Trauma In Alfred Hitchcock's Film Psycho

The human brain is a smart and complex part of the body that controls when we breathe, eat, and sleep. It is so complex that doctors and scientists are still learning about the brain to this day. Not only does it control bodily functions, but it also operates as a mental compass that controls emotions and deciphers between right and wrong. Unlike other body parts, the brain is able to be conditioned and developed from outside sources, like parents teaching young children moral values. In addition, the brain can be altered. Maybe not physically, but it can be altered in the sense of emotional trauma that can damage the rest of the mind, the part of the brain that controls morality, for life. Trauma experienced as a young child can cause deep psychological damage within the brain. This damage consumes the child and thus, they create ways to cope with the emotional trauma. In 1960s Hitchcock film, Psycho, this description fits the …show more content…
The curious Norman wants to satisfy is sexual desire and this can be seen by the light that is shown onto his face. As he is looking into the hole, the light from Marion’s room shines on his face. Though the act of peeping is creepy, Norman means no harm. Interestingly, as he concludes his peeping session, his lurks back into complete darkness: his mother has taken over. Norman’s mother knows he wants to be with Marion which, consequently, makes her jealous and resentful. When Norman puts the picture back on the wall, he turns around and his face is split by the light once again. He even looks up to the main house where is apparent mother lives. The splitting of the light on Norman’s face, shows the audience the actual switching of personalities. The quick transition signals that something bad is going to happen to Marion as Norman’s jealous mother hates the idea of her son being with anyone else but