Review of Psycho (2007) by Russell G — 07 Apr 2013

This is a true masterpiece! It is not often a film does everything right but this one sure does. Alfred Hitchcock elevates a great story to the highest level with his ability to set the right mood at the right moment, developing plot, creating suspense, and delivering truly shocking and abrupt scares.

Shooting it in black in white somehow strongly intensifies the mood. Hitchcock's silhouettes, camera angles, timing, iconic soundtrack and use of unnerving silence (long periods of without dialogue) are downright eerie.

Hitchcock clearly understands that less is more when it comes to delivering a scare, and that it is what we do not see, hear, or understand that is the most frightening. The plot is excellent, as it establishes a tight set of well-developed characters, in which every person is in some way important to the overall plot.

Janet Leigh, the main character, is charming; right from the beginning we understand her character and her motivations. There is excellently constructed misdirection and twists in the story that will shock and horrify any viewer in the best way possible.

Story, direction, acting, and style are all are top notch here; it makes this a true icon and is undisputedly one of the best movies of all time.