Movie Review Psycho - 818 Words

The American cult classic, Psycho, is a film that centers on the disturbing encounter between a secretary who is in hiding and a motel owner by the name of Norman Bates. The film has many psychological twists and turns playing on the mental stability of Bates and how he handles his mother, who is also mentally ill herself. It is the window that is shown throughout the movie that draws the viewer to figure out what is exactly on the other side. The window is what we see that begins the story of Norman Bates and his mental issues. The movie opens on the city of Phoenix with buildings dominating the camera view. The camera goes past the window and then returns to it making it the primary focus. It is such a random shot that then becomes†¦show more content†¦Voyeurism appears to be a recurring theme throughout the movie as there are many instances where a window is present or being used in a scene. Another important scene is when Marion pulls up to Bates Motel and sees a female silhouette, or what she thinks is a female, in the window of the grotesque mansion on the hill. Even though the mansion is considered scenery, it can also be considered a main â€Å"character†. It towers over the motel and its presence is constantly beckoning the motel guests. In just looking at the mansion, it has many windows that appear to be frequently ‘watching’. The window is an opening through which many things are seen and heard. The window is repetitive throughout the movie which only means that it is very substantial to the specific scene at hand. For instance, Norman’s reflection is shown in the window when he brings Marion something to eat revealing a side of his face that is never shown by the camera. It is the side of his face that is never really shown by the camera. It is then explained in so many words and wit that this is the side of his body that is taken over by Mother as he tells Marion that ‘she’ is not quite herself this evening. Everyone is familiar with the saying â€Å"The eyes are the window to the soul†. The windows that are shown throughout the movie are the eyes that are continuously watching everything and everyone. It is the window that reveals Norman as Mother pacing back and