One of my favourite Hitchcock films, and the first film I'd seen from the director. This film drips with atmosphere, and contains a story so intriguing that a lot of the film's other qualities can go almost unnoticed in a first viewing. Along with atmosphere and script, Psycho's advantages are showcased in it's acting, editing, art direction & cinematography, as well as one of the most memorable scores of all-time, composed by the great Bernard Hermann.
Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is on the lam after stealing $40k from her employer. Fed up with the conditions her life is in, she sees this as an opportunity to start fresh, and so after stealing the money, she sets off for California where she plans to meet with up her boyfriend Sam. Along the journey, she gets caught in a storm and decides to pull over at the nearby Bates Motel to call it a night.
Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), the motel's proprietor, gets Marion settled in and offers her a light supper. They share a few words and Marion soon retires to her room to get rested for the journey ahead. Before she goes to bed, she decides to have a shower...
Psycho tells two stories, but disclosing any more info could be considered spoiling. Hitchcock has never been better, and does an incredible job at directing this multi-faceted tale. Janet Leigh is the perfect choice for the conniving, yet likeable Marion. Anthony Perkins as Norman, gives one of the greatest male lead performances ever filmed. What he does through nuanced facial expressions and body language is unparalleled.
Upon it's initial release, Hitchcock advised theatres to not let anyone in after the film had started. The reasoning is obvious, as one of the film's major twists occurs only minutes into it's running length. The film's final scene is quite memorable, and only highlights the degree of skill that Perkins brought to the role of Norman. As a whole, this is one of my favourite entries into the "horror" genre. Masterful in every aspect, Psycho is simply unforgettable.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is on the lam after stealing $40k from her employer. Fed up with the conditions her life is in, she sees this as an opportunity to start fresh, and so after stealing the money, she sets off for California where she plans to meet with up her boyfriend Sam. Along the journey, she gets caught in a storm and decides to pull over at the nearby Bates Motel to call it a night.
Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), the motel's proprietor, gets Marion settled in and offers her a light supper. They share a few words and Marion soon retires to her room to get rested for the journey ahead. Before she goes to bed, she decides to have a shower...
Psycho tells two stories, but disclosing any more info could be considered spoiling. Hitchcock has never been better, and does an incredible job at directing this multi-faceted tale. Janet Leigh is the perfect choice for the conniving, yet likeable Marion. Anthony Perkins as Norman, gives one of the greatest male lead performances ever filmed. What he does through nuanced facial expressions and body language is unparalleled.
Upon it's initial release, Hitchcock advised theatres to not let anyone in after the film had started. The reasoning is obvious, as one of the film's major twists occurs only minutes into it's running length. The film's final scene is quite memorable, and only highlights the degree of skill that Perkins brought to the role of Norman. As a whole, this is one of my favourite entries into the "horror" genre. Masterful in every aspect, Psycho is simply unforgettable.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
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