Don't worry... NOT A SPOILER

Rating: Null/10 (20 February 2004)

Knowing all of Hitchcock's little quirks makes watching one of his films more interesting. His preference of blondes, his obsession with the bathroom and the letters BM are just a few. Hitchcock liked to use foreshadowing also in his films, which makes the film more interesting to the viewer because while some would think it distracts from the element of surprise, it's done in such a subtle way that it only makes a difference if the viewer is looking for it. The viewer isn't sure what will happen next but there are little clues to add more of the mystery element to the suspense story. Also, the actors play their scenes well especially Anthony Perkins who seems to have schizophrenia down to a science.
Janet Leigh does well as a confused girl gone bad, (Not so much a good girl because she has hotel rendezvous with a certain non-committal man.) her character Marion Crane, takes a drastic measure in hopes to seal the deal with her boyfriend and things don't work out so well for her. In this process Janet has to act out the famous `shower scene' and does so very well; it has to be difficult to play a naked woman in a distressed situation but the viewer wouldn't guess so from her performance. Anthony Perkins, who plays Norman Bates, also does very well, he is truly an amazing actor. When Anthony plays the actual Norman he's so convincing as a charming young man, as a female viewer it's almost hard to not fall for the boy-next-door facade he puts on; then there is Norman's alter-ego, his other half, that the viewer gains full details about at the conclusion of the film. This alter ego is not displayed until the ending also in a very creepy moment that takes the cake for this performance.

The little clues that Hitchcock places in the story are very subtle but are fun to think about after viewing the movie, for instance, Norman's love for stuffing things and keeping them `alive' so to speak; after watching the film it puts a few more pieces of the puzzle together. Another of Hitchcock's quirks is to show up in his film at random spots, one of which is in front of the business where Marion works. Hitchcock has a hat on and is standing on the sidewalk waiting to cross the street in the scene when Marion comes back from her lunch break. The work scene also displays yet another of Hitchcock's loves: blondes. There are two secretaries in the office, Marion the blonde and her opposite the brunette who doesn't even get named. A very wealthy businessman comes into the workplace and immediately gives his attention to Marion, not only that but her opposite is a complete ditz. She doesn't sound very intelligent and seems very oblivious, especially when she makes the comment that Mr. `Wealthy' must have seen her wedding ring that's why he didn't flirt with her. (When in fact it's obvious that she's NOT very attractive.
All in all this movie was very good, the suspenseful moments are very effective and this viewer found herself plugging her ears and turning her head at some moments. Psycho has received many outstanding reviews and they are justly given, this reviewer would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys suspenseful movies even if some of the `fight' scenes are a little corny. (It is filmed in the 60's) Just be prepared to avoid motel showers in fear of being `all washed up'.