Psycho Shower Scene - Mrs Frisender

How is editing used to enhance the conventions in the Psycho Shower Scene?

Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock was one of the first films to use generic conventions to enhance the audiences experience while watching the film. Low key lighting is used in the scene to create shadows. The use of shadows creates a sense of darkness and mystery upon the viewers. The audience are therefore left to feel on edge and eerie as they prepare for the big shock of the scene. Also in the scene the antagonists identity is hidden from the audience. The audience are presented with a silhouette of the antagonist behind the curtain which also evokes a sense of mystery. The audience respond by feeling frightened and nervous as they put themselves in the woman's position.

At the end of the scene a close up shot of the woman's eye is used to convey to the audience that she is dead. The effect of the shot means the viewers feel as though they are in the room with the woman. Heightening the shock that the woman has just been killed. This allows the audience to feel part of the scene and the whole aspect becomes extremely realistic for them.  They therefore feel shocked and uncomfortable after just witnessing the unexpected murder of the innocent female victim.

During the climax of the scene non-diegetic music is used to enhance the atmosphere created. The audience hear the high pitched ambient soundtrack which is at its highest peak during the murder of the innocent female. As the soundtrack is in sync with the sequence the audience are presented with it heightens the viewers suspense levels as their experience is enhanced and the scene feels all too realistic for them. They respond by feeling frightened and shocked of the occurrence that just happened and are left anticipating the outcome of the film. They also feel anxious and uneasy as the victim was murdered in her own home, as the viewers usually feel safe and secure in the comfort of their homes.

Alfred Hitchcock was the first director to use such explicit shots within Psycho. When the antagonist enters the room the audience see he is holding a knife. This immediately notifies them that something dangerous is going to happen. They therefore are on the edge of their seats and their suspense levels are sky high as they sit back and anticipate the outcome to be over.  After opening the curtain the antagonist begins to repeatedly stab the innocent woman. The audience are presented with shots of blood streaming down the bath which was extremely unusual for that era. The viewers are therefore surprised and disgusted at what they are witnessing and are left frightened and feeling uncomfortable of having to watch the murder of this woman. However the use of these explicit shots heightens the audiences thrill and experience as they enjoy the thriller.