Analysis of Psycho.

We watched 'Psycho' by Alfred Hitchcock in our media lesson, and it hugely influenced our decision to use shadows to create mystery because by using shadows instead of seeing actors visibly on screen it makes the audience intrigued about the identities of these characters, and makes them seem more sinister.
This same idea was used in 'Psycho' in the shower scene (above), Marian Crane the female lead character, is murdered in the shower, however the audience does not actually see this act of violence, an illusion is instead created using sound and shadows.
The audience sees a male shadow approaching the shower at first, but you cannot see his face which makes his identity unknown and keeps the audience guessing as to who murdered the woman until the very end of the film.
Also music is used effectively as you don't physically see the knife penetrate the skin but sound effects are used to replace this, diagetic sound such as the woman screaming and a penetrative knife noise are used, and the noise of the shower still running even after we've heard her slump to the base of the shower which informs the audience that shes now dead. This gives an impression of a brutal attack, and shows how Hitchcock cleverly manipulates his audience.
Quick cutaways and close-up shots are used in this scene too, which creates tension, and the way the shots are sequenced together makes sure that you never see a knife penetration, only the facial expression of the woman clearly shows her in pain.

Alfred Hitchcock shocks the audience even more by killing of the lead character relatively early on into the film, this adds a suprise element, and shows just how daring Hitchcock was. By killing off the lead character it gives a big twist to the story because the audience is already interested into Marion Crane stealing forty thousand dollars only to be shocked when shes brutally murdered.
I believe this contributes to the whole film because it gives an initial fear factor and makes people watch and listen more intently to try and figure where the storys leading and who’s next to die. Also it grabs people’s attention instantly and makes the film unique, which is what Hitchcock wanted.