The film "Psycho" by Alfred Hitchcock. An Analysis of the Introductory Scene

Term Paper , 2019 , 11 Pages , Grade: 1,7

Film Science

The essay focuses on the introductory scene of the movie Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock is one of the most famous and influential filmmakers of all the time. He created his very own genre: the Hitchcock-film. Psycho shocked cinema audiences all over the world. Everything together, the technique, the cuts, the story, the characters and much more made Psycho such a sensation. Hitchcock consciously plays with the real fears of the audience and builds up pressure. The fear of becoming the victim of a violent crime, the fear of losing one's mind and ultimately becoming mentally ill, the fear of unfulfilled love or finally the fear of being discovered. During the film, the viewers go through ups and downs and can put themselves in the position of and person and their situation. The construct, which the spectators have built up and accepted in one moment, is deconstructed again by Hitchcock in the next moment.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Introductory Scene
• Opening Credits
• The Opening Scene
• The music
• Conclusion
• The Importance of The Bra-scene.
• Literature

Objectives and Key Themes

This essay analyzes the introductory scene of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960) to understand how this opening sequence establishes key themes and introduces the characters and setting. It delves into the stylistic choices, visual elements, and narrative techniques used in the opening credits and scene to create an impactful introduction.

• The importance of visual storytelling and establishing atmosphere in film
• The use of cinematic techniques, such as camera movement and editing, to convey specific meanings
• The introduction of key themes, like voyeurism, secrecy, and moral conflict, through the opening sequence
• The role of the opening credits in foreshadowing later events and establishing the film's tone
• The impact of the opening scene on the viewer's perception of the characters and their relationship

Chapter Summaries

• Introduction: This section provides a general overview of Alfred Hitchcock's influence on cinema and the impact of Psycho on audiences. It emphasizes Hitchcock's deliberate use of fear and suspense and the film's exploration of societal anxieties.
• The Introductory Scene: This chapter focuses on the opening sequence of Psycho, analyzing both the opening credits and the opening scene. It delves into the stylistic choices, visual elements, and narrative techniques used in these sections, highlighting their significance in setting the stage for the film's events.
• Opening Credits: This sub-chapter examines the design of the opening credits by Saul Bass, exploring their visual elements and how they foreshadow themes and imagery present later in the film. It highlights the relationship between the credits' design and the film's narrative.
• The Opening Scene: This sub-chapter analyzes the initial scene of the film, focusing on how Hitchcock uses cinematic techniques, camera movements, and dialogue to introduce the characters, establish their relationship, and hint at underlying tension.

Keywords

The key terms and themes explored in this essay include Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho (1960), film analysis, opening credits, Saul Bass, visual storytelling, cinematic techniques, camera movement, editing, voyeurism, secrecy, moral conflict, and narrative foreshadowing.

• College: University of Hildesheim
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Hanna Fennekohl (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 11
• Catalog Number: V1011109
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346401595
• Language: English
• Tags: Alfred Hitchcock, Hitchcock, Psycho, Introductory Scene, Opening Scene, Music, Analysis