Psycho Analysis- Use of Camera and Mise-en-Scene

The first shot of the scene the light is behind Norman signifying he has left good behind. Slightly low angle shot. Norman is positioned in this shot so he becomes the bird of pray. The bird is posed in way that it would be if he were attacking his prey signifying that he will attack. The audience is positioned below him giving the audience the impression he is dominant, in control and intimidating. The shot is almost divided into two halves, the left being the dark side and the right being the good side. Norman, however isn’t on either side he is placed in the middle. This signifies his split personality we come to learn about at the end.

 The second shot is similar and has a visual signifier of the two sides. The candlestick is place in between the light side and the dark side, Marion is on the light side and Norman is on the dark side. Marion is sitting closer to the audience in the light so they are able to identify with her easily.This is a mid shot were Norman and Marion are positioned on an equal level.Norman's body language appears as if he is trying to get closer to Marion, physically and mentally as his gaze is fixed on her which may let the audience think he as an obsession with women or just Marion herself. Stuffed birds are constantly positioned very close to Marion. It appears as if the birds are observing her just like Norman is. Signifying again that he is just like the birds of prey and he is waiting to attack.

Marion's appearance in general gives the audience the impression she is sweet. She has light her and wide eyes implying that she is innocent even though the audience is aware she just stole money. she is framed with a lot of space around her making her look isolated and alone.This framing makes her seem smaller, more vulnerable. Her body language indicates she is uncomfortable and uneasy.
the only light in the room brightens just her and nothing else in the room.

In the next shot norman appears to have a defensive posture as if he isn't being himself completely. Norman is framed in complete darkness.This darkness creates shadows behind him to make him appear larger. Using these shadows makes the mood of the shot seem more sinister.there is a candle on the table behind so Norman chooses to sit in darkness.

After this the camera moves to Norman in  low angle shot. The audience will be looking up at him making him look dominant. Norman leans forward, closer to Marion.The music in the scene changes. Once a bird of prey is insulted they move to attack positioned. When Norman's mother is insulted he moves to his attack position.The bird of prey are above norman to suggest that he is about to attack.
The lighting continues to make an eerie atmosphere.

Norman doesn't blink in the next shot. He doesn't want to take his eyes off of Marion. His tone of voice becomes more intimidating. Norman then becomes more calm as if he has decided what he's going to do about Marion insulting his mother. He is framed in a close up, still with shadows of birds in the background. He completely dominates the screen.

Marion looks as if she regrets talking about his mother. She looks trapped as she is very small in a large, empty frame.The light that previously surrounded her has now gone and she is in darkness.This shot is almost like Norman has trapped her and as if his net is tightening. In comparison to the previous shot Marion is framed in complete emptiness whereas Norman has a candle and an owl behind him signifying he is the dominant one. Marion stands up and takes control.She is now the dominant one. Marion is framed in a low angle shot too emphasise this. There is a shadow behind her of a crow that is almost about to touch her. This may foreshadow her death later on in the film. Crows are associated with death.

Norman is now framed in a high angle shot below Marion. He appears vulnerable, weak and childlike. This is a mid shot but also point of view, Marion is now looking down at him as if he were a child that has misbehaved. Norman is completely emasculated by this. He is framed to look smaller with lots space around him.This only emphasises the child-like, vulnerable image of him.








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