Psycho- opening scene analysis

Psycho- Opening scene

 Titles 

Starring - Anthony Perkins Vera Miles, John Gavin, 

Co Starring - Martin Balsam, John Mcintire, Simon Oakland, Vaughn Taylor, Frank Albertson, Lurene Tuttle, Pat Hitchcock, John Anderson, Mort miles and Janet Leigh.

Screenplay- Joseph Stefano 

Director of photography- John L. Russell

Art Direction- Joseph Hurley & Robert Clatworthy

Set Director- George Milo

Unit Manager- Lew Leary 

Titles designer- Saul Bass

Editer- George Tomasini

Costume Supervisor- Helen Colvig 

Make-up Supervision- Jake Barron & Robert Dawn

Hairstylist- Florence Bush 

Special Effects- Claerence Champagne 

Sound Recording by- Walson O. Watson & William Russell

Assistant Director- Hilton A. Green

Pictorial Consultant- Saul Bass

Music by- Bernard Herrmann

Director- Alfred Hitchcock

 The opening tile depicts a basic and curious overall theme. Bold , sans-serif font is positioned within the middle of the screen and written in the colour of white which could possibly have connotations of Marions empty character , her elegance or possibly her vulnerability. The text is portrayed as a reverse block, which is a lighter text against a dark background. Furthermore the black background could reflect danger or death. Overall the opening title is fairly simple, which might imply that the thriller is a mystery and doesn't want to give away too much. 

The image above presents a reverse block, which is a lighter text against a dark background. Furthermore the black background could reflect danger or death due to the colour black having these connotations . The opening sequence also conveys lines entering from both the top and bottom of the screen. This could reflect the death of Marion, by possibly reflecting  the straight lines on a life support machine, therefore this could almost foreshadow her death which takes place later on in the extract.

The image above presents the text 'ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S' In white, bold , sans-serif text which is against a dark background. Again this background could reflect danger or death due to the colour black having these connotations. In addition the text is presented in capital letters, therefore this engages the audience and draws in their attention, which is common for a thriller genre.

In the beginning, the audience is introduced to one of the main characters,  Marion and her sexual partner, Sam. The extract uses a mid two shot of both characters standing in Marions apartment. They are both positioned within the middle of the screen, therefore this could imply that the Marion and Sam are close and have a strong relationship with each other and are presented as a team. After they share their romantic encounter, a low shot of Marion is used and conveys her sat down on a chair and looking up at Sam. Therefore this implies that she is more vulnerable and weak and Sam has more power and looking down at her. Furthermore women in the 1960's were considered as the weaker sex and that men had more authority and dominance over them. 

After both characters have shared passion, Sam is presented getting dressed and putting back on his stereotypical 1960's business suit and re-positioning his typical hairstyle which informs the audience that the film is set in the past. Furthermore it could also represent his character as dominant and respected. In addition Marion is presented wearing a white blouse which could imply that her character is also working and has a small amount of authority, but when she is in the same room as Sam her authority is lost. Later on in the clip when Sam and Marion say their goodbyes, both facial expressions convey happiness and passion for each other. Again this could represent both characters as a team and that they are attracted to one another. 

The extract uses a long take of Marion and Sam when they sharing an intimate moment. This could reflect the gentle and relaxed environment in which they are sharing together and represents both characters as romantic and gentle. Furthermore A shot reverse shot is used when both characters a sharing dialogue in Marions apartment. However Sam is conveyed as having more screen time which again implies that he has more authority and power when the film was set/made and the fact the Marion is presented as submissive.

During the extract, soft, in-formal dialogue is used between Marion and Sam as they discuss their relationship. This therefore informs the audience that both characters feel attraction towards each other and that the soft, gentle tones create a tranquil and relaxed environment. Another point to note is that non-diegetic , instrumental music is added to the clip. The use of violins form a dramatic and engaging approach and therefore mirror's the sexual atmosphere.

 

Clip analysed-