This document analyzes the micro elements used in the opening scene of the film "Psycho". It discusses the black and white aerial setting showing California suburbs. Props like a jug and cups are used to emphasize what the male character is doing for the female. Costumes are portrayed as very sexual with minimal clothing showing a close relationship. Shots include a lady looking up at a man talking, a close up showing intimacy, a medium shot capturing the situation, a long shot showing where she will enter, and a pan shot of the environment. Cuts are used to show the characters talking and being intimate. The pace is very fast with many cuts in a short time making the meaning more effective. Physical expressions, vocal delivery

1. Understanding Micro Elements In
Film Openings
‘Physco’
Tyrisha Lendor-Black

2. Setting
The setting of this film is very dull as it is in black and
white. The shot shows buildings from an aerial view
which gives off a feel of the California suburbs.

3. Props
In the opening scene props such as a
jug, sandwiches and cups are used for emphasis.
This is to show what the male is doing for her.

4. Costumes/Make-Up
The costumes is portrayed as very sexual. Both of the characters are in minimal
clothing which shows that they have a close relationship.

5. Figure expression and movement
In this shot the lady is looking up at the man listening to what he has to say to
her whilst he is looking down at her talking to her. This slightly shows that the
man is in higher authority within the situation.

6. Close up
A close up is used in this scene to show the intimacy between the two

7. Medium shot
A medium shot is used for this scene in order to
capture the actually effect of the situation that is going
on.

8. Long shot
A long shot is used here to show where she is about to
enter but also to show her.

9. Pan
This pan shot is used to show the environment in which the film is actually
set in.

10. Cut
Cut is used to not only show both characters talking to each other but give
more personal shots of them within this and then going back to them being
intimate again.

11. Pace
The actual pace of the movie is very fast, this is because
there are a lot of cuts that appear in a short period
of time which allow the film actually meaning to the
film to become more effective.

12. Performance
• Physical expression – the physical expression is also very clear,
they are always touching each other or pointing something
out within the room.
• Vocal delivery – the vocal delivery is very clear considering
that the film is in black and white; you are able to hear
everything and become engaged.
• Interaction – the interaction between the two characters is
very close and personal, you can tell that there is some sort of
close chemistry between them.