Semiotics Analysis of film ‘Psycho’ 1960

Eye: 
Symbolizes the woman’s vulnerability and lack of movement, the eye also shows the woman’s inner beauty and how shocking her death was. The woman’s open eye also emphasizes her inner anxiety at this sudden horrific killing event. The woman’s inability to shut her eye before she dies shows her shock and horror at how events have turned from good to bad.

Knife:
The background music accompanies/ imitates the stabbing movement (use of violins/string instruments to create tension). The shadow of the knife and intruder gives a sense of suspension and mystery as well as horror. The knife in the shadows is conveyed as a threatening object/weapon.

Plug Hole:
Symbolizes the woman’s life draining away, through
 her blood quickly flowing down the plug hole. The plug
 hole also symbolizes how the woman’s life is wasted and unnecessarily drawn shorter. The plug hole shows how the woman’s life is slowly draining away from her as she deteriorates and is finally killed. A plug hole also connotes darkness and the un-known.


Semiotics:

     ‘The study of signs and symbols as elements of communicative behaviour the analysis of systems of communication, such as language, gestures, or clothing.’