Textual Analysis of Psycho

Psycho 

1960 - September 15th

Duration - 106 minutes

Genre - thriller, psychological

Plot - A Phoenix secretary steals $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.

Mise En Scene -

The action takes place in a out of the way setting, very far away from a city. A stereotypical quiet area where its perfect for a murder. The murders take place when its raining and dark, this is showing that the weather isn't calm, much like the film. The blonde is dressed in white, therefore showing a innocence and automatically making the audience get the impression that she is a victim in this scenario. 

Sound -

In the beginning of the film, a string instrument is being played. this is extremely dramatic, dark and filled with suspense. It gives the idea that you are being chased or attacked, adding perfectly to the genre of the film. 

Camera shots -

The beginning is a panning of a establishing shot with a sudden unexpected jerking. It makes the audience feel uncomfortable and like the film is unpredictable as the camera movement was highly unpredictable.