Psycho

The cinematography technique used is a low expressionist angle with the birds framed left and high representing a number of elements. Firstly, it could show the hold that women have on Norman. (His mother) as ‘bird’ is a British slang word for females, and Hitchcock is a British director. However, it could also show the power Norman has over Marion. He is also shot from a low angle and he could connote the bird of prey looming above Marion. The lighting in the frame makes large shadows behind the bird, giving it an even bigger and unsettling appearance.

The stuffing of birds in his room may also be a representation of his sadism and enjoy killing things, a conventional aspect of a “psycho killer” archetype in a horror film. Also the bird is an owl, who survives by eating rodents and other smaller birds. Another link between the birds is Marion Crane, Crane being her last name, which also is a bird. This links with Ed Gein the character Norman is based on linking the context of the time the film was released. Ed Gein was a man who killed women and kept their dead bodies. He was also schizophrenic (linking to Norman), Ed gein dug up his dead mother and kept her in the house, he also dressed up as women. This links with Norman, by using context of what is happening in real life with horror films truly makes them scary for the audience.