Ramsaran 1 Ajay Ramsaran ENG 4U1.1 S. Poirier 14 January 2022 Film Analysis of Psycho – Lighting and Colour Psycho is a horror film written in 1960 by Alfred Hitchcock. In Psycho the audience is introduced to Marion Crane, a secretary at a real estate firm, Marion is tasked with depositing forty-thousand dollars into the bank, however this is a turning point in the movie, as she chooses to steal the money and leave town. On the run, Marion decides to spend the night at a desolate motel in which she meets the owner and operator, Norman Bates. After Marion is murdered at the motel by an unknown figure, a private investigator comes to find Marion, he is subsequently murdered in the same fashion. Finally, Marions sister, Lila Crane, and Paramour, Sam Loomis, go in search of her, they reveal that the murderer is Norman Bates who suffers from dissociative identity disorder and assumes the personality of his deceased mother who murders all his victims out of jealousy. It is observed throughout the movie that lighting is used to evoke emotion. The colour white is often used in films to convey security, while black creates a sense of fear. Before Lila and Sam go in search of Marion, they visit the sheriff for help. Although it is nighttime and subsequently pitch-black outside, the sheriffs house is so heavily lit with artificial lighting that even shadows are barely present inside. This portrayal of light snuffing out the darkness is directly related to the role of the sheriff who acts as Fairvilles protector. Since Psycho is a horror film, the audience is constantly scared in anticipation of the horrors to come, but while the audience watches Lila and Sam make their plea to the sheriff, they are filled with a sense of Ramsaran 2 security and relief, in knowing that the characters are safe under the sheriffs shelter. Hitchcock effectively uses lighting to manipulate the emotions of the audience. During the film, colour is used to symbolise the idea of good versus evil. Hitchcock uses the colour black to represent evil, and the colour white to symbolise purity and innocence. Marion is dressed in white before she steals the money, but upon robbing her employers, she changes into black before escaping Fairville. Marion is introduced as a pure and innocent woman, and this idea is illustrated by her initial white clothing. However, Marion becomes corrupt by money as she ruins her employers reputation, and runs away from her old life, leaving her friends and family behind, all for the sake of wealth. Marions corruption is an example of evil dominating good, and this domination is shown through Marions change of wardrobe, as she changes from white to black, her good nature becomes venal. Hitchcock uses the contrast of black and white to symbolise Marions change in character. In conclusion, Alfred Hitchcock effectively uses lighting and colour to demonstrate and represent mood, atmosphere and emotion throughout the horror film, Psycho. Hitchcock uses lighting to evoke a sense of security within the audience, adding a sense of relief while the sheriff is on screen. Hitchcock also uses colour the portray the battle between good and evil throughout the film. Hitchcock masterfully uses lighting and colour, proving that, if applied correctly, they can manipulate the audiences subconscious.
