Review of Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990) by Eric C — 04 Oct 2009

Norman is back and so is the franchise; unfortunately this was the last film Anthony Perkins would portray the character of Norman Bates. I love this film, it equals Psycho II's greatness and really keeps you interested.

Norman Bates has been rehabilitated for a few years now and has gotten married. Leaving his past behind him and living with his wife, he seems to have let Mother RIP. However, a radio program has decided to do a show on people who kill their mothers and what drives them to do it. This forces Norman to confront his demons and speak to the station.

Olivia Hussey stars as Mother, the tortured soul who loved and corrupted Norman to become the man he became. Hussey does a fine job in this film, she plays the character as a person who can love and snap in a minute and plays it well. Having a mother like this would make anyone crazy and that was the point in the character. There is one scene where she forces Norman to rub her down with ice cubes, a situation that sons would find extremely weird. Than she starts to roll around on the floor with him and when he reacts in a certain way she dresses him like a girl as punishment.

Henry Thomas plays Young Norman majority of the film and definitely helps make you believe that he will grow to be Anthony Perkins. The innocence and sympathy is there, it makes you wonder if he had conversations with Perkins on how the role should be portrayed.

The only flaws I found with the film is that of how Norman's father died. In part 3 the reporter says that Norman's Aunt killed him in a jealous rage, but in this film Norman himself says that he was stung to death by bees. CCH Pounder plays the disk jockey that is speaking to Norman on the air about his experiences. I love this actress, she plays all her roles very well and here is no exception. John Landis plys the Radio Station owner as a cameo and is ridiculous. The mind we go inside when watching what drove Norman to do what he did is a trip no one will forget. That works very well for a sequel, not to mention a TV sequel. Thankfully this film makes no mention of The Bates Motel TV Pilot film.

Definitely go see this film.

4 out of 5.