It still has its power as it did in 1960

Rating: 10/10 (20 January 2008)

Alfred Hitckcock is the master of suspense and mystery. I have now seen four of his movies and I have to say that Psycho is not only among his best of film, but also among the best of the horror genre. Hitchkock's direction was simply marvelous in the 1950s and 60s, and still is today. From the intense facial close-ups to the distant and unusual camera angles, it is impeccable. The music by Bernard Herrmann also adds much to the suspense to the film. I was on the edge of my seat with every beat of the score.
Anthony Perkins is simply remarkable as Norman Bates. He isn't the full scale, murder, blood-seeking type of villain that most Hollywood villains are depicted in modern-day horror flicks. He appears as a normal person but has a secret and dark personality. He's creepy and disturbing but yet subtle and calm. He can be pitied, but also feared.
Janet Leigh, I will never forget her scream as she faces her inevitable death in the shower sequence. She was also superb in supporting as Bates' first victim. But in my opinion, I felt the shower scene was a little corny. I kind of felt myself laughing at the chocolate syrup that was used for the blood, which I expected to be in more quantity like in Raging Bull. Perhaps I'm just to the blood/gore of the 1980s and modern-day cinema. Then again, it was common for most movies in the 50s and 60s for people on camera to die without spraying an ounce of blood. Despite this little opinion of mine, I loved the movie. It still has its power as it did in 1960. 10/10