Psycho

How does Hitchcock use cinematography to create tension in the parlour scene in Psycho?

 

 

In the parlour scene of Psycho, Hitchcock uses a variety of techniques to create tension in a scene with no real action in it.

 

At the start of the scene we see the two characters in the same shot; this is the only time in scene that they are in the same shot.  When the characters are sat down they are never in the same shot. This means that the audience cannot tell how far apart the characters are from each other. This creates mystery as there must be a reason Hitchcock has done this. One possible reason for this is to show an imaginary barrier between the characters. This barrier between the characters is obvious as we can clearly see friction in an awkward conversation.

 

In the scene there are some very clever uses of shadow and lighting. One example is that behind Norman there are some rather old fashioned candles whereas behind Marion there is an electric lamp. This again signifies the difference between the two characters as Norman has very traditional beliefs and values regarding his mother and Marion has more modern beliefs. In the scene Norman casts a shadow on the wall; however Marion doesn’t cast a shadow. This is interesting as one thing that does not cast a shadow is a ghost. This could be Hitchcock foreshadowing events later on in the film. Even though Psycho is a black and white film we can tell by the shadows that it is quite a dark room. This adds tension as the audience will know that in thriller films of this type darkness is used a lot as a reference to people’s fear of the dark. The darkness and use of shadows creates an air of unease on the scene. Also the fact that normal does have a shadow could show that he may have a split personality which is revealed later on in Psycho.

 

There are not many shot types in the parlour scene. It mainly consists of close ups and the occasional mid shot. The most interesting thing about the camera shots is the angles they use. Throughout most of the scene there is a low angle shot on the man. This shows his superiority in the scene. There is a high angle shot on Marion throughout the scene but most importantly when Norman is on his rant about Institutions and madhouses. This shows how quickly Norman’s personality can change and also shows how vulnerable she is. This creates tension among the audience as they begin to realise that the woman is the weakest character of the two and is vulnerable to attack.

 

One of the most interesting things in the scene is the use of props that definitely create tension and mystery. The birds are significant in the scene but also they are used as an icebreaker between the two characters and they start the conversation. The birds feature in almost every shot in the parlour scene. The two larger birds are the most eye catching in the scene and when they are in shot they are behind Norman from a low angle shot. The fact they are so high up in the room could suggest that someone is looking down on the characters, in particular Marion. These props are again showing the audience that she is vulnerable. This also gives the audience the impression that Norman might be a bit of an unconventional character and may be quite odd. This makes the audience ask the question as to why he has this hobby. And how much about him do we really know. Also the two larger stuffed birds are birds of prey, this could show that on of the two characters in the parlour scene could be preyed upon the most likely of the two is Marion. This could show that Norman is a predator or a killer. Another bird in the scene is shown in a close up shot right at the beginning as they enter the room. The crow is perhaps the most significant of the stuffed animals as a crow is a symbol of death. This lets the audience know that there will be a death and it creates tension as the audience don’t know how the death will occur but they will already have a picture of who might be the victim.

 

In the parlour scene in Psycho, Hitchcock uses very simple techniques very effectively to create tension. He also uses little details such as props very subtlety to create a lot of tension in a scene where little happens.