Hitchcocks Pyscho: Cinematic Techniques Discuss the cinematic techniques and how they affect the sense of horror in the film

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CINEMATOGRAPHUC TECHNIQUES IN PSYCHO

Camera Shots

Close Up: After Marion Crane books into Bates Motel, Norman goes to get her a key off the key board. The close up begins with Norman's hand close to No. 4. His hand then moves uncertainly along the keyboard where he fumbles with key No. 1. This act, along with the rather fractured conversation prior, gives this close up an uncomfortable feeling, showing that there is possibly a reason why Marion has been given key No. 1. This also makes the reader question Norman's motivation in choosing this room.

Extreme Close Up: Towards the end of the 'shower scene' there is an extreme close up of Marion's blood flecked hand grasping helplessly at the white shower tiles. This simple shot shows her fingers contorting with pain as she tries to find something to hold herself up with. The white sterile tiles give a sharp contrast to the bloody hand, and add to the shock value of this scene.

Medium Shot: When Norman brings down dinner for Marion, he takes her into the Parlour to eat. It is their that they have a rather interesting conversation. There is a medium shot of Norman sitting in a chair talking to Marion. The medium shot is close enough to show vital detail in the background but far enough back to show the entirety of his surroundings. In the background there is a stuffed owl with its wings spread looking quite menacing, with ground lighting casting an eerie shadow onto the roof.

Camera Angles

Overhead Shot: As Arbergast cautiously climbs the stairs looking for Norman's mother, we see a sliver of light as a door opens. As the door bursts open the camera cuts to an overhead shot. The shot shows the 'mother' pouncing onto the unsuspecting Arbergast...