24 hour psycho

Definition

24 hour psycho is a video artwork created by Douglas Gordon that presents a continuous, slow-motion projection of Alfred Hitchcock's classic film Psycho, effectively extending the viewing experience to an entire day. This work challenges traditional notions of narrative structure and time in cinema, forcing viewers to confront the themes of perception and memory while transforming a familiar narrative into an immersive installation piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The work runs for 24 hours, creating an intense exploration of time that contrasts with the traditional 90-minute format of films.
2. Gordon's approach invites viewers to become active participants in their experience, as the slow motion alters their perception of the film's events.
3. This piece exemplifies the evolution of video art by merging cinematic storytelling with contemporary art practices, pushing boundaries in both fields.
4. By stripping away the rapid pacing typical of thrillers, 24 hour psycho invites deeper reflection on the psychological underpinnings of Hitchcock's original work.
5. The installation often features a darkened room where viewers can sit and engage with the film at their own pace, emphasizing individual interpretation.

Review Questions

• How does 24 hour psycho challenge traditional narrative structures found in cinema?
  • 24 hour psycho disrupts conventional narrative structures by stretching Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho into a 24-hour viewing experience. This transformation allows for an immersive exploration of time, where viewers encounter scenes at a dramatically slowed pace. By doing so, it encourages audiences to reflect on the nature of suspense and tension over an extended period, shifting focus from plot progression to emotional and psychological engagement.
• In what ways does Douglas Gordon's use of slow motion in 24 hour psycho affect audience perception?
  • The use of slow motion in 24 hour psycho significantly alters audience perception by transforming familiar scenes into prolonged moments of contemplation. As the tension builds slowly over hours rather than minutes, viewers are compelled to engage with the subtleties of character emotions and motivations. This technique creates an atmosphere where anticipation is heightened and familiar horror elements become more pronounced through their extended duration.
• Evaluate the impact of 24 hour psycho on contemporary video art practices and its influence on audience interaction.
  • 24 hour psycho has made a considerable impact on contemporary video art practices by redefining how narratives are presented and consumed. Its immersive format invites viewers to interact with the artwork differently compared to traditional screenings, promoting individual interpretation and engagement. By integrating elements of installation art with cinematic storytelling, it encourages artists to explore new ways to manipulate time and space within their works, ultimately transforming audience experiences across the field.

Related terms

Installation Art: A form of visual art that transforms a space and engages viewers in a multi-sensory experience, often incorporating various media including video, sound, and sculpture.

Slow Cinema: A style of filmmaking characterized by long takes and minimal editing, which emphasizes duration and the passage of time over conventional narrative pacing.

Found Footage: A technique in which pre-existing film or video material is recontextualized and edited to create a new work, often exploring themes of memory, history, and cultural commentary.