PSYCHO image analysis

This scene from ‘Psycho’ illustrates Laura Mulvey’s male gaze theory (1960 – visual pleasure and Narrative Cinema) because Norman is voyeuristically watching Marion as she undresses through the poop hole. Hitchcock uses the idea of Norman examining Marion to portray an obsession like notion, intensifying the audiences feeling of creepiness. Low key lighting is used in the room Norman is in, portraying his shadowy, dark lit face in a representative form of evil. Norman’s eye however is heavily lit, suggesting that Marion conveys the idea of innocence and purity as the light symbolises ‘goodness’. The close up on Normans face allows the audience to read his facial expressions. The night time diegesis within the scene leaves the audience feeling uncomfortable using pathetic fallacy to create a powerful, unsettling atmosphere. The use of slow cinematography throughout this scene provides a sense of tension and suspense for the audience