Voyeurism and The Male Gaze (Psycho shower scene)

-"The Male Gaze"= movies that are filmed from a man's perspective; women are portrayed as weak and vulnerable
-Alfred Hitchcock used re-occurring themes of the "morbid variety-sex", death, murder, suspense and voyeurism. In Psycho, he uses unique methods and themes to switch the audience's views.
-In Psycho before she is murdered, she is looking distressed whilst writing something in her journal. "When people are distressed, their minds tend to be at their weakest". Women being seen as helpless

Shower Scene analysis
-Marion (the girl in the film Psycho) is in the center frame to focus on the emotion and intensity on her face.
-She is later followed by a tracking shot, demonstrating she's a character of importance
-Low lighting in her room to create an atmosphere of tranquility, seduction and suspense. Bright lighting in the bathroom to give her focus and the audience's attention
-High-pitched music when she's in the bedroom, creating an essence of suspense and fear in both the audience and the character. Normal/everyday sound effects in the bathroom (turning of the shower knob, water pouring down). No music is used for this part of the scene, close-up shot of her body to draw attention to her. As she takes off her clothes, an essence of both vulnerability and sexuality is created. Male Gaze becomes apparent and visual here; there is nothing to protect her, metaphorically and physically - being naked is a very private and intimate thing. An intrusion of her privacy - voyeurism
-Washing herself sensually in the shower, implying that women are sexual objects and are there to be adored by men. Possible symbolism for washing away her impurities

-Medium shot of Marion - rake focus to emphasize the killer's shadow. Facial close-ups to depict her thoughts and emotions, extreme close up of the mouth and a high angle to suggest she is belittled and inferior. 

 

-As she grabs the curtain, she is "holding on for dear life"