Psycho (1960)

Psycho (Alfred Hitchchock) is a film of firsts. It was one, if not, the first horror film of its kind. Original posters described it as a ‘new and altogether different screen experience’, and this it was. It is difficult to explain the plot without ruining the thrilling nature of the film, yet it is clear to me why this film is such an iconic classic. Hitchcock is at his best with this thriller, using the techniques he learnt in films such as vertigo and rear window to create a film which plays the audience just as much as the characters. Hitchcock is able to keep the audience in control, a near perfect balance of suspense, narrative, and mystery. During the film, I found the first act slow and unnecessary, yet by the final scenes, I understood that holistically the film needed each scene to create such a psychologically controlling narrative. The opening credits act as a microcosm for the experience of this film, visually explaining the thrill. Hitchcock truly shows his ability to control the audience through his shots in this film. There are many shots, such as the many point of view shots, that cause the audience to become involved with the film. Following hands and items to create audience curiosity is another technique Hitchcock employs, one that caused me to truly become invested and concerned with the film. The Score for this film is a perfect fit, from the slow, calm, rhythmic tracks to the quick, paranoid and tense tracks of the final act. The character of Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is of great interest, a character that has gone on to inspire many like him throughout the genre and beyond. What I did not expect was the charm and frankly appeal of the character. Hitchcock creates an environment and state in this film, and until the end, hold the audience in that control completely. This film is a classic, and, in my opinion, the best of his works.