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Psycho Sequence Analysis


Colours in this scene have the appearance of comming from a 'limited palette', being of monochromatic colour design. The lighting is soft, creating a diffused illumination. There is a sense that things are not clear and need to be explained.
             As Marion enters, her arms are crossed, and the upper half of her body is not well lit, suggesting discomfort and distrust. Match on action between Marion starring towards the top right corner of the frame and close up shot images of stuffed birds perched on the walls and ceilings create a quick tempo of Marion absorbing the nature of the room. The birds cast their own large sinister shawdows onto the walls. The atmosphere with the shadows thickens the sense of mystery to this motel. .
             In a publicity gimmick Hitchcock wanted no one seated after the film had started. This decree was enforced by uniformed Pinkerton guards. Audiences assumed that something horrible would happen in the first few minutes and was constantly held in horror and suspense. By now, the audience would be looking for and expecting something strange to happen and would have a heightened sensitivity to the mysterious presentation of the scene.
             The parlor is decorated with Normans stuffed trophy birds mounted on the walls or on stands - an enormous predatory, nocturnal owl with outstretched wings, a raven (a bird with a knife-like beak that preys on 'carrion' which could be parralleled to 'Marion'), a pheasant, and a hawk - and classic paintings of nude women being raped. As he sits straight up and leans forward as in a toilet-like position while she nibbles, he looks on, fondles a stuffed bird, and talks about his "uncommon" and "cheap" hobby "to pass the time" - an interest in avian taxidermy.
             As Marion starts to eat, Norman is perched on the edge of his seat intently watches her first bite. Only the left side of his face is lit while the right side of him is completely cast in shadow, again a reference to Normans split personality.


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