Hitchcock has been described as the Master of Suspense, in “Psycho” it is obvious why he has been given this title. In the film “Psycho”, Hitchcock creates suspense and tension in various ways throughout the film and also manages to maintain this suspense throughout the majority of the film.
The opening scene of “Psycho” builds suspense through settling the audience into a false sense of security leaving the audience questioning what is going to happen but the scene has still got the underlying tones of the music from the title sequence, which challenges the false sense of security. The use of mundane establishing shots draws the audience in to a particular window makes the audience feel they are peering in the lead characters life.
One of Hitchcock’s talents was managing to interpret his audience; through understanding his audience he manages to see what scares them the most. By having a vulnerable lead female character, Marian Crane, enables the audience to relate to the events that happen to her, adding a sense of realism in the characters, rather than making the lead roles out of the ordinary. Another additional factor, which adds to the tension is killing off the lead character relatively early on in the film, this was unheard of before “Psycho”.
Another way Hitchcock manages to create suspense is through the music that is heard through the majority of the film. The music is initially introduced in the opening title sequence, which is played in time with the jagged movement of the titles. The music consists of a reduced orchestra of just string, using dissonant chords and a minor pattern. Both of these characteristics are not conventional methods, making the listener feel uncomfortable. This enhances a lot of the cinematography created by Hitchcock, thus adding to the tension.
Hitchcock’s use of the camera adds to the suspense. Instead of using establishing shots he uses other methods as well to set the scene and the tone. He does it through focusing in on seemingly random items in the room such as the money, whilst using a pan shot. By using the camera, rather than just to “document” an event, the camera interacts with the scene making the audience feel more involved with the film and closer to the characters on the screen. Also, Hitchcock’s use of close up shots is important in creating tension. By using these extreme close ups on the characters’ emotions increases the intensity of what is happening around the characters. For example when Norman realizes what his “mother” has done after killing Marian, the close up on his face in that scene shows the shock of his emotions. By capturing his emotion on screen, it clearly shows the audience how to feel and react to what is happening.
The shower scene is the pinnacle of the entire film, especially since it is half way through the film making it all the more shocking. There are several techniques used to make this so effective; editing, point of view shot and the non-diogetic music coinciding with the “stabs”. This scene is renowned for how realistic it is and how shocking it is. The fast cutting shots and switching camera angles allow the audience to believe they have seen something they haven’t. The point of view shot makes the audience believe they are doing the attacking towards Marian, also the reverse point of view shot allows the audience to see the attack coming towards them. The screeching violins music emphasizes the fear on Marian’s face as well as emphasizing the stabbing movement. Also, the use of diogetic sound of the stabbing allows the audience to think they have seen something they haven’t. All of these are creating a release of fear as they are putting the audience in the scene.
Also, the way in which Hitchcock uses the money as a macguffin to motivate the plot along adds suspense since money is something everyone is drawn to and wants, meaning the audience can see the attraction to taking the money. What makes the plot even more fearful is the fact that Norman Bates is killing without any real motivation-meaning he could kill anyone. In reality the plot is all about Norman but the additional drive of the money keeps the audience on edge, as they are constantly questioning why is the money significant.
In the final scene, the terror of the situation is emphasized with the “mother” part of Norman speaking. By hearing the “mother’s” mind and seeing Norman’s facial expressions simultaneously, makes the scene exceptionally creepy showing how the two are connected. The final close up of Norman’s face sums up the creepiness and tension portrayed throughout the entire film. Coupled with sinister music, a suspenseful and eerie ending is created.
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