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.