Individually you will need to produce a talking head style recorded critique of Psycho (1960) for a YouTube channel called ‘Gen Z Film Critics’ aimed at young cinephiles, (duration 20 mins). Alternatively (if you prefer)– A written report Task 4 Within this film critique you will need to address the following: Genre Developing Representation Responses to Narrative
Media Semiotics Auteur theory Products Ideologies
Hand in date Thursday 7th January 2021 1.30 pm
A presenter in a television programme who speaks directly to the audience and Talking head who is usually shown only from the shoulders Identify codes and conventions of the horror genre and how or if these relate to Psycho How are these codes and conventions used when representing characters? Use examples from other horror films for comparison and Genre discussion Think about how the horror genre has changed and progressed over the years (slasher, spoofs, parodies, blood etc.) What does the audience expect to see and what will they experience, consider how/where would they typically view it? Explore the messages and values of the film by analysing who or what is being represented (consider issues of Gender, Race, Location, stereotypes etc...). Representation Think about how representation has changed over the years (this film was made in 1960!), for example: representation of women in the context of the roles of women in 1950s society and also Laura Mulvey’s Male gaze theory. Has society and the audience changed since this film was made? Ideologies Are we more or less sensitive to the content? Why? Consider how the film constructs its story How does the narrative engage the viewer? Use narrative theories and examples of other films to support your claims Narrative Explore the techniques used (single or multi-strand narrative? Linear or non-linear narrative? Use of flashbacks, cut-scenes, voice-over etc...) Consider what symbolic codes have been used throughout and what message they may convey to the audience. Use these symbolic codes to support your discussion of narrative Semiotics and representation, how do they help the film progress and engage the audience How can the use of semiotics help us understand the characters? Consider also Iconic codes, Indexal signs, enigma codes Discuss the relationship of the auteur (director) and psycho Auteur theory Compare this film to other Hitchcock films, are there any similarities or major differences? Give examples to support your arguments and be critical! Justify your points using supporting arguments and examples, explain precisely what it is about it that exemplifies the point it illustrates. Be very clear about your points, explain in detail! Points Examples Explanations Tips Use technical vocabulary correctly and confidently at all times. Use Movie stills or clips to illustrate your points so that the viewer can understand easily your points. This is a film critique NOT just a film review and must include all of the elements discussed previously. Add the following to your website under the title: Task 4 Developing Responses to Media Products Submission 1. A link to your YouTube recording (if recording) 2. A copy of your script (if recording) or your written report Some examples of Horror critiques: https://youtu.be/ubNKSgdT1FQ Get Out (2017) Additional https://youtu.be/xm-9E275D9c Psycho (1960)