Thriller Research Continued

This is the analysis of the opening scene to Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Unfortunately I couldn't embed the video on my blog as the embedding code had been disabled on the video. However, I will still analyse it with the use of screen shots instead.

Sound

• The theme tune consists of a fast paced sound made by string instruments. This builds tension and thus following the genre of thriller.
• The theme tune is composed mainly of minor chords giving it a sinister tone and thus allowing the audience to know that the film is of a thriller genre.
• This piece of music becomes the theme tune throughout and builds tension because the audience know that when this piece of music is played they know something bad is going to happen.
• The music ends on a long high note signaling the beginning of the film.

Camerawork

• There is no camerawork in the opening credits as in the time that this film was made they did not have the technology to merge footage with visual and sound effects. This then means that the audience's attention is focussed on the people in the film and who made the film. They also focus the audience's attention on the music, giving them a taste of the genre.

Editing

• Again due to the lack of technology everything is in black and white. However, this works to their advantage as it makes everything seem more sinister thus helping to tell the genre of the film.
• A reverse block is used to show the opening credits to really attract the audiences attention to who's in the film and who made it because these facts alone could make the audience want to watch the film. [1]
• Alfred Hitchcock has used special effects in the transition of the credits as they change from one thing to another. This is to make the opening credits seem more interesting to the viewer so that the attraction is not lost. [2]

[1]

[2]

In conclusion I have found that Alfred Hitchcock directed this film in a time that had a lot less technology then we have now. This meant that he had to let the music do the hinting of the plot and genre rather than the visual aspects. I also found that in terms of the visual aspects he had to focus all his attention of making the stars and himself stand out to make the film more attracting to the audience.