Psycho (1960) image analysis 1

In this image from Psycho (1960) there is a low-angle shot of Norman Bates is talking to Marion in a creepy intimidating room behind the reception room in the Bates motel. The way in which the camera is looking up at Norman but then cuts to a high angle shot where the camera is looking down at Marion expresses the fact that Norman has power over Marion. The use of mise-en-scene in this shot is very clever. The stuffed birds especially the owl, which is purposely placed in the corner of the room (in combination with the low-key lighting) to create a large looming shadow which is overlooking Marion Crane, really makes the audience feel uncomfortable. The fact that the owl is a bird of prey and a crane may be a victim of the owl, connotes that Norman may be a psycho killer and have intentions for Marion which fit clearly outside the Cultural Dominant Ideologies (CDI) of society. The paintings on the wall also depict women getting harassed by male monsters, giving us clues as to the progression of the narrative.

Norman seems to be torn between really liking Marion and hating her, because of his mother’s influence. Laura Mulvey’s concept of the ‘male gaze’ is apparent in the scenes which involve Norman and Marion, he stares at her throughout and gets nervous around her which would connote that he likes her. This and voyeurism are especially apparent just before the famous shower scene, Norman spies on Marion through a peep hole which is behind one of the paintings whilst she is getting undressed, he also seems to be getting some sort of sexual thrill from doing it.