Psycho
- Alfred Hitchcock
Writing Task
In 1960, Alfred Hitchcock changed the way audiences saw films when he created the
psychological thriller, Psycho. Because the movie was expected to break many of the social
norms of appropriateness: showing a toilet on camera, scantily clad women, no movie
producers would pay to have the film made. Hitchcock decided to not only direct the film,
but to finance it himself. His plan was to make a movie that was not just entertaining, but
one that would show the major Hollywood players his skill. To do so, he controlled every
aspect of the film’s design.
Write an essay that analyzes how Hitchcock used cinematic elements of shots, camera
angles, camera movement, editing, lighting, and sound in order to manipulate and control
mood, and in turn, the audience. Please include in your analysis, thoughtful descriptions of
imagery, characterization, and mood to help prove your points.
Your essay should follow a structure similar to the following outline:
I. Introduction
A. Hook
B. TAGS
C. Thesis
II. Body
A. Topic Sentence
B. Example From Text (Quote or Paraphrase)
C. Explain Example
D. Analytical Comment (explain why, critique effectiveness, what does this mean?)
III. Conclusion
A. Explain Final Thoughts / Relate It To A Bigger Idea
B. Revisit Thesis