Describe how Suspense is created and maintained in Alfred Hitchcocks Psycho.
Alfred Hitchcock's name is synonymous with suspense. He has produced many films and short television serials that go down in history as the bench mark for directors since his time that have used him as an example. To many he is the master of suspense, no one before or after him has been able to weave intricate plots using dramatic lighting, music full of dynamics, long pauses, unexpected events that have made generations of viewers so convinced of his talent. Psycho is considered by many to be his masterpiece, this along with 'The Birds' have established him as master of his profession. The terrifying simplicity of the story and compelling visuals are enough to jolt any viewer unaware of the malicious goings-on beyond the surface of the story. At the beginning of Psycho we are shown the precise location, date and time as Hitchcock's mischievous camera work places the viewer at the voyeur end of the action from the first shot which enters a lover's mid-afternoon tryst in a hotel room through an open window. The implicating camera later witnesses Janet Leigh's undressing through a peephole and the violent and ultra-voyeuristic shower scene which compels viewers to intently watch for any glimpse of nudity that the quick editing m
While that is not nearly so easy to relate to, the idea of a loving son cleaning up (and hiding) his "mother's" crimes is. Looking back, "Psycho" is magnificently well written with witty symbolism and subtle sinister conversations setting up the horror magnificently. Another way Hitchcock provided suspense was when Arbogast walks into the Bates' house, where Hitchcock alternates the shots of Arbogast ascending the staircase with a subjective view from Arbogast. Norman Bates from the very beginning is edgy, complex and seems to be some how deeply troubled and disturbed. Hitchcock immediately switched this fear to exhilaration and blood thirsty excitement by cutting to a subjective view of the attacker. For example one of the main characters in Psycho, The audience's initial perception of Norman, is enhanced through dialogue, and is one of a likeable manner. Instead, it is a realistic crime by a common person easy to relate to. It is interesting to watch Bates as Arbogast questions him about the dissaperence of Marion, as the questions seem to get harder the cool and collected Norman starts to chew at the tips of his fingers and stutter his words. And how many viewers are prone to irritation at the fact that Norman Bates did not discover the newspaper containing the stolen cash when he dumped the murdered girl and her car into the swamp?Hitchcock chose his actors carefully because he could see an inner potential in the person whether it be the bone structure suitable for lighting effects or subtle characteristic that they could provide. For instance, Janet Leigh's theft and subsequent flee is not met with repulsion by the audience. Bates is not quite who she appears to be. During the murder event the camera angle was extremely high producing images of a woman dashing at Arbogast with a knife. In doing this, Hitchcock provides the viewer with a reason for their union.
Common topics in this essay:
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Janet Leigh's,
Alfred Hitchcock's,
Norman Bates,
Looking Psycho,
Norman Bates',
norman bates,
shower scene,
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subjective view,
janet leigh's,
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Acceptance Essays
