Socio-Cultural Influences in Psycho

"David Thomson, author of The Moment of Psycho: How Alfred Hitchcock Taught America to Love Murder, has said [the shower scene] still ranks 'legitimately among the most violent scenes ever shot for an American film'" (BBC News Magazine). This film was a reflection of the era of the late 1950s. The film's dark tone, mystery, non-linear narrative, and its theme playing around with the concept of multiple identity appealed to the mass audiences. One of the film's primary theme included that challenges of the "American way of life" (Hitchcock's America). During this era, America was getting closer and closer to war with Russia. This was the beginning of the prime years of the Col War. In the film, Hitchcock expresses this issue through the character of Marion Crane. Crane is a character who appears to have good morals, but inside she surrenders to the voice that tells her to take the $40,000 and start her live over. She gives up reputation to get the chance to live the American dream. Although, that does come with consequences. Her death, in a way, symbolizes the shock in society. It's Hitchcock's statement that no matter how sane society may same, when the opportunity arises, a second persona comes alive that makes quick irrational decisions that can haunt your world. When Marion is running away with the money, the voices in her head are her second persona that creates events that have not occurred yet. The echo of those voices signify that they keep coming back no matter how much Marion tries to ignore them.

Psycho takes place in Phoenix Arizona and someplace near California or Nevada is where the Bates Motel should be. I feel that the geographical area itself did not have any significance to the story or any underlying message. However, the isolated location of the Bates Motel and Marion Crane's drive on the isolated freeway illustrates the loneliness she feels. She is trying to fulfilled that emptiness with the money and the thoughts of being with her boyfriend, yet she realizes that that can never be.

One question that the film addresses is that do we all have the potential to become mentally unstable and turn into a psycho? Obviously the inspiration of this question was Ed Gein. This American murderer and body snatcher eventually led to the creation of the character of Norman Bates. Bates, who is introduced as a kind, simple young man actually turns out to be a disturbed murderer. Even though the audience suspects him for killing Marion Crane, he still remains a sympathetic character. For example, Bates cleans up any sign of Marion's murder in the shower, puts her in trunk of her car, and goes to sink it in the swamp. While the car is sinking, there is a small halt in its movement. It feel, just for a moment, that it is not going to sink and we see that through Bates' reaction. This moment is a clear indication that we want that car to sink. The audience begins to feel sympathetic towards Bates and want to see him get away with this. Although this is a manipulation by Hitchcock, it is an indication that there is an evil side to everyone. The fact that Norman looks so normal is another commentary on how crazy doesn't have a face. It can be inside any and all of us.


Psycho is considered a "classic" in the evolution of genre. The reason it is a classic is because it borrowed primitive techniques from past films, but it managed to tell a story like no one had seen come together before. The reason people look back at the film today not only for study of its structure, but also for enjoyment clearly states that Psycho is indeed a "classic."


Although the themes of Psycho applies to almost every human being on the planet, it is specific to the American culture. This is mainly because it takes place in America. Psycho can be predicted to have the estimated audience of both males and females above the age of 13. It was believed that showing that the film has a female lead would attract more female viewers and for the most part it did work. Although the audience number grew, it grew mainly due to the fascination with the story and the character more than the talk about the stars who played those roles.


Sources:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8593508.stm

http://chs.schoolloop.com/file/1093918504865/7649502902666512995.pdf