Discuss how Alfred Hitchcock creates horror and suspence in his film Psycho Essay Example

Discuss how Alfred Hitchcock creates horror and suspence in his film Psycho Essay Example Discuss how Alfred Hitchcock creates horror and suspence in his film Psycho Essay Discuss how Alfred Hitchcock creates horror and suspence in his film Psycho Essay and it gently glides upwards toward the ceiling. Then we see Norman emerge from the bedroom carrying Mother, who, seen from above, looks quite doll-like and helpless. At this point, we are fully aware that information is being withheld from us, and that Psycho will not be over until we have looked Mother fully in the face. Hitchcock spent a lot of time and money trying to conceal the fact that Mother and Norman are one and the same. For example, Perkins never did Mothers voice. Hitchcock used several voices, male and female, to try to prevent the audience from getting a fix on Mother. He also used several different people to play Mother. Margo Epper, a 24-year-old actress who had worked largely as a double in Hollywood, played Mother in the shower scene. The basement scene starts as Lila sneaks of to explore the house while Sam holds off Norman. We see the dreaded staircase for the fourth time. The camera follows Lila as she opens the door to Mothers bedroom. At last we are going to see everything. Hitchcock makes time stand still as Lila explores the suffocating Victorian furniture, the armoire with the carefully spaced dresses, the famous, horrible crossed hands on Mrs. Bates table, and the mattress indented with Mrs. Bates seated form. During this scene we get one of the best scares in Psycho, when Lila sees herself reflected in a mirror. Lila doesnt only investigate Mothers room. Going up another half-flight of stairs, she comes to Normans room. As we look at the worn toys, the filthy, unmade bed, we realize that we are inside Normans mind (this is a good example of mise en scene). Then Lila pulls a book from the bookcase and opens it. However, we arent allowed to see what it is. After inspecting both mother and Norman rooms, Lila descends the stairs only to see Norman coming up the path. She cleverly hides beneath the cellar stairs as Norman ascends, but then, to the horror of the audience, decides to inspect the cellar rather than escape, this creates unbelievable tension as we know that mother has been hidden down there. One thing we dont know however is that the biggest surprise of the entire film is coming up. Lila enters the cluttered basement, and switches on the light. We then see Mothers figure sitting in the chair besides the window. Lila calls out mothers name 3 times before reaching out for the chair and spinning it around, this is the first part of the big surprise, the chair swivels around and for the first time in the film we are confronted, face to face with the stuffed remains of Mother. Lila screams and turns around to see Norman (fully dressed up as mother charging insanely through the door, knife in hand, he is ready to attack Lila. He staggers froward, ready to strike, but at the last minute Sam lunges through the door and restrains Norman. After Norman is subdued, we get the official wrap-up from Dr. Richmond. When the doctor is finished, a police officer enters, carrying a blanket for Norman, who is suffering from a slight chill. we then get our final glimpse of Norman, staring helplessly, while Mother gives us her side of the story through the voiceover. She finishes by saying that shes just going to sit here like the harmless old lady she is see, Im not even going to swat that fly. Suddenly, the focus returns to Normans eyes. He looks right at us and grins menacingly. The film has unmasked Norman, and to drive the point home, Hitchcock superimposes Mothers deaths head grin over Normans own. For the purpose of creating horror and suspense Psycho is perfect. The film uses a mix of techniques to create horror and suspense, ranging from the use of music, camera angles to brilliant editing and direction, added to all of this is a very good story line that sucks the viewer in and keeps him at the edge of his seat.