Psych analysis

Jack Scott

The Parlour Scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho begins by showing a low angle shot of Norman Bates, which makes him look tall and gives the idea that he is dangerous and in control of the current situation. In the shot Norman looks very precise because he is wearing a suit and smart shirt.  He looks menacing as he is surrounded by taxidermy and darkness, which suggests that his life and personality is full of death and wrong doings. The following shot is a two shot including Norman and the films protagonist Marion Graine; Normans face in this shot is half in darkness and the other half in light which indicates that a like his face he himself has two sides to him full of darkness and the other innocent light side. Norman is positioned on the edge of his seat which gives the idea he is uncomfortable and nervous, he also is featured with having a grin on his face for no reason which promotes the idea that he find the current situation amusing but also gives the impression that he is abnormal and not mentally stable.

The next shot is a Mid shot of Marion sitting on a chair eating with her legs and arms folded, this shows that a like Norman she is uncomfortable but at the same time is trying to relax by sitting back, which leaves her exposed. Marion’s face is lit completely and she is smiling which makes the audience feel as if they have some sort of connect with her, and feel the empathy for her because of the situation she is in with a man she hardly knows. This makes the audience feel empathy for her because they are aware of the danger she is in. The camera changes to a medium close up of Normans face and he is looking at the taxidermy birds on the wall, the birds are used throughout to mimic and contrast with Norman’s mood and emotions. Norman also looks at the birds and beings to lean by which gives the idea that he is looking at them to refrain himself from what he was preparing to do and to gain a sense of self control. Norman reaches over to the taxidermy beside him and puts his hand around it; this shows that as well as having an emotional connection to the birds he creates a physical one.

The camera changes to a low angle shot of Norman on his side, which makes him look dangerous and shows the darker side of his face which gives the idea that his darker side is out and there is no light or goodness left in him at this point. In the shot a bird is shown with its wings open, this is usually a stance bird’s use when ready to attack. This gives the idea that a like the bird Norman is preparing himself to attack due to the connection he has with them. The camera changes to a close up of Normans face, his face is straight he has no emotion and is looking directly at Marion and keeps his attention on her, his lack of emotion and reaction creates a menacing look on his face which makes him look intimidating and scary.

A medium close up is next used of Marion’s face as she is now leaning forward and her entire body is now enclosed as she looks panicked and in fear. The camera frame gets tighter and smaller which shows her lack of space and how she is weaker than Norman and looks vulnerable. The camera then changes to show a low angle shot of Marion as she stands up, which shows that she has taken control of the situation and the power between the two has shifted. She has escaped from Normans “Trap”.