Phsyco analysis

Analysis of psycho shower scene exploring how film techniques are used to create effects.

 

The scene begins with slow paced editing, and the only sound being heard is the sound of the shower. This is done because it shows the audience what is happening form her perspective. The use of just one sound in the scene gives the audience a sense of security and makes them relax, however, at the same time it makes the audience brace for something bad to happen. The slow paced editing and use of only one diegetic sound gives the audience a sense of anticipation and comfort. Dramatic irony is used 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 is then replied with 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 a dramatic and shocking effect on the viewer.

The music becomes louder as the killer starts to impale the victim with the knife. At this point, the speed of the transitions increases rapidly, showing the panic of the victim and the frantic nature of the murder, as well as adding to the shock and drama of what is taking place. The unpleasant sound of knife piercing flesh also adds to this effect. During the murder, there is a cutaway to a stormy sky, which is a use of pathetic fallacy as it symbolises the dramatic events that are unfolding and the angry and violent nature of the killer.







After fatal blow is delivered the murderer leaves the scene, there is an extreme close-up of the plughole, showing the victim’s blood being drained. 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 exits 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. The dark clouds showing that death has occurred and life has been taken away.