In the film of Psycho there were many different camera shots used but the most interesting was of the birds eye view. This shot was used in the event that the "mother" came out of her room and killed the private investigator and when the son brought the mother down the stairs to the basement. Though it was an interesting shot, I also thought there was much more to it. The shot was simply used to keep the identity of the mother undercover as her features were not scene as well as being a quick shot. I also found it interesting that the shot of what would be called a "birds eye view" is used as if someone is watching them just like the birds aspect in the scene with the son and guest in the office as the birds watched over them. Also when the son is carrying the mother down the stares, the birds eye view is used as he carries the skeleton to show just because someone is always watching.
After completing the film, I found certain features make movies scary such as fast movements (or pop-outs) and with suspicious music. In Psycho, a scene that used fast movements was when Marianne was being stabbed in the shower. It was said that 45 cameras were set up to complete the shot and each shot was a few seconds. Nowadays fast movements are now used with pop-outs of freaky faces or simple objects that show up in the camera too fast. Along with fast movements, Suspicious music plays a role of setting the mood.
I also talked about the birds eye view in my post. I think it has many different meanings and connections to it, and it is another thing that makes the film scary without needing technology or effects. It keeps a little bit of the mystery of who is actually the murderer, and also misleading the viewers to think it is someone who it isn't. Hitchcock is known as the "master of suspense", and this film clearly shows that.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of how the shot of Norman carrying his mother down the stairs relates to the birds watching Norman and Marion in the office the night she arrived. I also found that the decision to use a bird's eye view for this particular shot was interesting and helped indicate to the audience that Norman's mother's identity was meant to be a mystery. Lastly, I also found this particular shot helpful in making each scene diverse.
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