Does psycho follow thriller conventions?
One of the conventions of a thriller is frequent action, psycho follows this convention is fairly action packed, especially for its time. Throughout psycho the protagonist is always in danger whether it be Marion or Detective Arbogast.
Another feature of a thriller is fast pacing. Psycho is a fast paced film, again, considering when it was made. The film was never short of action and it progressed at a good pace.
Also, in a thriller the characters are supposed to be smart and resourceful, this adds to the tension as the villain can outsmart the protagonist. Norman Bates isn't the smartest character but his awkwardness makes him scary anyway so he doesn't need to be smart.
Psycho doesn't have a driven villain but Norman Bates is a great villain nonetheless.
Suspense is needed in thrillers as it breaks down the action and makes the audience feel as though they are in the situation of the protagonist. A red herring is used to mislead or confuse the audience. In psycho the red herring is Norman's mother. Psycho also has a good cliffhanger with the idea that Norman Bates is still mentally unstable.
Use of McGuffin.
A McGuffin is what starts the plot of the film but in the end has nothing to do with the plot. In psycho the McGuffin is the stealing of the money, by the end of the film nobody seems to care about the money.
Narrative Theories
Equilibrium- at the start of the film all is calm and seemingly normal until an event disrupts the flow of the film.
Disruption- In this case the disruption was Marion stealing the money. This drives the plot forward.
Attempt to restore order- The protagonist has to solve whatever it is that is wrong. In psycho this stage is when detective arbogast investigates the disappearance of Marion.
Equilibrium is restored but with changes- in this case norman is locked up and marion and arbogast is dead.
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