Nine Frame Analysis of Psycho

Psycho Nine Frame Analysis

                                                                                    Frame 1- The opening title of the film is seen in white which contrasts the black background. This presents the idea of opposite characteristics from the darkness to purity. The jagged font implies a dis-oriented mood and could suggest the instability of the character.

Frame 2- An establishing shot is used to set the scene showing a city. This breaks the convention of a psychological thriller, as usually it is set in isolated dark areas, whereas this is a crowed city I'm the day. The shot then pans to the outside of a window.

Frame 3- Shot shows a character obtaining stolen money from her purse. The high angle creates a sense of intrusion from the viewer, through seeing what secretive/ or low things she is doing. As the character is turned toward a wall it also creates the impression that she is doing something secretive.

Frame 4- A medium close up shot is used to identify the character's worried expression whilst she is driving a car. As she is biting her lip it conveys a nervous or apprehensive attitude, possibly relating to the money stolen. Her rigid position of her body creates an uneasy mood which could represent guilt.

Frame 5- A long shot of a house is presented, which complies more with the conventions of a psychological thriller as it is isolated and very dark. As this is in a dark lighting it coveys the antagonist may be around here. The viewer's attention is directed toward the light source which is located in one room. 

Frame 6- An over the shoulder shot of a man uncovers a hole in the wall. This shot makes the viewer feel like they are intruding into something secretive adding to the tension of the film. This shot creates mystery as the viewer wants to find out what is in the hole. 

 Frame 7- A two shot is revealed through a character's shadow being casted over the shower curtain, creating anticipating, The tension is also enhanced through the character being in the shower as it is such a private and personal place. 

Frame 8- When the curtain opens the camera quickly zooms up to a mid-shot of the antagonist's dark silhouette holing a knife. A dramatic violin accompanies this which adds to the drama making it more frightening. As we don't see his face it creates more mystery and therefore danger. This is done by the bright background light blinding the viewer's view, creating expectation to who the killer is.