Psycho - Dinner in the Parlour Scene

Camera cuts to stuffed birds on the wall, they are predators - Raven, owl, strong use of shadow to impose their image and power - low angle shot makes the audience feel vulnerable, perhaps a sign that something bad is about to happen. Lots of use of shot/reverse shot, used in conversation between Norman and Marion. Throughout the conversation, Marion is in quite a dark corner, but with harsh light on her face, with the shots of her being either close ups or over the shoulder shots. When Norman is talking, a low angle mid shot is used so the audience can see the stuffed birds, we begin to associate their and his image with being rather dark and shifty, we know something sinister is in the pipeline. There is also a striking use of lighting, illuminating one side of Norman's face, shadowing the other - again adds to the dark nature of the sequence. When Marion suggests Norman should put his mother "some place", he leans forward, and the tension creating violins kick in again, suggesting he's none too chuffed with Marion. The close up shot of the birds on the wall following reinforces this. By leaning forward and creating a close up, Norman emphasises his power over Marion to the audience. There is an edit, and the music starting also adds to the feeling of his power. He is visibly angered, and has an aggressive tone to his voice for the first time in the sequence. He then grins, and this signifies the change in mood - "we all go a little mad sometimes." It is unclear to the audience whether this is a sign that he is forgiving Marion for what she said, or whether Norman is close to going 'over the edge.' When Marion stands up, she is filmed in a low angle shot, and Norman in a high angle, perhaps signifying a change in power (makes Marion look in control of the situation). When she leaves, the violins start again, signifying Norman is up to something shifty, and he watches Marion leave in a very voyeuristic manor.