Classic Hitchcock

Rating: 9/10 (14 October 2012)

Psycho is widely regarded as one of Alfred Hitchcock's best films and one of the first slasher films ever made.
In Phoenix, Arizona, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is a secretary who steals with $40,000 from one of her bosses clients. Marion flees the city and goes on a trip where sees ends up staying at the Bates Motel, meeting the owner Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) who has a very unusual relationship with his mother.
Hitchcock is of course the master of suspense and throughout Psycho there is a very intense atmosphere throughout the film. There is constant tension and build up during the film with Hitchcock using long takes and conversations, dark shots and imaginary and that very famous film score. Whilst the film is a horror and slasher, Hitchcock allows us to know the characters and he plays to his strength as a thriller director, particular in the second half. This is not a film about violence and killings like a lot of modern slashers are. It is a film particularly at the time that aimed to shock you with the violence, not for you to linger or relish it.
There is an excellent cast in the film and it is clear why the role of Norman Bates was so iconic for Perkins. Perkins gave Bates a nervous energy with his seemingly shy, nice demeanour which secretly harbours a dark personality and secret. The last shot of the film makes Perkins look very much like Heath Ledger's version of the Joker with his creepy smile.
Psycho was a risky film for the time: bloody on screen violence was rarity, even when it saved a narrative purpose and the woman who is the main character gets killed off at around 50 minute mark. This is a story technique that is still rarity used and most films still stick to a traditional narrative. Because of the killing Hitchcock changes the style of film from a horror to thriller/mystery and Hitchcock is able to blend them together perfectly.
Psycho is of course a classic film and great example that tension and likable/relatable characters are key for a horror film to success. The visions, performances, atmosphere and music were all fitting for the film.