Soci-Cultural Influences in Psycho

Psycho was a film in which emulated the time period of the 1950s. The many different aspects of the film such as mystery, non-linear narrative, dark tone and its theme playing around with the concept of multiple identity appealed to the mass audiences. One of the film's primary theme included that challenges of the "American way of life" (Hitchcock's America). During this era, America was getting closer and closer to war with Russia, in which eventually lead up to the prime years of the Cold War. Within Psycho, Hitchcock utilized this situation as an influence and expresses this historical issue through the character of Marion Crane (Janet Leigh). Within the preliminary stages of this film, Marion is portrayed as a character who initially appears to have good morals, but inside she surrenders her conscious that tells her to pocket the $40,000 from her work and start a whole new life. She soon disregards all her personal principles and gives up her reputation to get the chance to live the American dream with her soon to be husband. However, this bold attempt does acquire many consequences. Marion's death, in a way, symbolizes the shock in society. Hitchcock stated that no matter how sane or pure society may be, when the opportunity arises, a second persona comes alive that makes quick, irrational decisions that can haunt you forever. As Marion is running away with the stolen money, the voices in her head are her second persona that creates events that have not yet occurred. The echo of those voices signify that they keep coming back no matter how much Marion tries to ignore them.

Psycho takes place in Phoenix Arizona and the Bates Motel should be located somewhere near the area of California or Nevada. Although the geographical area itself did not have any significance to the story or any underlying message, the secluded location of the Bates Motel as well as Marion Crane's drive on the isolated freeway can convey her emotions of loneliness. By stealing the $40,000 she is trying to fulfill that emptiness and the thoughts of being with her boyfriend, yet she realizes that that can never be.



One highly significant inspiration within Psycho would be a man known as Ed Gein. This American murderer and body snatcher eventually led to the creation of the character Norman Bates, the primary antagonist who essentially surrounds the central conflict. Bates, who is introduced as a kind, simple young man actually turns out to be a disturbed murderer. There is some significance behind the casting of Anthony Perkins as the killer. Making the killer with unsuspecting characteristics, would draw less suspicions towards Bates as the killer. Hitchcock did this to create more of a shock factor once the true killer is revealed during the twist. Even though the audience suspects him for being Marion Crane's murderer, he still remains a sympathetic character. For example, Bates cleans up any sign of Marion's murder in the shower, puts her in trunk of her car, and drives off to a nearby swamp to sink it. While the car is sinking, there is a small halt in its movement. Viewers feel, just for a moment, that it is not going to sink and we see that through Bates' reaction. This moment can be a clear indication that we want that car to sink, for Norman's sake. Therefore, the audience begins to feel sympathetic towards Bates and want to see him get away with this. Given that this is a manipulation by Hitchcock, it is an indication that there is an evil side to everyone.  

In the evolution of genre, Psycho can be considered as a "classic" due to how it utilized primitive techniques from past films, but it managed to tell a story like no one had seen come together before. Psycho is well known as a watershed film, that of which left a legacy behind due to the way it highly affected the film industry and immensely changed the way people look at the horror genre. The reason people look back at the film today is not only for the study of its structure, but also for enjoyment, which evidently makes Psycho indeed a "classic."  

Historical and Institutional Influences

Well known for utilizing his artistic visual talents, Alfred Hitchcock was a bold creator of films in which mainly focused on the imagery aspect rather than what can be perceived through sound. Within the era of silent films, Hitchcock was considered to be a master when it came to the various techniques of this time period which consisted of lighting, framing and composition. Through the usage of these components, Hitchcock executed them in a way that would enhance the emotional countenance of a film. However, as time went by and the film industry progressed throughout the years, the significance of visual importance soon deteriorated on account of the introduction to sound, that of which Hitchcock ungratefully opposed. Some of these film institutions that began to incorporate sound were film productions and companies commonly known as Warner Brothers Studios, MGM, Universal Studios and so on. "Although Hitchcock began making sound films in 1929, he cordially despised the laziness to which this tempted directors and writers. Most films, once they could rely on the microphone, became what he called 'pictures of people talking'" (461). Considering silent films were of greater precedence to Hitchcock, he highly relied on his cameras to do all the talking with its dynamic movements and subtle pans. Unlike other directors who heavily depended on their actors and actresses to put on an excellent performance, Hitchcock uniquely in a sense treated his actors and actresses as if they were puppets. He was one of the first directors to take full control of their productions in a studio. Te best exemplify this, Hitchcock made the daring decision to individually produce his renowned film Psycho (1960) using his film crew from the t.v. series he created prior to this film as well as fund it using under one million dollars. "It was not mere nostalgia that kept Hitchcock making films as he had in the silent era" (461). Although having colored films already being established, Hitchcock felt it more reasonable to create Psycho in black in white, not only to save money, but to also take on the opportunity to conceal the gore this film had. Doing so highly affected censorship laws in which pertained to the films of this time period, further bringing out the political aspect of this era.

