Psycho Essay

Film Studies

Psycho

In the first scene of our analysis of Psycho, a mid-shot of Norman has been shot on a low angle to make him look a little intimidating. This also suggests that he is an unusual character as he stuffs birds of prey. We also see them in the low angle shot. This suggests that he is a predator as the birds of prey in the background of the shot are also predators. He is a little unusual how he acts to Marion as if he feels nervous around women and this gives the impression that Marion is scared around him.

In the next scene, there is a medium two-shot. Marion is the closest to the left of the shot so this responds to the audience that she is vulnerable and scared. The shot also uses rule of thirds. The scene also shows that the characters are two separate people and there is also a sense of tension around them. Also the birds of prey are in the shot behind Norman and are directly pointing to Marion as if she is they prey.

There is a mid-shot and Marion is to the left of the shot. This tells us that she feels isolated and uncomfortable around him and also being in the room with him.

In this shot we see a more calm and relaxed Norman. We have a mid-shot and he is more to the right of the shot with a bird of prey to the left of him on the cabinet. It seems a more calm and ordinary environment that they are in and are having an ordinary conversation.

In this shot Norman seems calmer. He is sitting back in his chair but holding the bird that is stood on the cabinet. We also see a shadow cast behind him which could mean that something may be about to happen and tell us a bit more about his darker side.

In this shot, we see a more dark and tenser Norman. The camera is centred on him on a low angle which shows that he feels threatened and angry now. We also see the bird behind him with its wings open. This shows that it is ready to strike and it gives us a clue into what action Norman might do.

We can see Norman gets angered by what Marion says about putting his mother into an institution. We get a close-up shot of Normans face to show the emotion on his face and to emphasise his emotions. He leans more close to Marion and his face gives us a more intimidating and threatened look. This then makes Marion uncomfortable and scared. We also see the shadow of the bird to the left by his shoulder.

Marion begins to look nervous and feels more uncomfortable in his presence and feels trapped by him. We get a medium close-up shot show them emotions on her face.

In this shot with Marion, we see a mid shot and medium close-up low angle shot. This suggests that she is regaining control of the situation. We also see a tougher look on her face now she is standing up to him.

We then get a high angle shot of Norman and this angle shows that he is more vulnerable and the character we see at the start of the scene before he turns dark. His facial expression also shows his feelings.

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