Psycho

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
  1. Identify and describe the setting(s):
  2. Identify and DESCRIBE the following characters:
    A. Marion Crane:
    B. Sam Loomis:
    C. Norman Bates:
    D. Mrs. Bates:
    E. Arbogast:
    F. Lila Crane:
    G. Sheriff Chambers:
  3. Which character is the protagonist?
  4. List the major events of the story plotline:
  5. Make notes on the following nine film elements:
    A. Theme--note how the following motifs and symbols occur in Psycho and comment on how they add to the meaning of the film:
    1. The appearance of the film credits
    2. Mirrors:
    3. Birds:
    4. "Voyeurism":
    B. Plot-- Alfred Hitchcock once said,
    "You have to remember that Psycho is a film made with quite a sense of amusement on my part. To me, it's a fun picture. The process through which we take the audience, you see is rather like taking them through the haunted house at the fairground."

    Comment on what this means after viewing the film.
    C. Script-- How does the script bring out the theme of the movie? Also note the conversations early in the film that mention hotels and motels.
    D. Setting, costumes, and make up--How does the setting add to the mood?
    E. Sound--note how the music affects the film:
    F. Photography--why does Hitchcock use black and white photography? Note any unusual uses of the camera:
    G. Direction--Give evidence to show how much control Hitchcock has over his film:
    H. Editing--note how editing affects the rhythm and flow of the film. Take special note during the famous shower scene.
    This is a clickable Map

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