As Psycho was released in 1960, the rise of the slasher genre began to flourish and immensely gain recognition, putting Hitchcock at a state in which he can be considered to be the founding father of this particular sub-genre. Considered as the origin to all slashers, Hitchcock's Psycho was a breakthrough within the film industry putting many influences amongst other directors, producers screenwriters etc. "So fruitful was he that a single film could spawn an entire genre, as Psycho helped create the modern horror film..." (458). Hitchcock created this movie in a way whereas the effect it had on his audience changed the way people primarily looked at murder mysteries. Despite the amount of people killed within the film, the way it was executed and presented was the essential component in evolving and developing the story line's plot. Many questions and ideas were eventually evoked as the movie progresses based on characters and the killer. Who was the true main character and who was the actual killer? As the film starts and goes on for a while it seems quite evident on who the main character is which is Marion Crane, but about a third of the way into the film Hitchcock kills her off, further causing a plethora of questions on who the real main character is. Hitchcock does the same with the killer. He incorporates many clues and subtle hints that if which are embedded into the plot to lead the audience into thinking they already know who the killer is. But little did they know, Hitchcock throws in an unexpected twist in the ending. To the audience it may seem as if Mrs. Bates, mother of Norman Bates, was the suspected killer, but it turns out that she is nothing but a decayed corpse living in the Bates household as a decoy of some sorts. Although there was never physically a real Mrs. Bates in the final film, Hitchcock went to certain extents to create the illusion that there were people auditioning to play her in the movie. He even sent out a casting call as well as place an actor's chair out during production with "MRS. BATES" written on it to create the illusion that she was real. Hitchcock had a way of getting into people's minds in a way that creates suspense and anxiety but all of a sudden takes things into a whole new direction. This here would evidently lead to the psychological-thriller aspect of Psycho.  

Hitchcock - Genre and Audience

Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a 1960 film falling under the genre of psychological thriller. Mainly being a film of horror/psychological thriller, Psycho pertains to the sub-genre of slasher. Many were to say that Hitchcock was one of the main directors to supposedly found the sub-category slasher, further revolutionizing the film industry's genre components by taking murder, mystery and suspense to a whole new level. One main feature to determine this genre would be the renowned shower scene where Marion Crane was brutally murdered at the secluded, mysterious Bates Motel. Apologies for the spoiler alert. Throughout this scene, the murderer is silhouetted, in which conceals the suspect's identity further bringing out the suspense/thriller aspect of the film.

Within this era, pertaining to the time of the film industry, Hitchcock's creating Psycho was very definitive in developing the "slasher" genre due to the showing of bloody and grotesque murder scenes. The incorporation of low key lighting and sufficient choice of musical score played an extremely significant role by adding to the sense of fear, suspense and anxiety. Hitchcock truly succeeded in the attempt to take the aspect of horror to a whole new level. Not only did these elements make Psycho a "breakthrough" film, but the use of highly unique symbolism embedded into the story's plot line gave it a more complex feel. One must reevaluate the film to acquire a greater understanding of the subtle hints Hitchcock incorporates and interprets. As the story progresses throughout the course of the film, audience members become even more perplexed as to who the "real" main character is or who is the actual killer.

Directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, he created this film as a somewhat response and to revolutionize the social norms of the film industry. Although Hitchcock had intentions to make a dark, suspenseful, thrilling major motion picture, he simultaneously wanted to create it under a low paying budget, therefore doing what he can to keep all expenses under one million dollars. Knowing he did not have a high budget, Hitchcock was not able to utilize a major studio as well as an entire production crew. However, before Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock created a television series which aired from 1955-1962, therefore he was able to use his crew for his t.v. show to create Psycho. Although this was a low budget film, Hitchcock used the various sources he had at his utilization to make the overall production value sky rocket and one of the most classical horror films in history.

There are many components to demonstrate the audacity of the creators of Psycho who of which were very daring when it came to producing this film, but the one that stood out the most was the color of it. By making this movie black and white was a rather bold decision, especially due to how this era was the time period of the rise in colored films. Not only did this choice save money, but it was also seen as an artistic choice. Psycho was one of the few films in the 1960s that was made in black and white. Hitchcock also felt that making his film in black and white was a wise decision based on the content of gore it acquired. Psycho was considered to be too bloody for viewers, and by making it black and white it would give it a less horrifying sight.

In terms of Psycho relating to other movies, the aspect of the film that stands out the most would be the all-important twist. The film that would pertain to this twist would be another horror film which is Saw (2004). Within Psycho Hitchcock creates a plot twist that takes the story into a whole new direction and takes the audience by surprise. As he lead viewers into thinking that Mrs. Bates (Norman Bates's mother) is the killer due to many conspicuous hints such as the silhouetted figure during the shower scene, he later reveals that she isn't anything but a decayed corpse residing within the Bates residence. Soon after,  the true killer is revealed, which is unfortunate cross-dresser Norman Bates. Pertaining to this twist, Saw reveals the twist also having to do with a corpse. In the end, as Dr. Lawrence Gordon escapes due the horrid amputation of his foot, Adam awaits for him to send help. As he waits the corpse  in the middle of the room ends up being alive and none other than Jigsaw himself.



 The target audience for Psycho would be equally split amongst gender as it can be considered as a "date movie". The suspense, mystery and violence aspect would appeal to the male audience while the female audience would be provided with the attraction to the qualities of the female star. Despite the fact that viewers do not personally know the actress, this would be so due to the, per se, relationship the female audience would develop with the female star (Vera Miles/Marion Crane) throughout the story line, giving them chances to make connections. The female audience would also be attracted to the romance aspect of the film, in which they would be able to relate to.

From Silents to Studios

Part 1: Explore how the inclusion of sound in the movie pictures impacted the Movie Industry. Detail how it happened, who was effected, what was lost. 

Although it may seem as if adding sound to movies would be a revolutionary breakthrough in the film industry, many studios opposed the idea due to their many reasons as to why it wasn't a wise choice. Many criticized that viewers would not accept it or some were already too accustomed to the traditional silent films. That way audience members were more focused on the characters themselves in terms of traits, purpose and physicalities. As sound made its way through into the business of film industry, some conflicts arose with actors' appearance and their voices, meaning they wouldn't match with their image. For example, on screen we would see this burly, rugged, masculine male figure, but as soon as he opened his mouth to speak viewers would hear this high pitched voice that would not match and throw off the whole character's appearance in the film. In addition, actors would have to take the extra step in memorizing their lines, rather than the directors telling them what to do and where to go, further consuming more filming time. Purchasing the technology for capturing audio and dialogue was another conflict, that of which would put crews at minor set backs in terms of time and budgets. However, on the other hand, the one company that dared to pursue the art of sound became a success in the film industry. They are known as Warner Bros. Studios. In 1927, they were the first to incoporate audio and dialogue into their films. Doing this, a chain reaction was eventually developed and other studios were quite intimidated by their instant success. They have decided to take on the challenge of sound and in no time it had spread throughout the film industry. 

Part 2: The 20 years between 1930 and 1950 are generally recognized as the studio years. Describe what the pros and cons were of this factory system.          

