How Does Hitchcock Use Cinematography to Create Tension In the ‘Parlour Scene’ in Psycho?

Hitchcock uses many different techniques to create tension in the Parlour Scene. Some of the shot types that emphasise this tension include: the medium close ups of the two characters in the scene Marion and Norman, close ups of the two characters and low perspective shots. When Marion mentions an “Institution”, Norman leans forward so the shot becomes a close up. This creates intensity and makes the viewer worried as to how he will react to the suggestion. The moment the two begin to speak of Norman’s mother the camera shot cuts. The camera shot also begins to close up further on Marion’s facial expression to see how attentive she is. The camera stays as a close-up on Norman to keep tension, and then he moves backwards when the moment calms down. Yet again tension builds as he says “We all go a little mad sometimes”, as the shot type changes to a close-up because he moves forward. This effect foreshadows that maybe some will go a little mad at some point, yet the tension that the audience will feel is because they are completely unaware as to when it will happen.

The composition that Hitchcock uses is a great tool that creates much of the tension in the shot. When Norman is stroking the stuffed bird the shot is composed so both he and the bird are part of the Golden Mean. This shows the viewer the points of interest in the shot, there is something strange about stuffing birds for a hobby and this will create tension with the audience. Not only this but the producer tries to create mystery through the shot composition as on Marion’s side in the shot is a lamp, yet on Norman’s side there is a candle, making it appear that something in the shot is out of place. This again adds to the idea that ‘not everything is right’. When they begin to talk about Normans mother the bird on the wall comes into the Golden Mean looking down at the reader, it creates tension because it gives the impression that someone is always watching. Not only this but when his head moves back we can see the portraits of naked women, which gives the idea of vulnerability. Before the two enter the parlour there is a medium close-up on a stuffed owl on the wall. The shot looks as though the owl is looking straight at the viewer, as an owl is a predator this creates tension, which is then set up for the rest of the scene.

The camera angles used by Hitchcock emphasise the tension in the Parlour Scene, the attention in this respect is more focused upon Norman. Hitchcock starts the scene with equilibrium between the two characters as they meet at eye level. This comforts the audience as the two characters appear at ease. However Hitchcock changes the atmosphere when the camera angle on Norman changes to a lower perspective. This contrasts with the earlier shot and shows the audience uneasiness in Norman’s mind. The two angles represent the two personalities that he hides. Yet we always see Marion in the same angle, showing her overall innocence in the scene, the viewer knows her intent is to return the money that she has stolen and the eye-view shot shows this intent. When Norman leans forward we can see the bird behind him, the angle just catching it in shot. As Norman leans forward the angle changes on Marion as the audience knows she feels more uncomfortable and the lower perspective shows her uncertainty.

Hitchcock uses the lighting effects in the scene to show an overall contrast between the two characters in the Parlour Scene. The area surrounding Marion is full of light from the lamp, again emphasising her innocence. This light that surrounds her perhaps foreshadows that she will be the victim because of this contrast between her surroundings and Norman’s. Yet Norman is surrounded by shadow and the candle that isn’t lit, this shows that he is maybe slightly unstable and foreshadows what is to come. When The angle of the camera changes we can see the light on Normans face more clearly and as Norman’s face is one half-light one half-dark it shows to the audience that Norman has maybe two personalities. Not only this but the birds watching over the scene cast greater shadows above them and this gives the greater impression that more than one person is watching, the wings cast darkness which creates a frightening atmosphere. The bird itself is brightly lit to emphasise it, yet it’s eyes are much darker giving a sinister feel to it. Hitchcock also casts Norman in a low-key lighting. This shows that he as a character has something to hide, that may be brought to light in the future. After the conversation about “the institution” surpasses, light goes back on to the whole of Normans face to show a calming in his mood, this makes the audience feel more at ease.

There are elements of the scene that are made tense due to the framing. Whilst sitting us as an audience never see Marion or Norman in the same shot. This creates tension because we never see how one is reacting whilst the other is talking. When Norman is in shot there is always a bird in shot, maybe showing the audience a side to him that presents his character more as a predator. When Marion stands at the end of the scene there is suddenly a Raven next to her head that the audience hadn’t previously been shown. Ravens are associated with death and this could be related to the technique of the bird that is always watching over Norman, as if death is always watching Marion and Norman’s mother is always watching him. Hitchcock goes for a very minimalistic approach in the layout of the parlour, as the space is fairly small there isn’t much room for furniture. This also creates much of the tension as the viewer doesn’t have any idea of how close the two characters are whilst the conversation is taking place and there is a sense of uncomfortable intimacy because of the cramped space that Hitchcock has created.