Psycho - Similar Film Analysis

Psycho’s opening sequence is visually minimal and its music is simplistic. Nonetheless, it leaves a lasting impression, sets the tone of the film and leaves plenty to the audience’s imagination. 

The grey lines that are used in transitions between titles are reflective of character Norman Bates’ dual personality; this is exemplified through the contrast of the grey to the black. Although these grey lines never break formation, they come in with different paths and split in half, vertically, horizontally etc. It’s quite unpredictable and this denotes Norman Bates’ impulsive and unstable mentality. This is also effectively quite disorienting for the audience and foreshadows the revelation of his alter-ego. They also resemble the bars of a cage also linking to the idea that the character is imprisoned by their own thoughts. 

The audience are introduced to the high-pitched screeches of a violin. This fast-paced, repetitive arrangement of interspersing varied notes and low humming in the background plays throughout the opening and selected scenes in the film. This generates unease and creates a sense of fear and uncertainty of each name/title that appears on screen. Each rise in pitch and volume in the music that accompanies the text allows the audience to associate that name with danger. This works well when the film title ‘Psycho’ appears. This also determines the genre that is the traditional thriller and builds suspense for an anticipated tragedy. Whether the music takes them by surprise, it is quite unsettling overall.