Psycho

It is hard to come to a film like Psycho without at least some awareness of the likely surprises in store - the famous moment in the shower is so indelible in pop culture that it has lost its shock factor. Yet, in the context of the film it is still a surprising moment. What is so clever about Psycho is that the first half of the film suggests an entirely different genre and approach. Hitchcock creates a fascinating set-up and moral dilemma that keeps the audience intrigued so that by the time our heroine makes her decision to resolve this issue, you could be forgiven for forgetting the title of the film. But it is the arrival at the Bates Motel and Perkins’ entrance that immediately signals a change in tone, specifically a fascinating conversation between Perkins and Leigh in the motel parlour. It is Perkins’s nuanced performance throughout the film that suggest both a softly spoken innocence and a creepy underlying darkness to Norman Bates, and this is never more clear than in his introduction, as the focus of the audience shifts from Leigh’s character to Perkins. There is little to be added to the already iconic shower scene other than it is a masterclass in editing, music and performance (the shot that pulls back from the victim’s eye is still both horrifying and utterly mesmerising). The second half of the film could have struggled to live up to this and to a certain extent it does, but in the ensuing investigation, Hitchcock of course has one or two more surprises in store that are best left unspoiled and Perkins’ performance ensured that the loss of one great character would not be detrimental to the overall film. It is a shame the final scene feels the need to over explain the events of the film, but the final shot certainly leaves a great impression.

"Why she wouldn't even hurt a fly."

Dude, Anthony Perkins is so good. So so good. So good in fact it's kinda epic. Also, Janet Leigh has such expressive eyes, which explains why the camera is always focus on her face.

At one point while watching the movie, I was reaching for my drink until a certain scene caught me off guard and froze me in place. That scene is where Marion Crane is waiting at the traffic light and sees her boss crossing the street, both locking eyes. It is more effective if you watch it yourself.

Why do I have a feeling Alfred Hitchcock was a serial killer in a past life.

I will not be able to bring anything to "Psycho" that hasn't already been said. It is one of the greatest Horror films...no check that...one of the greatest films of any genre ever made. It paved the way for the modern-day slasher flick and it contained a couple of the greatest plot twists ever.

It looks wonderful on Blu-Ray. And by the way, people who haven't experienced old Black & White films restored to Blu-Ray have no idea what they're missing.

This is simply one of the greatest movies made by perhaps the greatest director of all time.

She just goes - a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes.

Horribly great movie. Watched it when it came out. Took me 30 years to take a shower without anyone in the house.

"We all go a little mad sometimes."

When Norman Bates ran in the room dressed as the dead mother while the soundtrack played, I legit got chills. I was disturbed to my core. I've never seen a movie so effectively freak me out that quickly and that deep. I almost started shaking when I saw that image.

Psycho, by Alfred Hitchcock, is one of those films that defined an era, and to me, it’s the best suspense movie of all time. Not only does it stand the test of time, but it also completely changed the way suspense and horror are made. Hitchcock didn’t just create new ways to build tension, he also knew how to surprise in a brilliant way, with an intelligent story and layered characters.

The story follows Marion Crane, who, on a whim, steals some money and tries to escape from the boring life she leads. From the start, the film throws you right into all this tension, so you quickly understand Marion’s motives. But when she stops at the Bates Motel, she meets Norman Bates, one of the most iconic and enigmatic characters in cinema. What seemed like a simple crime film turns into something much darker, with mysteries that keep you hooked until the very end.

One of the most amazing things about Psycho is how Hitchcock worked with the visuals. He used black and white to make the atmosphere even heavier, which could’ve seemed like a technical limitation, but in reality, it made the movie more intense. Every scene is designed to make you uncomfortable. And that shower scene... the quick cuts, the sharp sound... it’s the peak of tension. You could say, without a doubt, that this scene redefined how murder scenes would be filmed from then on. And speaking of sound, you can’t forget Bernard Herrmann’s score, which is simply essential to making the movie work. The violins he uses create a tension that gives you chills and amplifies the fear in those key moments. The music communicates directly with the audience, creating a sense of fear that goes beyond the screen.

The performances are also incredible. Janet Leigh makes Marion a character you instantly connect with and root for. And Anthony Perkins as Norman... man, he’s perfect. He manages to be friendly but still leaves you feeling uneasy, creating one of the most iconic villains of all time.

But what’s most interesting about Psycho is how it explores the human mind. It’s not just another suspense film. It delves deep into themes like identity, morality, and the dark side of human nature. The characters’ actions raise moral and psychological questions, making us reflect not only on them but on our own perceptions of right and wrong.

The legacy of Psycho is huge. Even after so many decades, it remains a cinematic reference point. It’s not just a horror or suspense film, it’s a masterclass in building tension, working with characters’ psychology, and delivering unexpected twists. Hitchcock proves himself a master with this film, creating something that not only scares but stays with you long after it ends.

If you’re into movies, Psycho is a must-watch. It’s the kind of film that didn’t just revolutionize its genre but influenced a whole generation of filmmakers and still captivates viewers today. Hitchcock’s genius, paired with memorable performances and a mind-bending story, makes this film a timeless masterpiece.

When I think of the best movie ever made, Psycho comes to mind every time.

This film still holds up nearly 60 years after it was made. I went against Hitch's own suggestion and read the book first, but this didn't lessen my viewing experience. This film is absolutely incredible, from the shot composition, to the music to the subtle shifts in the acting of Anthony Perkins when things start to get to him. I loved this film and I'm mad at myself for waiting so long to finally see it!