Narrative and Film Extract

Psycho is constructed in a linear narrative pattern with touches of a uniqueness within the story. Psycho is organized by plot sequence. The film is based primarily on cause and effect. We see an event such as Ms. Crane stealing the money, then we see the consequences of it and her motives and what she plans on doing in the future. This example of a MacGuffins helps to propel the plot and these shots are part of the films most interesting scene where she is running away. It is also based on time sequence because we never jump to flashbacks or the past other than when Norman tells us of his past. The way in which Alfred Hitchcock presents this order of events is really interesting because of the events that happen in his characters lives. For example, Marion Crane is killed very early in the story. For me it was actually like two movies joined together, one being a sequel to the first. When she is killed, the protagonist eventually dies and the rest of the story is very entertaining which was was not common in this era. Foreshadowing plays a large role in the movie. I found some quotes that highlight foreshadowing, after a second time of seeing the movie, are “We all go a little mad sometimes,” “A boys best friend is his mother,” and “I must have one of those faces you can't help believing". All of these quotes serve to help the reader create thoughts about the present and use these hints to learn more about what happens later on in the story. Also, there is the famous example of the bird scene when Marion and Bates first meet at the motel. 


The nature of the our engagement with the story is very interesting because Hitchcock is able to create such a reaction that it impacts the viewer. This is truly evident in the character Norman bates who is the owner and operator of the Bates motel. This is where Marion stops the night during her escape because she has been driving for countless hours and there is a storm on the same night. When we meet Norman, Hitchcock creates sympathy for him because he is a lonely character. Also, we are told that the poor guy lives with his “mother”. What could be worse than that? He is very courteous and shows a lot of respect and kindness towards his newly introduced guest. He  For example, the audience can build sympathy for the character of psychotic murderer Norman Bates. He talks very politely and shy and we gain a sense of trust in him and we know nothing can possibly be wrong in this character. But soon we realize that is exactly the case. We see his attraction towards Marion when he asks her if she would like to spend the night with him and have dinner together. Then we learn about his darker side when the shocking murder, well not really shocking to the audience of the time because Hitchcock was known widely for his thriller films, takes place. After this, there are many hints that tell us more about his true identity such as his obsession with birds and taxidermy. We also learn about his mother who is really him in the end. He has literally gone psycho and has mental problems which allow him to think he has two different personalities  within his single scrawny body.

 
The casting and the nature of the relationships in the film can be explored in the film's narrative and themes. The casting was very important in the film. Hitchcock used Norman’s seemingly innocent and shy character for a reason which was to create suspense and make that final twist when we realize who the actual murderer is. Yes, its the mama’s boy people. Marion and her really friendly man friend were used to show the motive for the escape. She saw an opportunity to be with him and help him out so she stole the $40,000 dollars from her boss and took off. She switched cars and then she was free. She lands at this motel, and eventually is killed there. Hitchcock wanted to use a working woman so she could be related to in the audience which would make the story more realistic. Also, the casting of the mother was very important. Even though there were no actual scenes or shots with her character incorporated, her presence was very important to the understanding of the film. Hitchcock himself, as shown in the documentary we had the pleasure of viewing in class, didn’t tell the rest of his crew about this during the production! Her character relates to the ongoing theme of lying and these absurd psychological behaviors shown in Norman Bates.