pyscho

Psycho is a 1960 suspense/horror film directed by auteur Alfred Hitchcock, from the screenplay by Joseph Stefano about a psychotic killer. It is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch, which was in turn inspired by the crimes of Wisconsin murderer Ed Gein.The film depicts the encounter between a secretary, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), who is in hiding at a motel after embezzling from her employer, and the motel's owner, the lonely Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).
It initially received mixed reviews but outstanding box-office returns, prompting a re-review which was overwhelmingly positive and led to four Academy Award nominations. Regarded today as one of Hitchcock's best films and highly praised as a work of cinematic art by international critics,Psycho is also acclaimed as one of the most effective horror films. It was a genre-defining film, and almost every scene is legendary, many having been copied or parodied. The film spawned several sequels and a remake, which are generally seen as works of lesser quality.
"The Shower Scene" has been studied, discussed, and cited countless times in print and in film courses much with debate focusing on why it is so terrifying and how it was produced, including how it passed the censors and debate over who actually directed it.


discuss the use of camera shots, movements, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.
Parlor scene
The scene begins with non diegetic sound, such as conversation between Norman and his mother, from the house, showing that there is two people in the house, and that Norman's mother isn't very happy about the fact that he is offering food to a women he doesn't know. We later find out that this is because Norman's mother takes over his personality whenever he feels a physical attraction to a girl. Norman and his mother have alot of dialogue showing an argument, which is backed up by non diegetic music, which gets louder the more angry they both become. There are two camera which switch between both characters as they talk, using Sharp cuts between both, to show the tension, and to make the audience feel as uncomfortable as Marian would.

The cameras then zoom out to reveal a house, which appears to be a cliche of a haunted house which is silhouetted in a dark and cloudy sky. The house gives the impression of gothic horror happening inside. The eary, jumpy music also builds up the tension. Mariann's hotel room is well lit, which contrasts with the darkness of the house, symbolising her purity and Norman's darkness.

Marian starts with her perspective view, whilst in conversation with Norman showing that she is control, the camera then cuts from her perspective to a long shot of both characters revealing that the door to Mariann's room is open, revealing what Norman may be thinking, and using the openness of the door as a sexual hint. The camera then changes to Norman's point of view, which disjoints the audience as they are not used to seeing his views. From Norman's POV shot we see Marian surrounded by light, showing an angelic side to her. Norman then leads Mariann into the parlor, this also defigures the audience from the change of setting.