Analysis of 'Psycho' shower scene

Analysis of ‘Psycho’ shower scene

There are a variety of shots used in this scene in Psycho, comprised of different elements. For example a lot of close ups are used. These types of shots are effective in this scene because it draws emphasis to a certain reaction or object. The editing is also significant in this scene to create tension. As the danger becomes more prominent in this scene, the pace of the editing quickens. The fast paced editing makes the audience feel more chaotic as they don’t know what exactly is going on. It also brings them in to the scene as they feel the emotions of the victim. As well as that the sound plays a big role in this scene for making the audience feel suspenseful. The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound makes the audience feel suspenseful and calm at points. Before the stabbing, the sound is diegetic; however this changes after the stabbing. The whole feel of this scene is quite calm and real before the killer enters.

The use of camerawork is extremely important in this scene. For example a close up is used on the victim’s face after she is stabbed. This shows the shock on her face and also shows the life leaving her eyes. Close ups are significant and regularly used in this scene. This particular close up is used of the victim’s face, to show the audience her reaction to the killer. It also emphasises the look of shock on her face. This close up tracks the victim sliding down the wall. As she is sliding, a trail of blood is left behind on the wall. This is significant because the blood is dirtying an otherwise clean bath room. This reflects the events in this scene, in the way that the victim is fine and pure before the incident, however the killer – represented by the blood – enters and ruins her life.

The use of editing is used effectively in this scene. For example, before the stabbing the editing is quite slow paced. However after and during the stabbing, the editing quickens. The change of pace in editing reflects the mood of the scene. Before the killer arrives, the scene is very peaceful therefore the editing is slow paced. However the mood of the scene changes to chaotic and dangerous as the killer enters. This is reflected by the increase in pace of the editing. This brings the audience in to the scene and lets them empathise with the victim. It makes them feel disorientated and suspenseful as they don’t know what exactly is going on. The editing slows down again once the killer has fled the scene which tells the audience that the excitement and danger is dying down, along with the victim.

Diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are used throughout this scene to make the audience feel suspenseful. Diegetic sounds are used before the stabbing, however non-diegetic sounds are used during and after the stabbing. Diegetic sounds are used before to make the scene feel more realistic and calm. This makes the audience feel at ease; however they expect something dangerous is round the corner. The non-diegetic sounds are used during the stabbing to bring more excitement to the scene and to get the audience’s hearts racing. A high pitched screeching of violins is used during the stabbing which syncs up with the movements of the knife. This emphasises the danger and fatalness of the situation. Low pitched music is used after the stabbing to give the scene a more sombre tone to it. Low tones are also usually associated with evil and danger. The low tones bring the audience’s mood down, so they can feel sympathetic towards the victim. The ferociousness and danger of the scene is reflected heavily by the fast paced sounds during the stabbing. This brings the audience in to the scene and makes them feel the danger for themselves.

The shower scene in Psycho uses many different shots and techniques to make the audience feel suspenseful, and to build tension. Editing, camerawork and sound are all used to convey these emotions to the audience and to put them on the edge of their seats.