Ezekiel Mascuilli
Comp 1
Dr. Poznar
November 25, 2014
Psycho
If the title hasn’t given a sense of mystery, then maybe an analysis could help shed light on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 horror film Psycho. The movie had many characteristics that could be defined as classic horror. From the beginning of the first conflict that arose Marion it’s possible that the use of variety gave a feeling of mystery. The movies elements include Alfred’s use of plot change. However it can be a better argument to say that Alfred Hitchcock’s use of setting change has helped give an emotion that could horrify viewers.
In the beginning of the movie we take a view at Marion’s first conflict. The setting of the movie changes from Marion’s work, giving the viewer an in depth look at her surroundings, to a scene of illegal fleeing. The problem arose when Marion’s stress caused rational thoughts over stealing personal cliental money. Marion has committed an illegal act which caused her to adapt to her choices and change locations. Alfred has caused a break in the conflict by having Marion stop at a small hotel called the Bates Motel. The transition from locations has helped Hitchcock with his depict of a feeling of alertness.
The setting of the Bates Mansion is given a style that depicts an old Victorian view. From the staircase to the cellar, Hitchcock still gave unsure feelings when it came to safety inside the Bates house. The interior has a look that doesn’t give off too much emphasis. The idea is simple however it’s safe to say that by glance, nervousness can be added to the Bates homes first impression.
From here the view is showing a young woman on the run from the law. Marion has fled with illegal tender to a hotel that hardly has rented vacancy. After meeting Norman Bates the idea that a man has being hidden from the world gives the viewer a chance to assume how the antagonist will respond to later events. The change in emotion hits the plot after Norman has discussed his conflicts with his mother. Marion soon realizes how much Norman allows his conflicts affect his social anxiety. Later in the film, the change in Norman’s personality helped give a feeling of uncertainty. Norman’s mental disability has eventually caused a fast transition, leading from one conflict to the next, causing a sudden change in plots.
Alfred has used a variety of camera angles that help show other sides of a plain view. An example would be when Norman uses a mask to hide his face. In the film, while Norman was wearing the mask, the camera was recorded to present the view from Norman’s perspective. The camera also showed scenes from Norman when he was spying through the peephole. This uncomfortable feeling of stalking helped Hitchcock add an addition to the many great characteristics in this horror film.
Following behind the perspective change, the shower scene contains many examples in Hitchcock’s use of causing uncertainty with simple horror movie elements. The music selection created large amounts of feelings that caused fear. After watching the movie for a second time, it can be noted that the background sounds have helped enhance the creating of a dark drone ambiance. When the camera moves inside the shower the scene shows Marion being stabbed to death, the sharp screams of an instrument help give an uncomfortable vibe. The music contained a rhythm that could only follow along to the scenes and the actions of the movie.
The sounds of an ear piercing stab sends the viewers’ attention to the damage caused by the homicide. Hitchcock used a different camera angle to help increase the focus on Marion’s eye. All that could be seen was an up close of the lifeless eyes that represented death. The view slowly follows bloody shower water that gives a sick view down the drain of the shower. Marion has been killed, following the disappearance of the killer. The camera angle in the beginning of the shower scene increased the mystery by leaving viewers without hope of Marion’s possible safety.
Not only does the music help convey a sense of terror but the zooming in and out of camera angles also gave an uneasy feeling to the scene. The brief silence in segments kept the scene moving fast with the beat of the soundtrack. This scene showed Marion taking a shower with a dark figure hovering over her body, which allowed the starting of the later events. Comparing Hitchcock’s movie to other classic horror movies, the camera angles used in Psycho are different but add a better addition to the movie.
Later towards the end of the film the plots finally begin to unravel. Hitchcock adds suspicion by adding two more characters to the film. This helps prevent the film from ending with the antagonist getting the worst out of the plot conclusion. Hitchcock’s film later directs attention to the cellar of the Bates house. Inside the Bates house cellar, a physical struggle has occurred, leaving question asking how Normans mother helped add to the conflict between Norman and his split personality. Norman attacked Marion’s sister in the cellar towards the end of the film dressed as an old woman yielding a knife. By adding the two characters, the detective and Marion’s sister, Alfred insisted on directing attention to increasing the tension between Norman and his conflicts on anyone he meets.

At the end of the movie, suspense is a minor word used to describe the feelings being presented. Attention is directed in a room with Norman’s back facing a chair. It was clear to the detective, Marion’s sister, and the doctor that Norman had been born with split personality disorder, and that the reason he caused the murder was because of the battle he was having with his thoughts. The idea of having a split personality within the antagonists mind isn’t just a clever idea but it also helps tie together all the other plots occurring in the same sorry. Hitchcock has brought several plots into this story however adding small changes in atmosphere have had a huge impact on the horror and suspense shown. Norman stares at a fly while having several bickering conversations between himself and his other split half. Hitchcock made an uneasy ending that could’ve supported the quote Norman said “we all are a little mad at times.”
This 1960s horror film has given the audience the opportunity to witness a suspenseful plot while still maintain a creepy appeal. With Hitchcock use of plot changes and setting transitions, it can be made clear that the film elements in Psycho have helped meet the movie expectations. The film was terrifying and also left the viewer questioning the insanity that Norman has given to the film. Using the idea of setting change helped give the movie a edge while oddly enough creating a chaotic but controlled atmosphere. It’s safe to say that the idea could sound contradicting, however Hitchcock used the idea of controlled chaos in each scene, by using camera angles, pan and zoom up close images, and change in music ambience. Anyone could argue over the movies overall rating, but it’s an easier argument to say that Hitchcock has used setting change to give the movie Psycho a suspenseful presentation.