Psycho - analysing a scene

Psycho - Scene Analysis


The scene begins with a mid-long shot, which establishes the setting in the parlour. The camera then cuts to a mid-shot of the characters as they are seated, this makes us focus more on them rather than the surroundings. The camera then establishes Norman as more powerful, using a low-angle shot to intimidate the viewer. This sense of power is heightened when he leans forward into a close-up; he fills the screen and the viewer is forced to focus on him, this makes us feel tense and afraid. When marianne leaves we see a low angle shot looking up at her, as if we are looking from norman's point of view. This typically would establish her power, but this is ironic as later events show she isn't. Finally, we see a shot through the wall from norman's point of view, which has the effect of shifting our focus in the film to Norman.

The editing during the conversation is quite standard, it uses reverse shots to establish dialogue. It cuts away at certain points to the birds on the walls, which loom ominously above the characters like death omens. The raven, which appears over Marion's shoulder, is a symbol of death and foretells her fate. The end appears to watch over norman, like a mother, but also makes us wary because it is staring straight at the camera, this could link to the danger of Norman's 'mother' personality. The shadows thrown over the room connote a dark side of the story, like Norman's schizophrenia, as he has a dark, murderous side. They also create phallic imagery, which accentuates the theme of Normnan's sexual desire for Marion. The way he speaks is very closed, his body language also shows this, his hands are in his lap and he is nervous. But when he talks about his birds, he leans back and touches a bird, and rubs his crotch, he is excited by her interest and opens up a bit. On the wall over the 'peep hole' is the painting 'the rape of diana', a story of a girl who was watched by a group of men while she bathed, who then raped and killed her. this relates to the story as Norman is a voyeur, who then kills Marion.
Marion's clothes are very covering, all buttoned up, suggesting she has something to hide, which probably connotes the money she stole. Norman's however are the opposite, his shirt collar is unbuttoned, this makes us feel comfortable, as though he is being open with Marion and has nothing to hide.

The diegetic sound is just that of the dialogue, we hear the characters change voices as they converse, Norman is at first shy, then angry, then shy and apologetic again; this creates tension as we find he changes moods easily, and has quite a temper.
The use of non-diegetic violins and cellos creates tension aswell, when they enter the room, low violins create a sense of foreboding. When Norman is agitated, the violins build again, to underpin what he says.