1960 • Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay: Joseph Stefano; Based on Psycho by Robert Bloch
Cast: Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, John McIntire, Simon Oakland, Frank Albertson, Pat Hitchcock
Cinematography: John L. Russell
Music: Bernard Herrmann
Producer: Alfred Hitchcock
Paramount Pictures
Well, a boy's best friend is his mother.
Everything you have read, seen, or heard about Psycho is probably true. Unfortunately, the "twist" ending has been parodied to death (no pun intended) and it, along with its iconic score, is part of the American pop culture landscape. However, if you have never seen Psycho, then you owe yourself a good scare. The movie is shrouded in an aura of intrigue and suspense, with a storyline that seamlessly intertwines horror, mystery, and psychological thrills. From the infamous shower scene to the eerie Bates Motel, every element of Psycho has become ingrained in the collective consciousness of audiences worldwide. References to the movie abound in various forms of media, from movies and TV shows to advertisements and Halloween costumes.
Behind Jaws and The Exorcist, Psycho is easily one of the best horror, thrillers, or horror/thrillers of all time. It's not just because the film features a serial killer (although that plays a significant role), but because the film is genuinely terrifying and shocking to the senses.
Psycho follows Marion Crane, a young secretary who embezzles money from her employer and decides to go on the run. Tired and caught in a rainstorm, she checks into the secluded Bates Motel, owned by the enigmatic Norman Bates and his overbearing mother. Marion's decision to stay at the motel sets off a chain of horrifying events, culminating in one of movie history’s most iconic scenes. The film slowly uncovers the dark secrets hidden within the Bates Motel, leading to a shocking revelation. The film explores themes of identity, madness, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion.
Psycho was adapted from the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. Bloch's narrative provided Hitchcock with a foundation for his screenplay, allowing him to delve into the complexities of the human mind and create a story that both disturbed and fascinated audiences. Ed Gein was a notorious American murderer and grave robber, who served as an inspiration for several on-screen villains, including Psycho. It’s important to note that this is not the story of Ed Gein. Hitchcock and Bloch drew inspiration from Gein’s murders but does not retell the story. Gein's twisted psyche and the gruesome discoveries in his home fascinated the public and the media, influencing numerous works of fiction in both literature and film. Hitchcock's decision to draw inspiration from Gein's story added a layer of real-life horror to the fictional narrative, intensifying the impact of Psycho on audiences' collective psyche.
Psycho stands as one of the earliest and most influential "slasher" films in cinematic history. Released in 1960, it revolutionized the horror genre by introducing elements of suspense, psychological terror, and shocking violence. Alfred Hitchcock's meticulous direction and storytelling techniques set new standards for horror filmmaking, making Psycho a trailblazer for the countless slasher films that would follow.
One of the reasons this film is so scary is that the scares are earned by a well-crafted screenplay. Instead of using the tired conventions of modern horror films where something "jumps out" at the audience, the screenplay builds its characters, their motivations, and their actions so well that when the scare comes it is natural and organic instead of contrived. What is quite genius about Stefano's script (which was based on a novel by Robert Blotch), is that Marion has what appears to be a petty motivation at the beginning of the film. However, without entering into spoiler territory, Hitchcock completely manipulates your expectations and as Act I ends and Act II begins you are completely caught off guard as to what to expect in the film. It's at this point that the Norman Bates character becomes the main crux of the story. His motivation and character development are so fascinating that it dwarfs the rest of the plot and characters. The mystery surrounding what is truly going on at the Bates Motel is one of the most well-written in cinema history.
Central to the film's enduring impact is Bernard Herrmann's iconic score. Herrmann's music, especially the shrieking strings during the famous shower scene, became synonymous with fear. His composition elevated the film's tension, creating an atmosphere of unease and anticipation that intensified every moment, making audiences hold their breaths in terror.
Obviously, Hitchcock's value can never be understated, but he truly did create a horror milestone. Just examine the infamous shower murder scene. A scene that even people who have never seen the film can immediately call to mind when the film is mentioned. It is incredibly frightening, disturbing, and terrifying. Notice, however, there is no gore. None. You see a knife, a shadowy figure, you hear the screaming terror, and finally, some blood trickles down the drain. You never see the knife wounds or stab marks, however the rapid-fire editing, the point of view shots (from both the victim and the killer), the sound effects, and of course that unnerving score by Bernard Herrmann all combine to make one of the most violent scenes of all time.
Psycho is Hitchcock's A-list B-movie. Despite its relatively low budget and unconventional narrative, the film showcased Hitchcock's mastery of suspense, effectively blending high-quality production values with a compelling, provocative story. Its success challenged the industry's perception of what a blockbuster could be, proving that a film didn't need a massive budget to captivate audiences and become a critical and commercial triumph.
While Hitchcock certainly had his easily recognizable styles and themes, they never overshadowed the actors or the performances. Whether it was Jimmy Stewart in Vertigo or Cary Grant in North by Northwest, Hitchcock always populated his films with incredible actors. Janet Leigh and Martin Balsam both give fine supporting performances, but the true star of the film has to be Anthony Perkins. Perkins' portrayal of Norman Bates is all at once terrifying, pathetic, sweet, and off-putting.
Hitchcock's reputation and persuasive skills played a pivotal role in convincing Paramount Pictures to distribute Psycho. Initially skeptical, Paramount executives were hesitant to back a film with such a shocking storyline. However, Hitchcock's belief in the project, combined with his willingness to finance it himself and his clever marketing strategies, eventually convinced the studio to support the film. His decision to deny advance screenings, urging theaters to enforce a strict no-entry policy after the film began, further fueled curiosity and anticipation, contributing significantly to the film's eventual success.
Psycho is a horror film without monsters, ghosts, or gore, yet it will never cease to terrify audiences. It challenges expectations and its ending will drive you crazy. But that's OK... we all go a little mad sometimes.
She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?
Notable Awards & Accomplishments
- Academy Award Nominee: Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Janet Leigh
- American Film Institute 100 Greatest Films: #14
- Director’s Guild of America Awards Nominee: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures - Alfred Hitchcock
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