psycho 1960 combines both suspense and surprise masterfully with the use of aestheticsthat is, his choice of lighting, cinematography, and set design. Hitchcock is telling his audience that this film is showing us what we shouldnt be seeing. Innovations in filming or lighting or camera techniques. The power of sound and editing the conversation and psycho. Montage editing is used to join a sequence of cuts into one fluent edit making the scene frames move fast or slow.

Film techniques in the movie shawshank redemption 410 words 2 pages shawshank redemption directed by frank darabont is a compelling film about the life of one of its prisoners, andy. Hitchcocks techniques in psycho 459 words 123 help me. It is a modern remake of the 1960 film of the same name directed by alfred hitchcock, in which an embezzler arrives at an old motel run by an insane. What cinematic techniques are used to explain patrick. Jul 01, 2017 alfred hitchcock is not only the master of suspense, but pure cinema. Many of these film techniques can be seen in the opening scene where marion crane meets her lover sam who she is having an affair with. Psycho shower scene camera shots mrs frisenda in probably the most famous, and well edited scene in all of cinema, also known as the shower scene, hitchcock uses editing and sound as cinematic manipulation to create a carefully thought out horrific murder scene. The film is a virtual catalogue of cinematic techniques, a case study in audience manipulation. Aug 12, 2017 describe hitchcocks techniques and themes in his classic film, psycho read this full essay for free. A filmmakers film it has an ability to appeal to mass emotions. Macy and anne heche in leading and supporting roles. Here are 3 of his filmmaking tips that you can apply to any film genre. Suspense is a very important theme in psycho and is another one of the methods used to create atmosphere alongside darkness.

At the time of psycho s release in 1960, the base story of the film was cuttingedge not only in the amount of graphic content on screen, but also in terms of story, as audiences were still not used to extreme plot twists that alter the perspective of the film. The camera is used to deceive the audience, directing the audiences attention where hitchcock wants it to be. The movie, vertigo, is one of the most famous thrillers ever made. Camera techniques used in hitchcocks thriller movie, vertigo a thriller is a type of film that usually instills excitement and suspense into the audience. Teaching miseenscene through alfred hitchcocks psycho sfu. If youve ever made a movie, you realize that professional movie editing. Raising this scary movie to a thriller of epic proportions. The 1974 francis ford coppola thriller the conversation and the 1960 alfred hitchcock horror movie psycho are perfect examples of movies largely depending on the process and technique of editing and sound mixing.

He shot it not with his usual expensive feature crew which had just finished north by northwest but with the crew he used for his television show. Psycho is by far the scariest movie i have ever seen. The visual motif of eyes underlines the theme of voyeurism and surveillance in psycho. In the film psycho, director alfred hitchcock uses several innovative film. This information comes out of many books and interviews from the man himself and has been simplified for your consideration. Most suspenseful or even horror movies do not usually contain both, suspense and humor, yet hitchcock used it in a majority of his films such as psycho.

Hitchcock also used the colour green in vertigo the female lead wears green. Psycho is a 1960 american psychological horrorthriller film directed and produced by alfred hitchcock, and written by joseph stefano. Psycho led the path in film history, and it has made horror films what they are now. Professional movie editing of psycho by alfred hitchcock. A hand draws back a shower curtain and a blade appears through the steam. Psycho also broke all film conventions by displaying its leading female protagonist having a lunchtime affair in her sexy white undergarments in the first scene. However, lets have a look at how suspense is created within the climax of the film and its future buildups. Juxtaposition and montage in film editing hollywood lexicon. Even those who havent seen psycho already know leighs fate.

What are some film techniques used in psycho by alfred. Throughout the film psycho there are numerous techniques used that. Alfred hitchcock is not only the master of suspense, but pure cinema. On of the most successful techniques used by hitchcock was the.

The film psycho is a thriller, and has been a great. He does this with camera shots, lighting, plot twists, sound and many other devices to create a unique feeling of tension in this film. A filmmakers guide to horror techniques used in psycho. Alfred hitchcock enjoyed using long constant takes which can be 10plus minutes long this confused with a tracking shot. Dec 16, 20 sound and music in alfred hitchcocks psycho and its different readings. Huge assortment of examples to help you write an essay. Film techniques used in psycho gcse media studies marked by. This part of the film has been criticized by many for being a sop thrown to the audience. Film techniques of alfred hitchcock suspense, camera angles, style, editing, basics. Techniques used by hitchcock in psycho the plot for the film psycho was unlike any horror movie that had gone before it.

Most of the films on this particular list didnt so much shake the world as become. From his notorious sequences seen from the characters viewpoint, to the collage of the psycho shower scene, and the linear simplicity of his plots, this list of his top techniques is compiled directly from his interviews. However, when there is no doubt, surprise can become an equally entertaining substitute. Sound and music in alfred hitchcocks psycho and its different readings. Simon oakland is as good a man for the job as i can imagine. Discuss some specific techniques used by hitchcock which create tension and suspense for the audience. Hitchcock deliberately wanted psycho to look like a cheap exploitation film. Jeffrey has written for peter marshalls directors chair, and is currently writing a book for micheal wiese publishing.

