Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Thriller 1- Psycho Alfred Hitchcock

Camera- Steady Shot purely of the graphics camera does not pan or move throughout the opening. This simplistic graphic theme is used regularly by Hitchcock in other films such as
Editing- The graphic sequence is boldly monochromatic, bold black background and white text which emphases the contrast. In the graphic, the use of vertical and horizontal grey line entering from screen right, left and top and bottom which split the text on screen.  In the opening of Psycho, it begins with a black screen and then turns grey it is then split by animated parallel black lines which enter from the right hand side of the screen.  The text then enters not fully formed and unrecognisable parts of letters enter the screen from the right hand side in white.  Animated grey lines continue until the screen is black, leaving ‘Alfred Hitchcock’ name in stark contrast.  Grey block lines vertically leave the screen the lettering of ‘Psycho’ enters from right and left with the middle part of the lettering missing making it difficult and unclear to read.  The middle part of the lettering then comes in from the left making the title readable, black background stark white text ‘Psycho.’  The use of the lines splitting letters for the Director’s name and film title greatly emphasises the subject matter which is ‘Psycho’ – a split personality.  Then the use of vertical and horizontal lines are repeated throughout the title sequence.  This is a simple effective and contrasting technique reinforcing the point.  The Graphic Designer who designed the title sequence for Psycho was Saul Bass who worked with Hitchcock on many occasions. 
Sound-   The music enters straight away composed in a stabbing, staccato (short detached notes) strings.  This is a dramatic, harsh violent piece which connotes the split nature/violence of the protagonist.  Towards the middle of the opening title the music briefly changes to a legato articulation (smooth, flowing.)  The music compliments and graphics in the title sequence.  The music emphasis tension, drama, suspense and fear with a feeling of foreboding and sinister mood being played out in the opening title sequence.   
Mis-en-scene -   Graphics are shown refer to editing paragraph (as above.)





Psycho- Alfred Hitchcock  (Orignal in black and white)

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