Psycho (1960) Image Analysis

This is the first scene in Psycho (1960) where we find out more about Norman, and his relationship with his mother, as well as his hobbies and interests; we also see that Norman is sexually attracted to Marion. This image views Norman in an innocent, yet disturbed light. Low-key lighting is used to create deep shadows, as well as casting a dark and gloomy atmosphere over the scene. Norman’s face is half-light, half dark; this could represent how the audience, as well as Marion, are currently viewing him as a good and innocent person, but we later find out that he is the opposite of that. The stuffed birds are not just decoration, they relate to Norman’s hobby, and they are also a relation to his last name, Bates; the shadows also help to add depth in the image. This scene is also shot in an enclosed location, in an isolated part of town; this follows the conventions of horror locations. This expressionist angle allows the audience to understand the mood of the scene, as well as determining what will happen later on in the film. The low angle of the image also makes Norman appear powerful and dominating.

Andrew Sarris' 'Auteur Theory' could be applied to Hitchcock films. Hitchcock has developed his own style of film making, and also his films reflect his personality and part of his (sometimes dark) soul.