Psycho is black and white primarily because Alfred Hitchcock opted to film it that way for two main reasons: budgetary constraints and artistic effect.
Budgetary Considerations
- Paramount's Hesitation: Paramount Pictures, Hitchcock's studio, was hesitant to greenlight Psycho with his typical budget. They considered the subject matter too risky and low-brow for his reputation.
- Hitchcock's Compromise: To get the film made, Hitchcock offered to shoot it quickly and inexpensively in black and white, utilizing his television crew from Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
- Cost Savings: Filming in black and white significantly reduced production costs, allowing Hitchcock to proceed with the project despite the studio's initial reluctance.
Artistic and Shock Value
- Heightened Suspense: Hitchcock believed that black and white would enhance the film's suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere.
- Blood Illusion: Some believe that Hitchcock preferred black and white to reduce the perceived gore and horror, thus avoiding potential censorship issues and potentially making the iconic shower scene more shocking in the viewers' imagination. The use of chocolate syrup for "blood" also worked better in black and white.
- Classic Horror Aesthetic: Black and white was the standard for horror films at the time, and Hitchcock may have wanted to evoke a classic horror feel.
In conclusion, Psycho is black and white due to a combination of budgetary limitations imposed by Paramount and Hitchcock's artistic vision, which aimed to maximize the film's suspense and shock value.
