PSYCHO
D: Alfred Hitchcock (1960)
											
* 	contains arguably the most famous scene in film history, a series of short shots in a shower depicting what seems to be a brutal murder
*	shower scene has been mimicked and copied endlessly
	-	really becomes the first ‘slasher’ film within the horror genre
*	introduced us to Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins) and Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh, mother of Jamie Lee Curtis - who would go on to star in her own slasher film: Halloween)
*	Bernard Herrmann’s score for Psycho provides jarring, sharp theme to accompany shocking scenes	

*	hugely successful ($32 million + box office), but shocking to many 
*	shot in black and white to keep costs down, to compete with other b & w thrillers, and to avoid overly disturbing scenes 

Activities:
								
1.	In your group, go to the following web site:

http://borgus.com/hitch/hitch2011.htm	

There are 13 steps to making classic Hitchcockian films.  With your partner, explain how Hitchcock completes the step in both North by Northwest and Psycho.  Be prepared to share your findings with the class.

2.	Hitchcock chooses to use black and white in Psycho.  Explain how this is effective.  What would be altered if the film were shot in colour?  Would it be as effective?

3.	Explain an element of the symbolism behind the various birds at the Bates Hotel. 

4.	A) Choose a scene from Psycho and create a 4-frame storyboard of your own.  Incorporate elements of storyboards we’ve discussed previously.

	OR
	
B) Create a unique poster for the film featuring director, actors, and other key information.