Psycho (1960 film)
Overview
Psycho is a 1960 American psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The screenplay, written by Joseph Stefano, is based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. The film stars Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, and John Gavin. Psycho is widely considered one of Hitchcock's best films and is praised for its innovative narrative structure, its use of suspense, and its groundbreaking approach to horror.
Plot Summary
The film opens with Marion Crane, a secretary in Phoenix, Arizona, who is unhappy with her life. She decides to steal $40,000 from her employer and flee to California to start a new life with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis. During her journey, she stops at the Bates Motel, where she meets the shy and reclusive Norman Bates, who manages the motel and lives with his domineering mother in a nearby house.
As the story unfolds, Marion is brutally murdered in the shower by an unknown assailant, in what becomes one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history. The film then shifts focus to Sam and Marion's sister, Lila, who are searching for her. Their investigation leads them to the Bates Motel, where they uncover the shocking truth about Norman and his mother.
Production
Development
Alfred Hitchcock was inspired to adapt Robert Bloch's novel after reading a review in The New York Times. The novel was loosely based on the crimes of Ed Gein, a notorious murderer and body snatcher. Hitchcock acquired the rights to the novel for $9,500 and decided to produce the film independently through his company, Shamley Productions, to maintain creative control.
Casting
Hitchcock cast Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, a role that would become synonymous with his career. Janet Leigh was cast as Marion Crane, and her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination. Vera Miles, who had previously worked with Hitchcock on The Wrong Man, was cast as Lila Crane.
Filming
The film was shot in black and white on a budget of $806,947. Hitchcock chose to shoot in black and white to reduce costs and to give the film a more stark and unsettling atmosphere. Principal photography took place at Universal Studios in Hollywood, with the Bates Motel and house constructed on the studio's backlot.
Music
The film's score, composed by Bernard Herrmann, is one of its most memorable elements. Herrmann used a string orchestra to create a tense and unsettling atmosphere, with the screeching violins in the shower scene becoming one of the most recognizable pieces of film music.
Themes and Analysis
Psycho explores themes of identity, voyeurism, and the duality of human nature. Norman Bates embodies the conflict between outward appearances and hidden desires, as his polite demeanor masks a deeply disturbed psyche. The film's use of mirrors and reflections underscores the theme of duality, as characters are often shown confronting their own fragmented identities.
The film also delves into the concept of voyeurism, with the audience positioned as observers of the characters' private moments. This is exemplified in the scene where Norman watches Marion through a peephole, highlighting the invasive nature of the gaze.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Psycho received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its suspenseful storytelling and others criticizing its graphic violence. However, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide. It has since been re-evaluated and is now regarded as a masterpiece of cinema.
Psycho had a profound impact on the horror genre, influencing countless films and filmmakers. Its innovative narrative structure, with the protagonist killed midway through the film, challenged traditional storytelling conventions. The film's success also paved the way for more explicit depictions of violence and sexuality in cinema.
Influence on Popular Culture
Psycho has left an indelible mark on popular culture, with its iconic shower scene becoming one of the most referenced and parodied moments in film history. The character of Norman Bates has become a cultural archetype, representing the archetypal "mama's boy" with a dark secret.
The film has inspired numerous sequels, remakes, and adaptations, including Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), and a 1998 remake directed by Gus Van Sant. The television series Bates Motel (2013-2017) serves as a contemporary prequel to the film, exploring the early life of Norman Bates and his relationship with his mother.