Culture Reflections of Psycho
Hitchcock’s Psycho reflects many of the cultural “expectancies” of the timeframe, and displays the bold experiments sought by its producer. American filmmaking had not revolved around the horror genre, yet Psycho generated an onslaught of similar films, suggesting the perspectives on film experiences had been altered. Hitchcock’s own style of filmmaking varied as well, as the usual suspense was applied to further horrific scenes. “[Hitchcock’s films] unquestionably establishes [him] as an indispensable historian, critic, and analyst of American middle- class culture from the 1940s through the 1970s, and ratifies the importance in general of a socio-historical approach to the films of Hitchcock's major period.” (Hitchcock’s America, Jonathan Freedman, 58). When released, the film was revolutionary in the sense that it introduced many novice experiences of filmmaking, and began the “slasher” film genre. Therefore, the film not only displays many experiences linked to culture, it shows the evolution of publicly accepted film topics.
Hitchcock’s Psycho reflects many of the cultural “expectancies” of the timeframe, and displays the bold experiments sought by its producer. American filmmaking had not revolved around the horror genre, yet Psycho generated an onslaught of similar films, suggesting the perspectives on film experiences had been altered. Hitchcock’s own style of filmmaking varied as well, as the usual suspense was applied to further horrific scenes. “[Hitchcock’s films] unquestionably establishes [him] as an indispensable historian, critic, and analyst of American middle- class culture from the 1940s through the 1970s, and ratifies the importance in general of a socio-historical approach to the films of Hitchcock's major period.” (Hitchcock’s America, Jonathan Freedman, 58). When released, the film was revolutionary in the sense that it introduced many novice experiences of filmmaking, and began the “slasher” film genre. Therefore, the film not only displays many experiences linked to culture, it shows the evolution of publicly accepted film topics.
Psycho provides focus on society, and analyzes each; supplying large amounts of emphasis on corruption. Using such corruption as a major plot generator creates attention regarding the human ability to underestimate consequences; and more importantly to suggest that the human mind can produce justification for corruption. Using examples both from Marion’s theft of the forty grand, as well as Norman Bates’ excuses for the murder of Marion and many more, it is established that Hitchcock wishes Psycho to serve as a reminder of our ability to deem malicious deeds insignificant. Assuming this film’s themes reveal American cultural flaws, one may associate the lessons of corruption as applicable towards the audience; targeting the potential shame felt by offenders. Additionally the film offers the possible punishment of stealing $40,000!
No comments:
Post a Comment