Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is one of the first scary movies I watched at seventeen, after quitting horror at age twelve because I watched The Omen (1976) and couldn’t sleep for a week due to nightmares.
I had concrete plans never to watch a scary movie again, but my media studies course included a slasher horror movie module, and I had no plans to fail. The only comfort was that all the films we had to see for the course were watched in the daytime during class, meaning there was a good chance I’d be able to sleep peacefully, at bedtime.
Fast forward to the present day, before rewatching Psycho, a movie known for starting the slasher horror movie sub-genre, I only remembered two things about Hitchcock’s classic. Firstly, Norman Bates has an unhealthy obsession with his mother. Second, Janet Leigh’s character Marion Crane dies an iconic death that makes showering in a hotel alone a far less peaceful experience than it once was, especially for those with overactive imaginations.
I’d completely forgotten the events that led to Marion ending up at the Bates Motel, a place run by a troubled man and his overbearing mother. No wonder the theme of ‘punishing badly behaved young women’ is a thing in slasher horror films.
Psycho is very much a classic for a reason. It’s well-written, brilliantly paced and very well-shot and acted. The suspenseful moments were intense, especially considering how unsuspecting the victims were. Composer Bernard Herrmann’s musical score is another noteworthy highlight.
The other bit of good news for me is that Psycho did not lead to nightmares. Additionally, Scream (1996) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), two other slasher films on my course watch list, proved to be more fun, clever and funny than nightmare-inducing scary.
The only unfortunate thing Psycho suffers from is the brief moment of dated special effects at the end.
Lastly…
‘A boy’s best friend is his mother?’ _Norman Bates
Not that mothers and sons can’t be best friends in a perfectly healthy way. But, poor Norman. Poor murderous Norman Bates.
Watch Psycho because it’s masterful and clever.
Happy Film Loving,
G
The Movie My Life 
This movie is incredible. It’s modern even today and it gave life to a lot of movies that changed the cinema forever. It’s incredible.
I agree. It’s timeless in several ways, including the fact that even though it’s black and white, I felt as though i was seeing it in full colour.
A very special film.
Absolutely. I wonder if Psycho is the most revered film the actors have been in.
“Mother – what’s the phrase? She isn’t quite herself today.” Poor Norman!😭 I’m glad seeing this at 17 helped put you back in touch with the horror genre. Scream did that for me at 15 (a direct descendent🔪) I was terrified when I was younger – because of the nightmares, like you (Curse of the vivid imagination). There’s no better time to revisit this Hitchcock Game changer.
Look at the role Hitchcock has played in our lives! 😁 I have indeed timed my post quite well. However, it’s more a happy accident than a tactical scheduling; since the inspiration was the new Hitchcock documentary My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock (2022).
Psycho is a proper masterpiece and Hitchcock’s best film in my opinion. I’m glad you were able to appreciate it even after swearing off horror movies.
I certainly agree. It’s one of his very best. I feel as though this second viewing unseated Rear Window from to top of my favourites list. We’ll see the place Vertigo takes once I watch it.
The perfect review for just before Halloween! I probably haven’t seen Psycho in over 20 years, but some things just stick with you, I remember it well! I was also traumatized by The Omen at a very young age, and Amityville scared the heck out of me too! 😉
Happy Halloween! 🥳 I don’t really celebrate it, but I’m happy for all who do. I’ll be watching more Hitchcock films over the weekend. I know of Amityville Horror only by name, and I’m largely going to keep it that way. 🤓