Psycho image analysis (2)

This scene captures Norman (the archetypal psycho killer) in his office, having a conversation with Marion (the female victim). The expressionist low angle on Norman exhibits his power and dominance over the situation in the scene. This angle also shows that when the camera was to cut to Marion sitting down, it would be a high angle making her look inferior and weak in comparison to Norman. This is another example in Psycho where the ideology of sexism towards women is portrayed through the angle and his supremacy over her. The large stuffed birds represent Norman as the predator, hunting its prey and in this situation Marion is the prey. They could also been seen as other victims under the act of Norman as they are also dead in which they symbolise Marion. This is very ironic as Marions’ last name is Crane. The birds are also used to make the audience feel intimidated by them and therefore bring the same feelings towards Norman. Low key lighting is used in this scene to create deep shadows and imply the darkness hidden behind Normans’ ‘normal’ persona. This type of lighting is an aspect of mise-en-scene which is a conventional horror trait; this is also seen in the use of a creepy and enclosed location of the Bates Motel.