Psycho was very graphic for the time period and made a formula for modern horror films to follow. 1960 was the start of the loss of many norms and moral beliefs that had been passed down by there parents. This films influence has been evident in many horror films through out the modern horror world. The infamous shower scene in which a woman is taking a shower and is killed by a person walking in with a knife. Audiences around the world who watched this film must have been shocked when the Marion Crane played by Janet Leigh was killed halfway into the film and the main character is changed to Norman Bates played by Anthony Perkins. Anthony Perkins performance was very effective in showing off the films title. In 1957 Anthony Perkins won the Golden Globe award for most promising newcomer and with how he performance in this feature it is clear to see because he is very genuinely creepy. The other primary character's are Vera Miles as Lila Crane, John Gavin as Sam Loomis, and Martin Balsam as Milton Arbogast. Each of them has there own unique persona in this film but all of them share an interest in what really happened to Marion Crane and what Norman Bates is hiding deep inside of his mind and in reality. After all is said and done the ending is something more than just a shock it is a complete mind warp moment that words cannot describe how confusing the reasoning is as to the motive for the killing. This movie is ideal for those who like there horror movies to have a strong story and a definite climax and ending that keep the viewer on the edge of there seat waiting to see what happens next.
The director of Psycho is Alfred Hitchcook is known as being one of the best directors of all time for is style of film making and his story telling abilities. It was an adaptation of a novel by Robert Bloch but when it was transferred to screen is when film making became darker. Psycho is not a mindless slasher flick that has killing and gore for no reason its quite the opposite in most ways. Hitchcook was already a veteran director when he made this film being his 59th film and showing that he was still not done with his work. Visually the filming style and the building of suspense is perfect, which fits the tone of the film without becoming predictable. An excellent example is when the cop is following Marion along the interstate and the music emphasizes her paranoia. The musical score has been sampled in many different horror movies almost like recycling gold over and over again but its easily recognizable and timeless. I do not wish to put to many spoilers in this review but other than the ones that I already have placed so its still fun to watch the film for a first screening. When it comes to a basic rating I would have to give this film a 9/10 because the ending even through me off and made me say “What The..” and I'm sure most felt the same way after watching it for the first time.
Opening Image: The film starts off with Marion Crane and her lover Sam Loomis making out on a bed
Theme Stated: Tom Cassidy arrives at Marion Cranes boss’s office and says “Just…buying off unhappiness.”
Set-Up: Marion is asked to take the money to the bank for her boss.
Catalyst: She is given the 40,000 dollars in cash to take to the bank but she’s not sure what to do with it.
Debate: She makes up her mind to go live with Sam Loomis in California.
Break into Two: Marion leaves her town to go be with Sam and get away with the money.
B Story: After driving all day and night for 2 days she stops at a Motel that Norman Bates owns and runs to stay the night.
Fun and Games: Norman seems to have social problems and is obedient of his mother. Ultimately this leads to Normans mother killing Marion.
Midpoint: Norman discovers Marion dead on the ground and cleans up the mess and dispossess of the evidence.
Bad Guys Close In: After finding out that her sister has been missing Lila and Sam are confronted by a private investigator that is trying to find Marion. His search takes him to Norman’s hotel and leaves unsatisfied but returns only to die.
All Is Lost: Sam and Lila are distressed that the detective did not come back with news.
Dark Night Of The Soul: They talk to the sheriff of the town and learn that Norman Bates mother has been dead for 10 years.
Break into three: They decide to go investigate the hotel for themselves.
Finale: They find Norman mothers corpse and Lila is attacked in the cellar by Norman in a wig. Sam saves her though and they take Norman to the sheriff.
Final Image: In order for Norman to live the lie that his mother had not died by his hand he put on the illusion that she was never dead in his mind and became a psycho. Norman could not buy off happiness without losing his mind in the process.
-Ryan
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