“…nothing that is good can come into the world without directly producing a corresponding evil.”
― C.G Jung
“She might have fooled me, but she didn’t fool my mother.”
In the film Psycho, by Alfred Hitchcock, we are not just led through a tale of suspense and terror, we are immersed in a profound exploration of human psychology. The chilling events that take place at the motel and the deep character study of Norman Bates offers a platform to delve into the interplay between the visceral violence and our unconscious minds. A theme deeply rooted in the psychological concept of duality. By examining Norman Bates’ complex persona through the perspectives of Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalytics and Carl Jung’s study of archetypes we can uncover the layers of this dual identity.
“We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven’t you?”
At the core of Psycho stands Norman Bates, an owner of a motel whose dark alter ego fuels the narratives suspense. Norman epitomizes the nature in humanity embodying both good and evil forces within a single person. This dichotomy goes beyond being a narrative tool; it reflects a philosophical truth about human nature.
“Norman Bates no longer exists.”
Freud’s model of consciousness offers a lens to comprehend Normans self. According to Freud the human psyche comprises three components; the id, ego, and superego respectively.
The id symbolizes our base instincts, the superego embodies our sense of morality, and the ego acts as a mediator, between these conflicting elements. Normans portrayal of “Mother” can be interpreted as an expression of his id, an uncontrolled force fueled by desires and fears. In contrast Norman himself embodies the ego constantly grappling to maintain a facade of normalcy and control.
“Well, A boy’s best friend is his mother.”
Freuds theory on repression is significant in this context. Within Normans mind lies a battlefield where his past traumas and forbidden yearnings are deeply buried in his subconscious. The emergence of the “Mother” persona is a result of this repression reflecting Freuds belief that suppressed emotions will inevitably resurface, often with destructive consequences. In his Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis Freud is famous for saying, “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”
“No one really runs away from anything. It’s like a private trap that holds us in like a prison.”
In addition to Freud’s concepts Carl Jung’s ideas shed further light on the duality within Psycho. Jung introduced the concept of the shadow. An aspect of ones personality that remains unrecognized, by the mind. For Norman Bates his shadow takes form in his mother figure. An externalized representation of his desires and vulnerabilities that he struggles to acknowledge. It was important to Jung that one ‘integrate’ their shadow to achieve a balance and something Jung called individuation. In Psychology and Religion: West and EastJung puts it like this, “Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is. If an inferiority is conscious, one always has a chance to correct it.”
“I must have one of those faces you just can’t help believing”
Furthermore, these Jungian archetypes, symbols, and themes transcend cultures and time periods. Norman and his mother embody certain roles; Norman, as the Oedipal child archetype and Norma Bates as the devouring mother archetype. Both these roles becoming co-dependent of one another, even in death it seems. These roles tap into shared fears and worries intensifying Normans transformation into his mother, which is both chilling and deeply unnerving.
“They cluck their thick tongues, and shake their heads and suggest, oh so very delicately!”
The iconic shower scene, known for its editing and eerie music can be seen as a cleansing of Marion Crane’s conscious mind, from the perhaps regret she has of taking the money at the real estate office. The moment of clear calm for Marion is overtaken moments later by a darker unconscious force lurking beneath the surface. This intense moment captures perfectly the struggle between the egos desire for control and the ids tumultuous destructive impulses.
Psycho stands out not only for its filmmaking techniques but also for its profound exploration of human consciousness and psychology. Through Norman Bates character, Hitchcock offers a thought-provoking examination of duality, where the clash between subconscious minds are exposed. By drawing insights from Freud and Jungs theories we gain an insight into the forces propelling Norman towards insanity.
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Deep Focus Final analysis on Psycho and Dualism
Ultimately Psycho serves as a reminder that our minds are in constant conflict with themselves. Often, this is due to some repression that we are unable or unwilling to engage with. This perpetual battle molds our identities and shape our choices. They in turn determine our very fates. As we witness Norman Bates’ metamorphosis we should take a moment to think about Freud and Jung’s works and to confront the truth about our own inner shadow within ourselves.
