Psycho Analysis

Analysis of ‘Psycho’ shower scene, exploring how film techniques are used to create effects

The slow paced editing and the use of mid-shots as we are introduced to the victim help create tension for the audience because it makes them feel as if something is bound to happen. As she enters the bathroom- which gives connotations of innocence, as it is all white- and gets in the shower, high angle shots are used to show her vulnerability. The fact that she is naked and the lighting is bright helps to reinforce this. The sound of the shower is quite loud which again shows her vulnerability as she is oblivious to the sound of the killer entering the room.

 

When the killer enters the room, the camera slowly pans towards his figure which further adds to the tension and suspense. This could also be a use of dramatic irony, because the audience know something is going to happen before the victim does, thus increasing the tension. The shower curtain is then ripped back, revealing the killer wielding a knife, which triggers a gasp and a scream from the victim. This ear-piercing scream along with a fast, jerky extreme close-up of the victim’s mouth creates quite a dramatic and shocking effect on the viewer.

 

 

After the killer delivers the fatal blow and leaves the scene, there is an extreme close-up of the plughole, showing the victim’s blood being washed down it. This is used as a graphic match for her eye and symbolises her life draining away. The camera then zooms out from this, revealing the extent of the damage done and then proceeds to exit the bathroom. Finally, there is a wide shot of the victim’s house with the dark sky above, again symbolising the event that has just taken place in the building.