Mise En Scene Analysis Of Birds

“Yes, very much so, this is significantly noticeable through the reoccurring motif of the birds. I purposely used immobile birds, which are represented throughout the movie in photographs or as stuffed birds. The reason for this is because ordinarily, birds are liberated, however, though the use of immobile birds it metaphorically symbolises that both of the predominant characters, Marion and Norman are constricted, just like the birds. The use of birds is also a reflection of characters, which conveys to the audience that they can either be victims or predators. This is exceptionally noticeable within the ‘Parlor Scene’. Upon Marion entering the parlor, the camera deviates to a point of view shot at the stuffed owl, with its wings extended,
The angle is shortly cut to Norman, at an unnaturally low perspective, which makes the audience feel vulnerable. There is also a shadow illuminating one side of Norman’s face, the divide between light and dark shadows enhances the obscure nature between Norman and Mother. Through mise en scene, the audience is able to notice a close up shot of the birds hovering over Norman, this evidently reinforces that the duality between Norman and Mother is becoming obscenely obvious, as Mother is becoming the dominant personality. Moreover, behind Marion are several little birds, this conveys to the viewers that she is a sympathetic character, although very vulnerable, which signifies to the audience that eventually she will be the victim as the little birds foreshadow her eventual demise. This becomes more recognisable as the birds take on a significant role when their conversation leans towards the topic of Norman’s mother. As Norman begins to communicate to Marion about his mother, the camera deviates to a still shot of Norman, while a low angle shot of a large menacing owl emerges over him on the left side, which emphasises the power that Mother has over