Psycho - Parlour scene analysis

How does Hitchcock use cinematography to create tension in the Parlour scene in Psycho?

 

Throughout this scene, Hitchcock uses cinematography to create tension and a gripping atmosphere for the audience. This scene uses a variety of different shots and editing techniques that helps to convey the thrilling nature of the scene and what the scene contains. The Composition and framing of the scene are also important in conveying a particular mood within the scene. They help to show different aspects of the characters and setting that hint to the audience what may happen and what is likely to come.

 

The way the characters in the scene are placed plays a large role in building the tension. For example, from the beginning of the scene, the woman is sitting on one side of the room next to a lamp but the male character is sitting in a dark corner of the room. This suggests to the audience that the male in the scene has a dark attitude that may be revealed later on in the movie. This builds tension because of the shady and mysterious mood hanging over the character. This scene also builds tension because it involves two conflicting characters alone in the same room. A scene involving an innocent woman and a mysterious man suggests to the audience that some kind of conflict may arise in ht future of the scene or the rest of the movie. This tells the audience something that will be overhanging for the rest of the feature. This is Hitchcock’s way of building suspense throughout the movie.

 

This scene also creates tension by using the setting and props. The main example in this scene is the way the birds on the wall are positioned and how they are fitted in to camera. The larger bird is placed at the top of the wall above the paintings. When looking at the male character, the birds are shown to be above in the shot. This implies that the bird is overlooking the conversation between the characters. This is significant as it links to how birds and killers share the similarity of stalking their prey before they kill it. The bird may also suggest that there is a sense of animalistic behaviour within the scene and the characters involved. A killer is almost like an animal as they kill without caring. Once again, this builds tension in the scene by creating the sense that the characters and audience are always being watched. Furthermore, the birds being above the other characters suggest a sense of dominance and power. This is a hint that the animalistic nature of the scene is stronger than the natural human instincts.

 

Hitchcock also creates tension by creating a physical barrier in the parlour scene. Throughout most of this clip, he two characters are never shown in the same shot. This creates the impression that both characters are an opposing combination and are on a different side. This portrays tension towards the audience as it implies a minor conflict that you are not fully aware of. This also emphasises the use of 180 degree rules of filming. This shows a clear conversation between the two characters and does not confuse the audience.

 

The different editing techniques used are also important in creating tension throughout the scene. The main camera shot used is the classis fast cut. This is when the shot quickly switches to the next. This is realistic as the human eye can only see what it looks at and what it switches to. The quick shot is also good at creating more tension in a scene. For example, in the parlour scene, although it shows a calm conversation between the characters the fast cut is quick and sharp. This may suggest a sharp and short tempered mood foreshadowing the characters. This builds even more tension as it tells the audience that one of these characters may suddenly act in aggression towards something or someone. Another common editing technique used is the pan. At the beginning and the end of the scene the pan is used to wipe across the setting and show the characters leaving or entering. This suggests that throughout the entire scene, the only calm moments are when the woman enters the parlour and when she leaves. This suggests to the audience that the characters are unsafe and uncomfortable when they are in the same room. Tension is increased because the audience feel that because of the characters differences, something may happen. This fits with the thriller genre as it keeps the viewer on their seats.