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Psycho (1960)
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by Universal Studios
Sales Rank: 13725
Price: $14.98
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For all the slasher pictures that have ripped off <I>Psycho</I> (and particularly its classic set piece, the "shower scene"), nothing has ever matched the impact of the real thing. More than just a first-rate shocker full of thrills and suspense, <I>Psycho</I> is also an engrossing character study in which director Alfred Hitchcock skillfully seduces you into identifying with the main characters--then pulls the rug (or the bathmat) out from under you. Anthony Perkins is unforgettable as Norman Bates, the mama's boy proprietor of the Bates Motel; and so is Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, who makes an impulsive decision and becomes a fugitive from the law, hiding out at Norman's roadside inn for one fateful night. <I>--Jim Emerson</I>
Viewer Reviews
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Early in this movie the viewer is told that a boy's best friend is his mother. Is this true??
This movie is a suspense/horror/the first psychoanalytic thriller directed by the "master of suspense" himself, Alfred Hitchcock. It is based on the novel "Psycho" by Robert Bloch, which in turn was inspired by the crimes of Wisconsin murderer Ed Gein.
Briefly, this film depicts the encounter between secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) who is hiding in a motel after embezzling from her employer, and the motel's owner, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), and the aftermath of their encounter.
Look for Hitchcock's traditional cameo that appears early in the story. (Note that it is difficult to find.)
The now famous motel mentioned in the summary above is called the "Bates Motel." It's sign is first seen just over 24 minutes into the movie. We learn later that business is bad at the Bates' Motel since it has "twelve cabins, twelve vacancies."
About 28 minutes into the movie, we encounter Norman Bates. He lives with his mean, emotionally unstable, possessive, invalid mother in a now famous sinister-looking house (dubbed the Bates' Mansion) on top of a hill near the motel. His hobby: taxidermy (that is, "stuffing things."). He also stutters when under pressure.
This movie has several scenes that are legendary but perhaps the most famous is the shower scene. It occurs 46 minutes into the movie. This unforgettable scene took seven days to film and required about seventy camera set-ups. It lasts three minutes.
The performance given by Anthony Perkins (as Norman Bates) is incredible. Janet Leigh (as Marion Crane) also gives a decent performance. In fact, both performances were so good that they both suffered from typecasting after this movie was released. (Also look for Hitchcock's daughter Patricia and Ted Knight, best known for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," in bit parts.)
This movie is open to many interpretations especially psychoanalytic ones. For example, the Bates' Mansion has three floors paralleling the three levels that psychoanalysis attributes to the human mind: (1) superego (first floor) (2) ego (ground floor) (3) id (basement).
The background music is incredible. It effectively adds to each scene.
This movie had four Academy Award nominations. It also spawned several sequels and a remake, all of which are generally seen as works of lesser quality.
Finally, the DVD itself (the one released Oct. 2008) is perfect in picture and sound quality. It has many interesting extras.
In conclusion, you have to see this movie to see why it's regarded as one of Hitchcock's best films and highly praised as a work of cinematic art by international critics!!
(1960; 1 hr, 50 min; wide screen; black and white; 27 scenes)
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Psycho (1960)
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