Review of Psycho

Rating: 9/10 (7 December 2010)

There is so much to be said about Psycho, from its profound cinematography to the provocative script. Alfred Hitchcock is well known for his horror films, and Psycho definitely proves why. The plot behind the movie really broke a mold for horror films during the 1960's. Movies were become more "expressive", and leaving less unsaid, but Psycho revealed some truths behind sex and violence that weren't discussed in society. Alfred Hitchcock helped to change what society thought of as true terror. There was a realness to his films, unlike the studio era horror films. His use of the camera was truly remarkable. It's obvious that Hitchcock knew how to add suspense and fear. His way of showing the actor's reaction then what they were looking at, makes it feel like you are in the film. Also, the famous shower scene depicts how some things are better left to the imagination. Not because it's too much for the audience to handle, but because it makes the viewer think and fill in the blanks in a way. It was obvious that the woman had been killed, but it's more frightening in a way to leave out the whole scene. It adds that gasp effect. Clearly, Psycho was a somewhat ground breaking film, and really paved the way for horror films in general.