Psycho Analysis

The first time we see Norman Bates in this scene he is shot from a medium slightly low angle shot while surrounded by birds of prey. This shot is contrasting to Norman’s behaviour in the shot as he comes across as normal and polite while the shot is supposed to make him seem dominant and powerful. The use of the birds of prey around him make him seem threatening, like he is perched ready to attack like the birds. The use of light in this shot casts a shadow over half of Normans face hinting that he could have a split personality or that there are two sides to him.

In the next shot is also a mid shot we see Norman and Marion sitting opposite from each other, Marion is pointedly looking away while Normal is intently staring at her but there is a large amount of space in between this this creates tension and shows they are uncomfortable being the in same room together and that Norman is not used to being around women and may not know how to act around her.We can also see that where Norman is sitting is cast in shadow showing that he is dark and mysterious while Marion is in the light and closer to the camera. Marion being closer to the camera suggests that the audience may feel more connected to her because she is physically closer to them than Norman.

The next shot of Marion is also a mid shot but she is slightly further to the left of the screen leaving a large amount of space to signify that she is uncomfortable in the situation and also that she is isolated not only in the room but in the motel as she is in the middle of nowhere. The light from the lamp draws focus to the small collection of birds placed on the table next to her.