Psycho (1960)
Introduction:
Psycho is an american psychological thriller film starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh. It depicts the story of Marion Crane who is on the run for stealing $40000 in order to marry her boyfriend (Sam Loomis) and the psychopath Norman Bates who is out to get her.
Film Noir:
This film has a very "film noir" aesthetic to it which can be attributed to the chiaroscuro lighting which fills many of the sequences. Early horror films were also heavily influenced by early expressionist films in both their themes: nightmares, death, fear etc. and their styling which usually includes surreal set designs and lighting.
Archetype:
Early in the film, Marion Crane is established as the Femme Fatale when she steals some money that was supposed to be delivered to the bank. This is one of the traditional archetypes of narrative cinema and it usually suggests that something bad will inevitably happen to this character unless they are able to change their ways. We are able to establish some sympathy for her as she is only doing this to gain the affection of her lover Sam Loomis, with whom she is having an affair.
This was concept was adapted into later horror films by using the idea of the "final girl" - which is the character that is typically immune from the killers attacks, whereas the characters considered sinful would be killed off.
A similar character, Eve, in 'Once Upon A Time in America' is among one of the first characters to be killed in the film
Shower Scene:
The shower scene is one of the most notable moments in the film.
There are many ways in which it creates a sense of fear for the audience:
- The character encloses themselves in a small space which gives a sense of claustrophobia and lack of hope
- Dramatic irony is used: we can see the killer's silhouette through the shower curtain
- The attack happens in a place that is considered private (making her somewhat vunerable to attack) and associated with cleanliness, which makes it much more disturbing to the audience
