The cinema of the subconscious, cultural schizophrenia in Psycho’s visual design and the expectations of its audience

It is impossible to recreate the experience of the audiences who first flocked to see Psycho, unsure of what they were about to witness. Even if you have not already seen Psycho, you may well have heard a great deal about it – even its ending – but before you watch it in class, try to describe what expectations you have of the film.

What ideas does the title Psycho bring to mind? What emotions does the title create in you – excitement, dread, curiosity? Try to explain your response.

Look at the poster for the film. What do you notice about the lettering in the title graphics? What effect does the word ‘psycho’ have on you? Does it add to your expectations of the film? What does it suggest about the mind of or behaviour we can expect from the person to whom it refers?

Psycho is a fairly old film, first released 50 years ago this June. Do you expect that it will be old fashioned? In what ways?