Member review

This film follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) as she flees from her stifling life after stealing from her boss. She encounters Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), the owner of the 'Bates Motel', wherein she stays the night during a storm. 'Psycho' offers a terrifying and iconic glimpse into the psyche of the insane; exploring the darkest crevices of human nature, exemplified by the characters of Norman and his mother. The film, made in 1960 and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, was in black and white, an effective choice by the director. The lack of colour within the film creates an atmosphere of darkness and suspense, further created by the chilling music used to create a sense of fear. To a modern audience that is used to colour, extreme levels of gore and special effects employed to make a film send shivers down their spine, 'Psycho' is made iconic by the fact that is uses none of these to create one of the most chilling story lines which still serves to leave the audience watching through their hands. To me, this film shows a clear indication of the quality of horror that has influenced the genre throughout the years. The dialogue and music leave hearts pounding with fear and anticipation, constantly worrying and questioning the fates of the characters throughout the twists within the plot. It is clear to see why this film is revered as one of the most iconic of all time.