Psycho & V for Vendetta Shower Scene Comparison

In V for Vendetta the shower sequence is very open, it captures the character in his bathroom alongside full television screens and large quantities of shower space. The main shots types used throughout the sequence are medium closeups and medium long shots. These help to reinforce the idea that it is fairly open and other aspects of the surroundings are captured in the framing used.

In Psycho the sequence is quite enclosed. This scene shows the character in the shower, through the use of closeups and extreme closeups. Filming the scene this way makes the audience more intimate with the character. This can be see as very voyeuristic, showing shots of the female character while she is naked and vulnerable in the shower. It is an invasion of her privacy, as she considers herself safe and secure in the protection of her home. Linked with voyeurism is the male gaze, viewing a woman from a heterosexual mans point of view. Like voyeurism, the male gaze bears sexual aspects seeing women as objects of male pleasure.

                 
In comparing V to Psycho in this aspect, Psycho is considered voyeuristic whilst V for Vendetta is not. As stated previously this refers to the different types of shots used in both sequences. Having a female as the character can be seen as more voyeuristic, on the basis it can be reinforced by the male gaze. Being closer to the character allows for details to be captured and a more intimate feel. There is also more frontality used in psycho, which makes the audience feel as though they are incorporated within the sequence. This is not the case in V for Vendetta as the character, when in the shower, spends the majority of the time with his back to the camera.

 
We also see how suspense is present in both sequences. This is seen through the shadow slowly emerging over the shower curtain, and the entrance of V using Evey's ID card. After seeing this, we begin to predict what will happen to the characters, who both eventually befall the same fate. At the moment conflict begins, we are greeted with a sudden appearance of the killer, breaking the suspense and acting as a surprise which initially shocks the viewer.

      
In both Psycho and V for Vendetta different angles are used to show different things. On both the victims high angles are used. This is to convey vulnerability and weakness in the current scenario. It shows how the victim has very little or no power. The killer however is shot with a low angle. This shows that the killer has the most authority and power.

   
In conclusion both sequences have similarities and differences. The main differences are that one is considered voyeuristic and the different types of shots used changes the atmosphere and intensity of the scene. Psycho is very enclosed and closeup, establishing an intimate and intrusive feel. V for vendetta is quite open, incorporating the character's surroundings as well as the character's emotions. When it comes to similarities, both sequences uses camera angles to communicate authority. They also build suspense throughout the entire scene.