Psycho (1960) Image Analysis

This is the last shot of Marion that we see after her death in the film Psycho (1960). The atmosphere within this scene holds a sadistic vibe, but the high-key lighting brings a sense of innocence into the scene. The eye could be a representation of the world, and the pupil could represent how there is evil within it, and how she has witnessed evil (her death). The teardrop could represent purity and how it was taken away from Marion when she had sex with her boyfriend near the beginning of the film, as well as when she stole the money. The expressionist angle also allows the audience to understand the mood of the scene. The teardrops, could represent how her life has been washed away, earlier on in this scene we also see her blood being washed down the plug hole, this also corresponds with the idea of her life being washed away. Within this scene 57 shots were used to build a sense of panic, the fast paced montage allowed the scene to become more realistic and tense for the audience.