Week12- Psycho(1960)

Most iconic shot in Psycho 

The cinematography is enhanced with many close-ups, point-of-view shots, and reaction shots. The specimens of birds in the Norman’s living room looks really scared, and they are representative of each characters personality. The different species of birds represent the different elements of Norman and Marion’s personalities. Marion is represented by finch and crow, which shows she is weak and guilty. The shy and socially awkward side of Norman and the murderous mother personality represent those birds respectively, which are turkey and owl. The film has unique narrative structures, the first 48 minutes is Marion’s narrative, and later goes to Norman’s narrative with Detective’s investigation, and next is Lila and Sam’ investigation. The theme of the Marion’s narrative is focused on her moral choices and sense of guilt. And Norman’ narrative is focused on his fear of being trapped and caught. Two stories relentlessly build up in the viewer the feeling and tension of being trapped.