Identify those three themes in Rear Window and Psycho ONLY
discuss in detail, one specific example of each theme from Rear Window and Psycho
Cinematic counterpoint- When something bad happens in a normally safe environment.
In the movie Rear Window, Jeff’s activity to watch the neighbors from his apartment
became a risky way to pass time. Jeff became suspicious of his missing neighbor’s wife enabling
an investigation. At first, Jeff neglected Marion who is talking about marriage with him. The
thrill to watch his neighbors with binoculars preoccupied him more. His emotions change once
he sees Marion’s devotion by risking her life to solve this case. The multistory apartment created
a twist in the meaning of the setting as he gets pushed out of the window. I think it is fair to say
the ending scene was unexpected.
In the movie Psycho, Marion’s shower scene is an example of cinematic counterpoint.
The shower is where someone is supposed to become refreshed. Norman Bates does not come
off as killer but rather acts like an anti-social motel manager. Marion stops at a motel for what
was presumed be a quick pit stop to get out of the rain and rest. The motel seemed orderly but
eerie with taxidermy of stuffed birds.
Voyeurism- Viewing others discreetly for sexually-gratifying purposes.
In Rear Window, Hitchcock tactfully places the window to tell a story with subjective
and objective camera views. The window gives Jeff a feeling of a discrete advantage to watch his
neighbors' actions. One example of Jeff’s subjective camera zooms in to see Thorwald placing
his wife’s ring in her purse. The camera becomes a vehicle for the audience with the use of the
long shot and restricted shots on the apartments. Jeff is confined to his wheelchair and finds
excitement in solving the case of his neighbor’s wife’s disappearance.
In Psycho, the audience becomes an involuntary voyeur as Marion uses the real estate
money to find a way to be with Sam. The suspense of how she could escape with all that cash is
explained as the climax unravels. Norman's opportunity to spy on his attractive female guest
Marion becomes an undeniable opportunity to defy his mother’s approval. The subjective camera
demonstrates the characters wants and desires. Norman couldn’t keep away after spying on
Marion in the shower.
Circular design- a nearly circle item furthers the plot to a complete circle.
In Rear Window, Jeff’s disposition and the idea of entertainment with access to a camera
and binoculars, instigate him to spy on his neighbors. The camera becomes an object of circular
design with its point of view. As Thorwald notices Jeff using the camera to spy, the camera
changes from a tool to observe to a defense mechanism with a bright to flash to protect himself
from Thorwarld’s attack.
In Psycho, the eye becomes a metaphor for unattainable desires. First, Norman removed a
picture covering a peephole and we see his eyes spy on Marion’s guest room. This transitions to
a shower-head that even looks like a person’s pupil. The blood from her stabs swirls down the
drain in a circle. The circular motion continues to a close up of Marion’s open eyes as she lies
dead on the floor. The mystical music in the shower scene impacts the importance of this scene.
Later we find Norman’s mothers skeleton with only eye sockets. The eyes of the characters are
used as indicators.