SSC Film Studies

Psycho Parlor Scene

In this analysis i will be talking about Mis-en-scene and cinematography. Warning there may be spoilers. The first part of this scene we see Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) standing in the darkness whilst an eagles wings are open behind him. Hitchcock uses the wings to make Norman resemble a Bird of Prey, he also uses the darkness to make Norman a darer character. The scene is a mid-shot and shot at a low angle, I think all the aspects in this shot are used to make Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) look as though she has been lured into a trap and Norman has the control over the situation.

Next we see Marion positioned in the light and Norman i the darkness, this is to reinforce the idea that Norman is dangerous. It is also used to get the setting of the room. There are stuffed birds all around the room, this is also used to reinforce the idea that she is in a trap, as he has taken her from the office, to a personal room of death. Marion is positioned closer to the camera, and norman further away, this demonstrates the comfortable space between them in the frame. 

After this, we cut to a shot of Marion whilst she eats some food, and starts a nice conversation with Norman. we can see that she is in a medium close up, and off centre to the left of the frame. This further shows that she comfortable in the frame. she is also positioned in the light if the room, this demonstrates that she is the good character, protagonist. We also see Norman sitting opposite her, also in an MCU off centre, this is used in the same way as Marion; however Norman is placed in the darkness, once again to reinforce the idea, that he is dangerous.

Shortly after, they continue the conversation and Norman leans back on his chair, and holds onto a calm, passive bird. This illustrates that he has control, as the passive bird resembles either Marion or himself, as we later find out that he has a split personality disorder. They both continue the conversation, then Norman talks about private traps, and his mother. "I was born in mine," referring to the trap, this is him saying that he was born schizophrenic. "wish I could just leave her," leave his mother which is his other self, his other personality. he wishes he could just