The film starred two main characters anthony perkins as norman bates and janet leigh as marion crane. By the following 9 different types of editing techniques, the relationship between shots can be clearly and easy to follow. Our editors use different approaches and techniques in editing according to. Because this is a graded project, i decided to take notes while watching the movie. Hitchcocks psycho 1960 combines both suspense and surprise masterfully with.

Dramatic techniques used in hitchcocks the birds film studies. Psychos commercial success was due, in part, to a superbly orchestrated publicity and marketing campaign that set new standards for audience manipulation. Hitchcock was first drawn to the idea of adapting robert blochs novel psycho into a film because of the unexpected nature of marions murder. So alfred hitchcock told francois truffaut about psycho, adding that it belongs to filmmakers, to you and me. What innovative cinematic techniques used by alfred hitchcock. But psycho also broke with the past in important ways. It was designed for the audience in much the same way that shakespeares plays were. The 1960 horror classic to this day gives its audience fits, making them uncomfortable and a sense of not knowing what will happen next. Its a testament to hitchocks brilliance that even in present times, a film with little gore can cause so much negative emotion. The analysis of the film psycho by alfred hitchcock write a magazine article in which you discuss psycho s enduring appeal as one of the great films of cinema. Find the best essay sample on psycho film techniques in our leading paper. Hitchcock characters had the uncanny ability to mimic the movie audience by a basic instinct to ogle an unassuming subject. His unique techniques create tension and horror, although he manages to find the balance between the two genres.

If psycho had been intended as a serious picture, it would have been shown as a clinical case with no mystery or suspense. What are some film techniques used in psycho by alfred hitchcock. Camera techniques used in hitchcocks thriller movie, vertigo. This edit is quite old and so doesnt show the realism of modern films but at the time created a. Analysis of psycho with editing techniques janiswongblog. Psycho is a prime example of hitchcocks unparalleled knowledge and knowhow of psychological thrillers. The analysis of the film psycho by alfred hitchcock. The camera is used to deceive the audience, directing the audiences. Weve put together a list of the most significant film techniques that were used by alfred hitchcock. But this technique is not one of hitchcocks creation and in fact named lev kuleshov as his inspiration. Various camera angles prelude about filmed in thirty days using hitchcocks television crew the movie psycho was born. Film techniques of alfred hitchcock suspense, camera. After all, the movie came out in 1960, and by the standards of the time some explanation seems in order, and dr. However, in this episode, ill be focusing more on the amazing work done by bernard hermann and how his score helps tell the story.

The 10 most ingenious techniques used by alfred hitchcock. Psycho is a 1960 american psychological thrillerhorror film directed by alfred hitchcock starring anthony perkins, vera miles, john gavin, and janet leigh. A thriller is commonly described as a tense edge of the seat environment. This film is one of the most memorable thrillers of all time. Describe hitchcocks techniques and themes in his classic film, psycho read this full essay for free. Analysis of sound and music in alfred hitchcocks psycho. Essay about alfred hitchcocks film psycho 1110 words. The motif of the shadowy figure smith provides multiple elementsshock. The material would have been used as the documentation of the case history. Oct 20, 2014 everyone knows the famous shower scene from alfred hitchcocks psycho, which many a person from that time period refers to as terrifying and i will get to that at some point, however i would like to discuss many lighting aspects hitchcock utilized to help drive the feeling of the movie through other scenes as well. Dec 16, 2014 6 cinematic techniques alfred hitchcock used to create suspense on tv. In order to turn out with a great movie, one has to make all three of those techniques work well together without the audience noticing. Hitchcock isnt a great film, but it tells a great story and caps it with a couple of very fine and memorable momentsand the story it tells is one that. Film techniques of alfred hitchcock suspense, camera angles.

Fundamentally, the balance he manages to pioneer results in superb, enticing thriller movies such as psycho 1960. The plot itself is enough to scare a grown man, but then, hitchcock adds his extreme camera angles, shadows, and music. It also influenced the makers of many of the most wellknown modern horror and suspense films, ranging from halloween to fatal attraction. At the time of psychos release in 1960, the base story of the film was cuttingedge not only in the amount of graphic content on screen, but also in terms of story, as audiences were still not used to extreme plot twists that alter the perspective of the film. Techniques used by hitchcock in psycho analyse the techniques used by hitchcock to create and maintain suspense in his film psycho.

Hitchcock often made use of subjectivity for a lot of voyeuristic purposes. Psycho 1960, directed by alfred hitchcock discussion questions 1. A filmmakers guide to horror techniques used in psycho by annie kapur about a year ago in how to. Describe hitchcocks techniques and themes in his classic. A man descends a staircase, bearing a tray with a glass of milk that appears at once nurturing and suspicious. Film editing is an art that can be used in diverse ways like constantly signaling to the audience where and when the action is taking place. To cast a star like janet leigh and then kill her off at the end of the films first act was completely unheard of then and now. But i have difficulties understanding if cinematic techniques are used consciously to tell something bigger or used randomly. Psycho movie discussion questions psycho1960 directed. Building the suspense slowly and inexorably towards the films conclusion. What cinematic techniques are used to explain patrick bateman.