Due to a lack of experience with sound in films, there were a number if limitations that arose during production. Actors were to be with talking range of the microphone and during scenes between two characters, the the conversations had tendencies in dragging on and on and on. Actors were to even lean in towards a hidden microphone, making it far too obvious for viewers to notice. Since recording audio was such an elaborate process, it was to be done in an enclosed area, limiting the variety in shot selection, causing audience members to grow bored. Although many negatives were brought up during this new method, there were numerous positives to the incorporation of sound. Studios thrived in the creation of set design, bringing more interest to the viewer eye with its colors and props. Through their devotion the studio, productions like MGG, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox grew and progressed throughout the dynamic era of the "talkies", successfully putting the highly growing mediation of Silent vs. Sound to an end and a new beginning to work. 

Writing About Film

The formal analysis discusses and describes all of the different aspects of a film and see how each part contributes to the whole. To name a few these aspects include the cinematography, sound design, story, and art direction. Looking at these different aspects is important to see how the individual parts of the film adds meaning to the film. By breaking down each essential component creates a better sense of how they serve a bigger purpose in terms of theme, meaning or value.

Film writing can also look at the history behind the film. Most films have a history to them in which they acquire a sense of historical background by being based on a time period, but more specifically an event within that era. This encompasses the history that the actual film reflects, the culture and society that the film was made in, and even factors during the film's production that could have affected the outcome of the film. For example, the movie The Raven (2012) was based in the time period of 1849. This film follows the story of the renowned poet Edgar Allan Poe and his most famous works of literature. Using his life and poems, the director (James McTeigue) was able to develop a storyline that reflects the life of Poe, but simultaneously manipulating his background to create a film in which acquires more suspense due the movie consisting of dynamic murder mystery. Film history involves the banning or wide acceptance of certain movies due to cultural values or morals.

All films reflect some kind of ideology. Ideology papers examine the ideology behind film. Many times the ideology comes from the director or writer of the film. Film can be a medium to express one's views on topics and themes such as family, redemption, or trust. When watching a film, it is important to understand that the film may being trying to manipulate our feelings about certain topics. The film The Breakfast Club (1985) works to express how looking beyond stereotypical features and cliques can result in numerous realizations about one another. This is done through five high school students who don't know each other at all but receive a Saturday detention, giving them 8 hours to sit and "ponder the error of their ways", but eventually baring their souls to each other. 





Similar to ideology, Cultural Studies and National Cinema focused papers look at the society that made the film. This is when the films reflect the cultures and nations that they were produced in. Films are usually produced to appeal to a certain culture or society. For example, a French filmmaker would take a different approach to a movie than an American filmmaker would approach a movie. Especially in national cinema, films can show audiences what the culture is like in other countries beside our own.

Finally papers that look at auteurs focus on the body of work that the director has made and how they relate with each other to emphasize certain themes.This criticizes the film as the view of a single person, usually the director. Many times, directors use similar techniques in making their films such as recurring plot structure, themes, and types of conflicts.When discussing Auteur one must consider that film is still collaborative, because people such as the make-up, cinematographer, editor all have a part in the final product.

Annotating a film sequence is like taking notes, except with a film. It can be a very helpful technique to efficiently articulate your ideas when writing about a film. This technique is done by taking notes on individual shots or certain shot sequences of the film. Especially when looking at excerpts of film, noting down the certain aspects and adding notes to significant shots is effective in breaking down a sequence, which can help to delve deeper in a specific scene's meaning and/or purpose.

When thinking beyond the frame one should consider other aspects that do not pertain to a certain shot or scene. One should question who made the film. The scene might have similar themes or motif that relate to other movies made by the same director. Factors like sound, production history, and expert opinions on the film. A film is much more than the film itself. External factors play a big role in defining the film and what it come to represent, outside of the subject matter

Trailer Review: The Avengers

Joss Whedon's The Avengers (2012) is a film in which incorporates and unites some of Marvel's finest superheroes into one alliance know as The Avengers.

Narrative: The trailer for The Avengers reveals enough narrative to entice viewers with some of the film's most dynamic and attention grabbing scenes, but simultaneously conceals details to leave audience members wanting to watch the whole movie. Through this trailer we can depict the initial story line, but also have many questions as to why things are so. How did these heroes join alliances? Why are they fighting? Who are they fighting against? The trailer successfully creates narrative due to how it attracts audience members into wanting to watch more.

