Task - pick either A or B:

A: Assess the reasons why Psycho has such an impact on the horror genre.

B: In what ways does the horror genre cater more for an adult audience during the 1960s? Explain why this shift occurs.

Due: Friday October 4th

Length: around 1500 words (please put a word count at the end)

DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE BOOK (ie not just be websites or handouts)

TOP TIP: Before writing about Hitchcock, try reading "Startle and The Film Threat Scene". Actually, you should read it anyway as it is a brilliant article :)

Approach

Task A:

You should consider the following issues and ideas (this is not an exhaustive list):

  • Definition of terms - what exactly was the impact that Psycho had - why is it considered such an important film? Can you draw comparisons with recent movies? For instance, why was a shot-for-shot remake made by Gus Van Sant in 1998?
  • Production context - who made Psycho and what constraints did he face? You will need to research to background to production quite extensively. Don't forget the soundtrack
  • Film Analysis - you will need to take a couple of key scenes from the movie and analyse them in detail, in order to demonstrate how Hitchcock rewrote the genre rules
  • Audience expectation - how was hype used to promote the movie and what consequences does this have for subsequent horror films
  • CONCLUSION: Sum up why Psycho is considered such an important film - but remember that you should be reiterating your OWN reasons why(based on all that research you've done), not simply parrotting the views of someone else

Task B:

Think about the following

  • Definition of terms - genre is a fluid concept, and successful genres continually evolve. Explain why
  • Socio-historic context - don't get too lost (ie limit this to one paragraph) but you should be clear on your 20th century history. Get reading Passing Parade in C31. Don't forget television.
  • Key films: Which films cater to a more adult audience? Why are they made? How successful are they?
  • Your evidence: What evidence is there (in the films themselves, in the marketing campaigns, in the reviews and articles written about them) to suggest that the statement contained in the question is true?
  • Conclusion: Sum up the shift that happens between the drive in teen fodder of the late 1950s and a film like Rosemary's Baby

Good luck!!

 

 

 

1960s

 

 

1970s