SSC Film Studies

Psycho Parlour scene Analysis…

The Psycho Parlour sequence begins as Marianne enters Norman Baits office to eat supper. The camera angle is a medium close up and she is clearly positioned in the rule of thirds, the director has done this to make sure that the audience concentrate on Marianne’s reaction as she enters the room. When she does however enter, her attention is immediately drawn to an object in the room and her eyebrows are raised and eyes wide which tells the audience she is shocked, this gives the scene a type of suspense as the audience will also want to see what has caused her expression to go from relaxed to shock. When the scene cuts into a P.O.V shot in Marianne’s eyes we spot all types of stuffed birds, the director has done this so the audience is out into Marion’s shoes, which creates a tension between the two characters and tells the audience that Norman Baits has a sinister hobby which makes him seem threatening.  The camera then cuts to a mid shot of Norman switching on a light and then standing, as he stands the camera tracks up creating a low angle shot of Norman as he asks Marianne to sit down which portrays Norman to show dominance over Marianne and makes him seem threatening, Marianne obeys almost immediately but her hesitance shows that she feels slightly scared of Norman.

The next scene shows Marianne eating her supper as Norman watches and talks about himself, although it appears to be an innocent friendly scene the director has positioned the camera so it is again a medium shot which makes the scene seem stuffy and tight as the two character take up all of the space on the screen. Norman is seated close to the door away from the light, which casts a shadow across his face whilst Marianne is sat in a corner furthest from the door surrounded by light from the lamp next to her. 

 Katherine Murphy