Mis en Scene: Consisting of explosions, fighting, and chaotic scattering, the mis en scene of this trailer emphasizes the action packed nature of the city in which it takes place in. Raging fires, crashing, flipping cars, and crowds dispersing in fear are all evidences to a corrupt city in danger, bringing out the idea that this movie is filled with scenes of action and an incorporation of sci fi. It also gives the plot a sense of back story. With the streets and buildings vastly destroyed along with unknown, futuristic flying robots, viewers know that the main characters aren't your average citizens.        

Cinematography: As demonstrated throughout the trailer, the cinematography glorifies all the action sequences through dynamic tracking shots. Simultaneously, there are numerous close-ups to create a sense of intensity in terms of capturing a characters true emotions whether it being, suspicious, angry, or determined. During intense scenes such as explosions, the cinematographer creates shaky movements to establish a sense that the action is real. There are also a number of skyscraper shots to create a source of establishment in terms of setting and mood.

Edit: As normally exemplified in action movies, there are numerous quick cuts in fighting and running scenes to glorify the action and intensity within the film. One essential factor to editing would be the CGI. Animations of robots, explosions, and weapons are created in the edit to create a sci fi feel. For those of you who are fans of the works of Marvel, the CGI performed in this trailer seems familiar to add to the superhero feel of the narrative.  

Sound Design: The sound design within this trail was executed successfully in terms of musical score, sound effects and dialogue. The sound effects are well done with the sounds of explosions, fighting impacts, and weapon bursts considering the weapons rather appear to be quite futuristic. The dialogue was created so all audio levels were even and able to be audible over musical score, obtain the dramatic intent. In terms of musical score, choice of soundtracks were perfect to preserve the mood of action and intensity. It helped convey the fast paced movement of the trailer along with the character's actions.   

Documentary Preproduction - BayKids

Purpose: The purpose of our documentary is to inform the audience about a world of children who are in intensive care and want to show their creativeness through the art of film making. They are young and their lives are not as easy as it might have been for us all. “BayKids is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of hospitalized children by teaching them a wide range of movie making skills and helping them discover the power of self-expression” and we want to help support them by getting the word out.

Contacts:
415-561-6262  --BayKids
devora@Baykids.org

Interview Questions:
To Adults working at BayKids:
How did BayKids get started?
How do the kids get funding for their projects?
How can others help BayKids improve?
What about your job is the most rewarding?
How has BayKids benefited you?

To Parents (if possible):
How do you feel about BayKids?
How were the first few days of the diagnostics like?
Were there any physical or emotional changes in your son/daughter at BayKids?

To the kids:
Have you made any videos before? If so, what was your favorite and what was it about?
How has film making helped you?
What type of movies do you like?

What do you like best about making videos?

Shot List:
Opening
- LS and ELS of empty streets of SF
- LS of BayKids building

B-Roll
- MS & CU kids with video cameras
- ECU of the eyes of the kids
- kids sitting in bed
- kids going under regular check up (maybe)

Interviews
- MS/CU (don’t know the location yet so it is hard to imagine where everything will be placed)

General Flow:
The documentary will open up with quiet, empty streets. This emphasizes the loss of livelihood missing in the shots. What’s missing are the people and therefore, the children who are facing life threatening conditions in the BayKids hospital. It is very unlikely that the opening will be narrated because we want the interviews to speak for themselves and describe the situation. After the street, the BayKids building will be shown to establish the location and also to show the facility. Most likely, an interviewee’s voice would be heard already and the camera would go to that person describing the location. After an interview with an adult, we will talk to kids and ask their personal opinion on movie making. Relevant B-Roll that we capture will be placed for every interview to illustrate the point even further. The documentary will end with a serious note and most like a text at the end saying that BayKids needs your help.

Scripts:
Questions to ask people we are interviewing, voice overs, musical score, templates for names of people we interview.

Production Schedule:
We will film from the 7-9 of December and dedicate the rest of the week to editing the film to finish by the 14th of December.