The film Psycho, released in 1960 by director Alfred Hitchcock, still remains as one of the most popular thrillers of movie history. One of the most compelling themes throughout the film that gives it so much hype is the use of music in relation to plot. Leading character, Marian while showering there is no use of non-diegetic sound. However, once the murderer which we find out to later be Norman, opens the bathroom curtain, a spike in music and loud non diegetic sounds are heard. The decision to not play the loud music before she was stabbed was actually a lot more powerful than the suspicious anxious music usually played before something bad happens. The avoidance of non-diegetic sound actually makes the viewer feel as though he or she is actually there, while most of the time the non-diegetic sound can be distracting or take away from the legitimacy of the scene. Another instance where non-diegetic sound is used is when the detective is climbing up the steps of Norman's house, and while slowly climbing, we hear slow violin instrumental playing in the background. Although I mentioned that the avoidance of non-diegetic sound before the murder in the previous scene with Marion was very effective, I actually think the use of nondiegetic sound in the detective scene is very effective as well. The reason being is that, while Marion is in the shower, we can see Norman through the curtain and know the murder is seconds away from happening. On the other hand, with the detective, although we can most likely guess that he will be stabbed within moments, we cannot see anything else but him in the shot, therefore we are left much more curious about when the stabbing or murder will happen. Therefore, the non-diegetic music does a great job at building up our suspicion. In your opinion, is the use of non-diegetic sound effective or distracting? When is it effective? When can it be distracting?
I really liked how you chose to explore, in depth, how the use of non-diegetic vs. diegetic sound affects the viewer. The use of non-diegetic sound was, I think, the most powerful tool that Hitchcock used to create suspense. I believe that the film wouldn't have been as scary if it wasn't accompanied by these various sounds and music. So, no, I don't think it was distracting at all. I think in other films, I could see how it may prove to be distracting, but I don't think this was the case in Psycho. I thought that it was most effective in the two murder scenes you mentioned, but also, the scene where Marion is changing and Norman looks in on her, uses it well to create suspense.
I agree when you say that the use of non-diegetic sounds can make the audience feel like they are actually there. I think the use of the real life sounds makes the film seem so much more real and hits close to home for almost everyone because everyone takes a shower and hears those exact sounds while showering. No one has a soundtrack playing while they are doing everyday things, so for Hitchcock to not put in music during some of the more anxiety-creating scenes makes it all the more real for the audience.
I think that non-digetic sound is what really classified this film as a horror film. Because it is shot in black and white, and the effects aren't as developed as they are today, if there were no suspenseful music during the scenes of murder or leading up to murder for example, the audience wouldn't have had the same impact because they would be dull and wouldn't seem too "professional". From an avid watcher of horror films, I generally like non-digetic sounds being included because it helps create suspense and a feel for the scene.
I really liked how you chose to explore, in depth, how the use of non-diegetic vs. diegetic sound affects the viewer. The use of non-diegetic sound was, I think, the most powerful tool that Hitchcock used to create suspense. I believe that the film wouldn't have been as scary if it wasn't accompanied by these various sounds and music. So, no, I don't think it was distracting at all. I think in other films, I could see how it may prove to be distracting, but I don't think this was the case in Psycho. I thought that it was most effective in the two murder scenes you mentioned, but also, the scene where Marion is changing and Norman looks in on her, uses it well to create suspense.
ReplyDeleteI agree when you say that the use of non-diegetic sounds can make the audience feel like they are actually there. I think the use of the real life sounds makes the film seem so much more real and hits close to home for almost everyone because everyone takes a shower and hears those exact sounds while showering. No one has a soundtrack playing while they are doing everyday things, so for Hitchcock to not put in music during some of the more anxiety-creating scenes makes it all the more real for the audience.
ReplyDeleteI think that non-digetic sound is what really classified this film as a horror film. Because it is shot in black and white, and the effects aren't as developed as they are today, if there were no suspenseful music during the scenes of murder or leading up to murder for example, the audience wouldn't have had the same impact because they would be dull and wouldn't seem too "professional". From an avid watcher of horror films, I generally like non-digetic sounds being included because it helps create suspense and a feel for the scene.
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