Storyboarding is a crucial step in the filmmaking process, allowing directors and writers to visualize the pacing, camera angles, and overall flow of a scene. One of the most iconic scenes in movie history is the shower scene from Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960). This scene is a masterclass in building tension, using montage editing, and manipulating the audience's emotions. Here's a breakdown of the 7 steps to storyboard the Psycho shower scene:
Step 1: Set the Scene
The first step in storyboarding the Psycho shower scene is to establish the setting. The scene takes place in a small, cramped bathroom at the Bates Motel. The camera pans across the room, showing the audience the shower, sink, and toilet. This establishing shot helps to create a sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability.
Step 2: Introduce the Character
The next step is to introduce the character of Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh. She enters the bathroom, exhausted and nervous, and begins to undress. The camera lingers on her face, capturing her emotions and creating a sense of empathy with the audience.
Step 3: Build Tension
As Marion begins to shower, the camera starts to build tension by using a series of quick cuts and close-ups. The audience is shown the water pouring down, the soap sudsing, and Marion's face contorted in relaxation. However, the camera also cuts to a series of ominous shots, including a close-up of the showerhead, a shot of the bathroom door, and a glimpse of the motel's exterior.
Step 4: The Murder
The most iconic moment in the scene comes when Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins, enters the bathroom and attacks Marion. The camera uses a series of rapid cuts and montage editing to convey the chaos and violence of the moment. The audience is shown a flurry of images, including the knife, Marion's face, and the shower curtain.
Step 5: The Aftermath
After the murder, the camera slows down, and the audience is shown the aftermath of the crime. The bathroom is left in disarray, with water still pouring from the showerhead and Marion's body slumped against the wall. The camera lingers on the scene, allowing the audience to process what has just occurred.
Step 6: The Cleanup
The final step in the scene is the cleanup. Norman is shown meticulously cleaning the bathroom, washing away any evidence of the crime. The camera uses a series of close-ups and medium shots to convey Norman's meticulousness and obsessive personality.
Step 7: The Final Shot
The final shot of the scene is a close-up of the drain, with the water swirling down and the camera lingering on the sound of the water. This shot is a masterclass in symbolism, representing the washing away of guilt and the destruction of evidence.
The Psycho shower scene is a masterclass in building tension, using montage editing, and manipulating the audience's emotions. By following these 7 steps, filmmakers can create a scene that is both terrifying and unforgettable.
What is the significance of the Psycho shower scene?
+The Psycho shower scene is significant because it is a masterclass in building tension, using montage editing, and manipulating the audience's emotions. It is also a pivotal moment in the film, marking the turning point in the story and setting the tone for the rest of the movie.
What is the name of the actress who played Marion Crane in Psycho?
+The actress who played Marion Crane in Psycho is Janet Leigh.
What is the name of the actor who played Norman Bates in Psycho?
+The actor who played Norman Bates in Psycho is Anthony Perkins.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to storyboarding the Psycho shower scene. If you have any further questions or would like to share your own experiences with storyboarding, please leave a comment below.