Psycho image analysis (1)

This scene is featured towards the end of the film where Norma (the mother side of Norman) has almost completely taken over Norman. The concept of transgender is highlighted by Norman dressing up in his mother’s clothes and wearing a wig to imitate her. He also speaks in his perception of her voice which compliments his psychotic behaviour. Norman/ Norma represent Ed Gein in this film which was a cannibal, serial killer only 3 years before the film was made. A lot of horror films relate to the historical context of their time. Ed Gein was also obsessive over his dead mother and preyed over women. The sadism ideology is seen in this image through Norman’s facial expression before he attempts to kill Lila. He looks excited and happy to be killing Lila. Another ideology seen is Sexism towards women as Norma is a man, about to attack Lila, a female. His weapon is a knife which is a phallic symbol to show his masculine side although he is Norma in this scene. The themes of loneliness and isolation are highlighted throughout the film because Norman lives alone. It is especially seen in this image as Norma is trapping Lila into this room by standing in the door way. The low key lighting produces shadows and dark elements in the photo which creates an unsettled scene.