Camera and light in the construction of character identity, comparison between Psycho and Bates Motel

Abstract

This research attempts to analyse how the cinematography intervenes in the construction of the identity of the character Norman Bates, who suffers from a mental disorder. The choice of a lens, a framing, a colour or a camera movement can drastically change the way in which viewers receive images. In order to approach the representation on the screen of Norman Bates' psychosis, we will study psychoanalytical references that will help us to better understand Norman's inner self, and thus be able to detect how photography through light, framing, camera movements or colour is capable of taking us into his thoughts, his perception of the world.