Review of Psycho (1960) by Sam N — 30 Dec 2012

Full marks. As a modern moviegoer it's tempting to watch Psycho thinking that it won't be scary at all, but it should still be seen since it's a classic. Hitchcock quickly demonstrates that this is not the case.

Psycho is not frightening in the sense of modern gore or shock moments - the film instead thrives on long-drawn suspense (and a painful soundtrack score that sets your teeth on edge), and a genuinely disturbing character in the insane murderer Norman Bates, who swings from innocent charm to nervous suspicion.

Viewers just looking for thrills and screams will not find what they are after, but those who are willing to engage with the disturbing psychology of the film will not be disappointed, and the final reward is a knowing smile to the camera from Norman Bates, and a hint of a skull superimposed over his face as the picture fades away.