Summarizing Bordwell’s “Rhetoric in Action: Seven Models of Psycho”

Bordwell’s book “Rhetoric in Action: Seven Models of Psycho” explores the rhetorical techniques utilized in seven different analyses of the 1960 film Psycho. Bordwell discusses the various interpretations of the film to explain the diversity of interpretive mechanisms. He also delves into the complexities of such interpretations and how they can vary significantly. Bordwell starts the chapter by proposing that when a critic narrates the events of a film in chronological order, it is to earn the audience’s approval. By succinctly reminding the audience of the emotions experienced during a particular scene, the critic can persuade the viewer of their interpretation.

Amongst the seven authors, Bordwell cites Jean Douchet's review as a prime example of well-researched film criticism. According to Bordwell, Douchet’s criticism is relevant to the analysis of Pyscho because it is reinforced by the inclusion of specific examples from the film and an interview with Alfred Hitchcock. On the other hand, Bordwell references a review written by Leland Poague as a reinterpretation of the film. Bordwell summarizes that Poague’s review dissects the film by relying on the opinions of established experts and referencing scenes to persuade the audience.

The chapter ends with Bordwell proposing that the industry of critical analysis is structured on “interpretive habits,” and can be susceptible to the pitfalls of ignorance should a critic abandon analytical analysis for opinion, instead of balancing both fields of thought. I agree with Bordwell’s assessment of the pitfalls of analysis. When an author ignores the source material or twists the limits of contextual evidence, the author can veer into ignorance. Before an author can interpret source material in a meaningful way, they must have a thorough understanding of it. Although I have reservations, I find Barbara Klinger's perspective on the portrayal of female characters in Hitchcock's movies intriguing. It would be more effective if the review included examples from the film to ensure that personal bias did not overshadow analytical analysis when discussing Psycho