Hitchcock- Genre and Audience

Alfred Hitchcock s "Psycho" is a 1960 horror movie that defined a new genre, the slasher. It is the roots of modern horror, and is regarded as one of the greatest horror classic of all time. It also was ground breaking for its time, using techniques never before seen in cinema. The film falls under the horror sub-category of physiological thriller. As a horror film, suspense leading up to a murder are a staple of this genre. Dialogue also plays a huge role in the physiological thriller genre as it builds on  the mental troubles of the unstable characters. Visually, masked figures, silhouettes  low key lighting, and over creepy set design create elements of horror that we are used to as an audience.

The movie is based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch and the screenplay was by Joseph Stefano. This novel was also influenced by Ed Gein, who was a murderer and grave robber that lived close to Bloch in Wisconsin. In addition Norman Bates was also a murderer in a rural area. The film actually alludes to several other works,this includes Marion, who's character was influenced by Persephone, in Greek mythology. This is seen in the flower wall paper room, this representing Persephone's flowers, but they are only reflected in mirrors. Furthermore the section of the film when we see Marion's eye still open after she is killed was taken from La Dolce Vita when the sea creature's eye is left open in the end of this film.

Hitchcock is widely known as the "master of suspense" by critics and theater-going folk, due to his choice to usually make such films exclusively. The choice of black and whit in such an era really shows its lower budget, yet it really adds to the atmosphere of the film. In fact the man himself was quoted as saying that they couldn't shoot in color even if they had the money, it would have been too violent. However, his budget was very low, in a Hitchcock sort of style. Alfred Hitchcock made this film for the adult audience. It fulfills the wants of the mature horror audience, by providing sexual reference and innuendo, blood and gore.

The film revolves around the theme of double identity. All the characters in the film are leading double lives, from the protagonist Marion Crane to her lover, Sam, to Norman Bates Himself all characters
 Marion leaves her job to be with her lover during lunch, and likewise Sam of course, has a lover. Norman Bates is of course, well, I wont spoil it. You have to watch it from the beginning you know.