"Psycho"

Paper Summary:

This paper shows how dress and costume is crucial to the promotion of the central themes and intentions of the film, "Psycho". The paper examines how, not only do the costumes used add to the atmosphere and realism of the movie, but also how the costumes are essential in terms of the final impact and meaning of the film. The paper explains that when the character of Norman Bates dresses as his mother, it is a complete transgression of normalcy and is diametrically opposed to the mundane costumes worn by the rest of the cast. The paper concludes that this contrast serves not only to heighten the horror and shock aspects of the film, but also functions to highlight and to provide insight into the twisted mind of Bates.

From the Paper:

"The image of Bates acting out a series of murders dictated by his own mind while dressed as his own mother is made visceral and horrifyingly tangible by the actual incongruity of the man in an ill - fitting and inappropriate dress. The costume that Bates wears is purposely mismatched in relation to his angular figure and creates a compelling physical image. There are also subtle touches in the way that Hitchcock chooses elements of the costume. For instance, the script make reference to the fact that he wears a "cheap" wig, which tends to direct our attention to the pathetic and deranged nature of his psychosis."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho - screenplay. Retrieved 1 September, 2006, from http://www.paradiselost.org/psycho.html
• Bell-Metereau, R. (1985). Hollywood Androgyny. New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved September 3, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=35339879
• Leff, L. J. (1999, August). Hitchcock and the Censors. World and I, 14, 108. Retrieved September 3, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002320907
• Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller. Retrieved September 3, 2006, from http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/051770112X

More papers on "Psycho":

• Film Review # 96560 : "Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho"
• Analytical Essay # 138869 : "Psycho" and Music"
• Research Paper # 70252 : "Psycho-Social Assessment"
• Film Review # 137171 : "Hitchcock's "Psycho" and the Origins of Modern Horror"

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