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.

Orphan - Similar Film Analysis

Orphan, 2009

In the opening sequence, an enigma is introduced through various shots of a character’s facial features without giving their identity away, giving enough for the audience to question who they are watching. From these shots we can see that the character is, quite carelessly, applying make-up. This implies that the character shouldn’t be using make up yet because of the age she appears to be, however is mature enough to know how to. She focusses primarily on her eyes and lips with the make-up; both considered to be attractive features on a woman. By accentuating these particular features, it gives us an idea of her intentions. She uses red lipstick and nail varnish; red connotes lust and seduction. However, to the audience it connotes more of a thirst for blood and danger. The white rose is symbolic of the antagonist’s innocent-looking exterior. It then starts to wilt and die which represents the unveiling of her true intentions and identity; she wasn’t what she appeared to be.

The edit is quite craggy and choppy which effectively gives the audience a feeling of unease and discomfort. This, in effect, foreshadows the film’s plot structure and its genre: thriller. Whereas, if the shots were smooth, it could convey a different type of film. This also gives us an insight into the antagonist’s thoughts; scattered and hectic.

The music is quite tense and sinister. A piano is abruptly introduced at the start and the same few notes are played repeatedly. This minimalistic arrangement creates a suspenseful feel to accompany the images, making it more intense. A xylophone plays a few high notes in the beginning and is commonly known as a child’s instrument as it is quite simple to play. There is a play on innocence and danger from this. There is also a woman’s voice softly singing in the background. Although it doesn’t overpower the music, it has quite an impact in creating a mood. This could also represent the female antagonist’s power.

Preliminary Task