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Essay On Marion And Norman In Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho

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Initially, in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, Hitchcock portrays a connection between Marion Crane and Norman Bates. This connection is partially perpetuated during the famous Parlor Scene, through dialogue. “Going a little mad sometimes” is a trait they seem to share, along with being caught in their own personal trap. However, upon further examination and a second (and perhaps even third) viewing, the viewer can examine the foil elements of Marion and Norman by using the visual cues of the lighting, the birds, and the characters themselves. The lighting of the scene says a lot about the character of Marion and Norman. Light itself is associated with goodness and innocence, the opposite of darkness and evil. While Marion’s face is lit fully during the scene, Norman’s face is never in full light, portraying his inner evil and his interior struggle between his two warring sides. It’s also important to note the lighting devices in the mise-en-scene. The shots with Marion contain a lamp, whereas Norman’s shots contain unlit candles. When the two are compared, they relate symbolically to Marion and Norman. A lamp is bright, constant, and more consistent than a candle. The light it provides may occasionally be put out intentionally, much like …show more content…

Where Marion’s chin is rounded, her cheeks fuller, and her nose small and soft, Norman’s features are angular, with his strong jawline and protruding, sharp nose more apparent in the scene. Marion’s blonde hair and wide eyes contrast sharply with Norman’s dark hair and hooded eyes. This portrays Marion as soft, and Norman as hard. Their mannerisms differ as well.When Marion believes she has offended Norman, she immediately becomes apologetic, and speaks politely for the entire scene. However, Norman pries into Marion’s affairs rather rudely, snaps at and insults her, and never bothers to

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