Analysis of “Psycho” shower scene, exploring how film techniques are used to create effects

Analysis of “Psycho” shower scene, exploring how film techniques are used to create effects

Hitchcock uses a variety of camera shots to create effect during the shower scene. The most common shot used is the close up. This is used when Marion is in the shower more than out as we need to see what she is doing whilst she is out of the shower, but as soon as she gets in there is a large amount of them used. This is used the most during the events of the murder itself as there are many close ups of different things in it, such as Marions face and the knife being used. These are used to create effects such as being uncomfortably close to the characters, this makes the viewer seem as if they are there witnessing the murder itself, this is effective as it gives the viewer a sense of realism that might seem scary to them. Also there is a sense of claustrophobia in the shower as there is nowhere to escape from the murderer

There is also an extreme close up used during this scene, these are however rarely used as they are extremely hard to use, however they are used to create a sense of uneasiness being that close to the person who the ECU is of. The most noticeable ECU is that of the victims eye once the camera is moved to the plug hole and it then fades into her eye, this is a graphic match that is supposed to create the effect that life is draining out of her body as is the blood down the plug. The ECU also creates a sense of extreme uneasiness as it is very uncomfortable being that close to the victim.

There are also a fair amount of midshots during the scene that are used to create effect. One example of this is when the murder is happening as it shows midshots of the victim and the murderer. This is used to create effect as it gives us a sense of being there as it is where we would probably be looking if we were in the room, this is a form of composition, this also makes us empathise with the victim as we could tell that she was vulnerable and that she could not prevent it as she had no way to resist as shown when the midshots show her being stabbed with her not resisting or attempting to fight back.

Editing is also used to create tension. This is the most obvious when the murder is happening as there is an increase of speed in it and a more rapid feel to the whole scene because of this, the main edit used is the simple cut as it is effective and fast. This creates the effect that the attack was fast and brutal as well as building tension as we do not know who the murderer is at this time because it doesn’t focus on them. This also creates the effect of surprised as when we are surprised; things seem to move faster, this makes us feel more excitable and erratic as it is a fast and brutal murder. Also, continuity editing is used throughout to make the scene seem as realistic as possible with straight cuts and shot changes in a realistic order. It is used as it makes the murder seem fluid and realistic. However, there are some point of view shots what make us empathise with the victim and their surprise.

There is also a sound effect that is used to create effect in this scene, that effect is the sound of the water draining from the shower that is present through most of the scene. This is most evident when the murder has finished as we can hear it more clearly. This creates the effect that life is draining away from Marion. This is a diegetic sound and makes it seem like a real place as it is what we could here if we were there.

Costume is also used to create effect in this scene. The most effective is probably Marions as she is not wearing anything, this makes her seem vulnerable and beyond help if anything happens, in this case a murder. However, the murderers costume is also used to create a slight effect due to the fact of his/her long hair; this gives them a sense of mystery and anonymity to the viewer due to the fact they may not know who they are in this case which matches up well with the end plot twist. shadow is also used to cover the murderers face and body of them, this is a type of lighting.

This scene uses a few conventions that are typical of a thriller. The most common in this case is the murder which is common amongst most thriller movies. This is also not the only convention as there is a relatively fast pace non-diegetic music being played in the most tense part that abruptly stops when the most tense moment ends, this music is present when the attack starts and comes to an almost instant stop when the murderer leaves the room, after this only diegetic sounds are heard such as the plug hole draining the blood and water.