Review of Psycho (2007) by Mandela W — 14 Aug 2016

Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most legendary and arguably the greatest director in cinematic history. His films are highly revered in Hollywood and the film community in general and his directing skills are being studied to this day in different colleges and places that teach film. Vertigo was the first Hitchcock film I ever saw then came Rear Window. I finally after many years got around to watch his iconic Psycho film. Psycho is the most classic of horror films one can come across. Hitchcock changed the game once again with this 1960 flick.

Marion Crane is a real estate agent who is in quite the predicament as she cannot marry her boyfriend who has serious debts to pay. Marion decides one day to steal a $40,000 payment left at her job and she flees. During her travel out of Phoenix, Arizona she is forced to make a stop for the night at the mysterious Bates Motel where she meets Norman Bates the owner of the place. Norman begins explaining very unusual stories about his mother, the hotel and even displays some disturbing behavior. The movie becomes a suspenseful thriller that proved to be one of the first real slasher pics.

I must first point out the truly great and timeless film score. It's so memorable and has been referred to in pop culture ever since. Janet Leigh is pretty damn good here. She plays such a sneaky woman who gets in over her head. you at first feel for her but then as time goes on you see that she may have very well deserved to die. Anthony Perkins is spectacular as Norman Bates. This was such an amazing performance as a truly disturbed man/momma's boy. his facial expressions to his manner of movement and behavior was top notch and just awe inspiring to watch.

What Alfred Hitchcock does here is incredible. He really sets the mood tension and atmosphere with not only the music but with ominous signs. this was one of the first really spooky films. the shower scene is pretty surreal to watch. such a classic moment in cinema and was one of the original bloody moments in movies. I can definitely tell back then that seeing that kind of violence was new and shocking to audiences. Hitchcock took a real chance with that and it paid off. might have been a little overly dramatic but still pretty awesome to witness. it's also a really shocking twist in the story.

The writing is phenomenal. lots of crazy surprises happen here. Classic is still a classic. you can really pick a part and study many scenes in here. the ending is a bit overdramatic as well but the point was that Hitchcock was looking to introduce a new brand of fear in the world of cinema and he accomplished that. at the time I can imagine it being quite overwhelming to watch.

Psycho is a must see for true film fans anywhere.