Cinematography within Psycho (1960)
Psycho (1960) was directed by the famous Alfred Hitchcock. It was was based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. The budget for the film was $806,947 and the profit made was $50 million. Psycho was one of Hitchcock's most famous films.
In the famous shower scene of the film we are presented with a variety of camera techniques. The scene portrays multiple movements, transitions and angles. The cinematography within this extract helps to build tension and create suspense. The aim of a Thriller is to create a mystic atmosphere, having the audience sitting on the edge of their seats wondering what is going to happen next. The use of cinematography contributes to achieving this aim.
The scene commences with Janet Leigh who plays the role of Marion Crane destroying a piece of paper, this suggests that content on the paper was significant and that she wishes to conceal the paper from everybody else. A mid-shot reveals Marion's facial expressions and body language . This shot demonstrates Marion leaning her head on her hand. This gesture implies that the character is fed up and tired. This shot contributes to creating mystery, leaving the audience to wonder why she is so tired and fed up.
The camera then cuts to a close-up of the ripped pieces being flushed down the toilet. This shot creates mystery and implies that the paper withheld extreme significance as she went to lengths to dispose of it.
A crab-shot is presented, tracking Marion's movements as she steps into the shower and pulls the curtain shut. Marion is illustrated as vulnerable due to her being naked. Her vulnerability foreshadows her death that is soon to come within the scene. The focus on Marion and the in depth shots of her entering the shower suggests that something significant is due to occur in this particular scene. This creates a sense of fear and mystery within the audience.
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