Psycho

 

Date Of Release: 16th June 1960

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Producer: Alfred Hitchcock

Starring: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, Janet Leigh

Running Time: 109 minutes

Distributor: Paramount Pictures (original) & Universal Pictures (later releases)

Review:

This was not only one of the first ever horror films I watched, but the first ever horror that I watched in black and white. Because of this film, I have a stronger love and respect for old black and white movies. I also remember watching a documentary about Ed Gein around that time, so imagine my surprise when I found out that the movie was loosely inspired by his crimes. The films story line is a simple one, it shows the downward spiral psyche of a man with a split personality and the events that lead him to become a serial killer.

When Psycho was first released, it was met with mixed reviews. After the film done overwhelmingly at the box office, a re-review was offered which led to the film gaining 4 Academy award nominations. Not only did this become one of Hitchcock's best films, but is still ranked as one of the greatest films of all time. It is not hard to see why either. The film is full of suspense and is so intense. The film shows exactly how a horror should be done. What I love about it most is, as much as I love a bit of blood and guts, this film is hardly gorey, but that is what I love about it. The film never needed it.

My favourite scene is actually the part where you realise that Norman has a split personality. His own and "mother". What I love about it most is that it completely taps in to a deranged human psyche without actually making a mockery of it. It is so easy for films nowadays to over dramatize what people in real life live everyday as though it is normal. The most famous scene however, has to be the shower scene. If you do not know what it is then shame on you! Go and watch it!!

The film is one of very few that will have an everlasting longevity to it. It is as popular now as it was then. It is also a favourite amongst many film students (as most of Hitchcocks works are). It made Janet Leigh the first of the scream queens yet, typecast Perkins in his career. The film is perfection and that is all that can be said.

Rating: 9/10 - Oh look! Here's a free copy of the film with this blog....PSYCHE(O)!!!