http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tek8QmKRODw
Psycho (1960)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Drama/Horror/Mystery Thriller
Camera - Graphics are used throughout the opening scene instead of the camera. The graphics are simple yet create an unnerving feeling as the audience will be questioning what is happening or going to happen. The director has used this method to enhance the feel of the unknown and mystery.
Editing - In the opening scene, the first thing the audience sees is a black screen which turns green. It is then split by parallel, horizontal lines which enter from the right hand side of the screen. The colours and words on the screen which appear are always followed by the split down the middle using the different colours apart from the directors name whicvh is used in contrast and left on the screen for a lot longer than the rest of the opening titles. The splitting of colours in the opening title sequence connotes the idea of a split personality linking in the with what is usually thought to be a 'pyscho'. The simple method used by Hitchcock enforces and re-enforces the idea of the film without having to show any images or characters of the film.
Sound - The non-diegetic music used in the opening of the film is parallel and fits in with the images shown on the screen. The music has a harsh tone with connotes danger and panic. The music enables us to think this by the quick pace and particular instruments which create a certain gripping tone to the sound. The music in the opening, fits into the conventions of a thriller.
Mise-en-scene - There are only graphics shown throughout the scene which have the connotations of split personalities.
