psycho - cinematography and mise-en-scene analysis

Psycho

The scene with Norman standing in front of the bird the shot type is a medium low angle shot. This technique makes him look bigger and dominant this is enforced by him being alone in the scene. In the background the light represents the good of Norman but in the foreground it shows that he has left the light behind. The bird in the background is in an attack pose symbolises that he is a hunter and is after his prey. Around Norman is darkness and is representing his personality that he is a murderer and this is enforced by the death surrounding him represented by his taxidermy.

In the next scene it is a mid shot showing Marion and Norman sitting apart from each other, which represents the awkwardness between them. Norman is staring directly at Marion, which adds more awkwardness, and a bit of tension. Another point is that Norman is very shy and very enclosed into himself, maybe he is uncomfortable with women. Later in the scene he becomes more relaxed and comfortable in talking to her. Norman is like a hunter and has Marion in the line of sight. Marion is closest to the audience and makes the audience attached to her. Also in the scene Norman is in a veil of darkness this enforces his personality. The darkness represents “Mother” who is his bloodthirsty side. On the other hand Marion is always in a veil of light to show her innocence and shows that she is unaware of walking into Norman’s trap.

In another shot of Marion she is viewed in a mid shot this shows that she is safe in her corner, this is enforced by her being pushed to the edge of the frame. She is safe because the light is all around her and there is no darkness in the scene. The decoration of the room is symbolising Norman’s split personality as if it is decorated by “Mother” and is representing his light side. There are a collection of birds in the scene these birds are prey birds and symbolise Marion’s situation that it is her being hunted.

In the next scene with Norman it is a mid shot. In the background the candle is not lit this shows that he is always in darkness and maybe represents his split personality. Norman is looking upwards at Mother who is symbolised by the birds, and becomes more predatory and aggressive after Marion suggests Mother is put in “someplace”. Norman is very inquisitive into Marion’s life and may be his predatory side showing.

Behind Norman is a game bird this shows his hunter side and shows that he is specific in hunting lonely women because he is searching for another Mother figure. Norman is stroking the bird and shows that he has got power over it and is relaxed and shows he is getting more comfortable with her and shows that he likes her company which is creepy.

In the next scene there is a low angle shot showing the power of Mother and how Norman is weaker than her and she is always in his presence. In the background there is a collection of artwork that is very sexual and shows that he only goes after women and his power over them. The birds eyes are always watching Norman which shows his split personality and his darker side is more prevalent over him. The birds of prey are only surrounding Norman which shows that he is one of them but Marion is surrounded by prey and shows her weakness against Norman. This is enforced by the line “you eat like a bird” which is suggesting that she is small and weak.

Later in the scene with Marion there is a crow in the background this symbolises death and also foreshadows later events in the film. The positioning of the crow is very close to her neck and is invading her space making the scene more uncomfortable.