Also, consider

• the symbolism. What does Marion's shower symbolize and how does it turn ironic once she is murdered?

• the use of montage. Why does Hitchcock use montage instead of the numerous other ways this scene could have been shot. 

• the score. Watch the scene on mute. Discuss how the use of music affects our reaction to the scene.

Also, consider

• the changing camera angles. What do they tell us about Norman and his state of mind?

• the birds. What do they symbolize? 

• the difference between the types of birds (song, scavenger). Could they symbolize different things? 

Also, consider

• the irony of finding Mother in the basement. Why is it ironic?

• the lighting. Why is the use of the single overhead lightbulb effective in this scene? 

• the music. What is your opinion of the music in this scene? How did it affect your viewing of it?

Also, consider

• Norman's smirk. Why does Norman smile at the camera at the end of this scene? How should we interpret it?

• the use of superimposition. What is Hitchcock message with his use of superimposition at the end of this scene?

• the final shot of the film. Why does Hitchcock end the film with Marion's car being towed out of the swamp, instead of on Norman's face?

Also, consider

• Arbogast's ascension up and descension down the stairs. Why did Hitchcock choose to film it this way? What's the purpose?

• the birds-eye view shot. Unusual for an interior shot, why do you think Hitchcock uses it here?

• the music. Discuss its use in this scene. 

Also, consider

• Marion's facial expressions. What do you make of them and why?

• the use of voiceover. Why does Hitchcock show it this way rather than taking us back to the office to hear and see these conversations? 

• the lighting. How is it thematically significant that it changes from day to night as Marion leaves Phoenix and arrives at The Bates Motel?

Also, consider

• the shot-reverse shots. Typically, shot reverse shots are shown in medium (MS) or medium close up (MCU). Why does Hitchcock choose the unusual close-up (CU) for the shot-reverse shots in this scene? 

• the extreme low angle CU shot of Norman's face. Why did Hitchcock choose this angle? What could it symbolize? 

• the shift in angles throughout. You'll notice that sometimes the characters are shot at eye level but also at a slightly high and slightly low angle. What pattern or meaning can you subscribe to these changes?

Also, consider

• the uniqueness of the establishing shot. Why do you think Hitchcock opens with a shot of the city and then pans and zooms into the hotel room? What does this accomplish? 

• the theme of voyeurism. How is it portrayed in this opening scene? Who is voyeuristic? 

• what does this opening suggest about these two characters we are being introduced to? Why open on such an intimate moment? What is Hitchcock trying to establish? 

Also, consider

• the shots of the newspaper. When does Hitchcock show the newspaper to us and why? What is he trying to convey?

• the theme of voyeurism. How is it portrayed in this scene and how is it used to deceive the audience?

• the insert shot of the picture he bumped off of the wall. What is Hitchcock telling us?