In 1959, novelist Robert Bloch published a book titled, “Psycho.” It follows a man named, Norman Bates who works at a motel while struggling with mommy issues. One night, he meets a woman named, Marion Crane who stops by to rest. Suddenly, all heck breaks loose. Fresh from making “North by Northwest,” Alfred Hitchcock read Psycho. He became interested in adapting it into a film. During filming, a trailer with the Master of Suspense himself giving the audience a tour. Before Psycho came out, Hitchcock urged movie theaters no is allowed to see the film late.
Released in 1960, (same year Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus came out) the film earned mixed reviews. At the time, people were shocked. That didn’t stop Hitchcock from making a huge profit earning 60% of $50 million. Which is $30 million. Using an inflation calculator, he made approximately $311,175,000. WOWSA! I guess Hitchcock was the first director to making a boatload of money before Steven Spielberg, James Cameron & Christopher Nolan used a similar approach.
Nowadays, Psycho is one of Hitchcock’s best (if not the best) works. In 1992, the Library of Congress selected Psycho in the National Film Registry. The film became a game changer in cinema history becoming the first slasher film within the Horror genre. Inspired many notable filmmakers to create their own films. Without Psycho, their careers would’ve never existed. I give credit where credit is due.
- William Friedkin (may he Rest in Peace)
- John Carpenter
- Martin Scorsese
- Steven Spielberg
- Brian De Palma
- David Lynch
- Wes Craven
- Sam Raimi
- Tim Burton
- Quentin Tarantino
- Paul Thomas Anderson
- Christopher Nolan
- M. Night Shyamalan
In 1998, Gus Van Sant (My Own Private Idaho, Good Will Hunting Milk) directed a remake starring Vince Vaughn and the late Anne Heche. Unlike the OG version, it was critically panned. Anyway, I’m gonna watch and review several Horror films throughout October. Don’t be shy to send me a request.
I don’t give a crud if SPOILERS are listed. We’ve all seen this Hitchcock classic. It’s been referenced or parodied countless times.
Clean & Messy Aspects
Clean: Anthony Perkins & Janet Leigh (Jamie Lee Curtis’ mother) both did an amazing job for their respective performances. Bernard Hermann orchestrated a memorable soundtrack.
Alfred Hitchcock did an excellent job directing. If you have a keen eye, he makes a cameo wearing a cowboy hat. It’s at the 6 minute mark.
Fun Fact: Walt Disney banned Hitchcock from going to Disneyland calling Psycho, “a disgusting movie.” Had Disney not die from lung cancer, he would’ve had a heart attack watching “A Clockwork Orange.”
Fun Fact 2: If you’re planning on going to Universal Studios Hollywood, you can go on a tour. Take a glimpse of familiar sets. I remember going there when I was a senior in high school. I’d love to revisit Universal Studios.
Cinematography’s shot in black-and-white. Hitchcock chose it to match a suspenseful atmosphere.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was hooked when Marion stole the money.
Speaking of money, one of Hitchcock’s trademarks is a MacGuffin. What’s a MacGuffin? An item that serves as a motivation for the character that sets a chain of events in the plot. Later on, it may or may not conclude if it’s brought up or not. Possibly let the audience decide the outcome of the object.
I believe Hitchcock became a pioneer of subverting our expectations. For instance, we thought Janet Leigh was gonna carry the film and make it out alive. It’s actually Anthony Perkins carrying it as the protagonist and antagonist simultaneously.
Memorable Dialogue. My favorite one is this line. “We all go a little mad sometimes.” The infamous shower scene with Norman stabbing Marion to death, sets a benchmark in Horror history. By the way, the blood is actually Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup. Smart move shooting a black-and-white movie without relying on red fake blood.
Another famous scene is the revelation of Norman’s mother, who turns out she’s dead. Norman suffers a split-personality posing as her. Back in the day, Norman isn’t just a one-dimensional villain lacking a grandmaster plan. He has mental issues. An example that the audience feels sorry for a tragic villain.
The winch pulling the car containing the MacGuffin, is up to the audience if the police will give the money back to Sam or it’ll be given to Lila as life insurance. I’m willing to accept this as a choose your ending scenario. I hate it when McGuffin’s are never resolved or let the audience interpret the outcome.
Messy: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Hitchcock and I’m his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX
Psycho still holds up a cornerstone to slasher films within the Horror genre. All of the positive stuff listed above, indicates why Hitchcock’s film sets a benchmark in cinema history. If you’re a fan of Hitchcock films or wanna introduce your friend or have a date with somebody, the OG original is a big yes.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 