Psycho 1960

                                                 Fig1.

Psycho starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh and Vera Miles, directed by Alfred Hitchcock (1960) was one of the most outstanding movies in its time, this was down to the story and the jumpy soundtrack only played when the characters were in some kind of turmoil; this frightening music seemed to play before something had actually happened which made the viewer feel as tense as the character, this also gives one insight into why Hitchcock was called the master of suspense.
The movie also broke a series of cinematic taboos which in today's age has become a 'normal' occurrence'


"Pushing the censorship envelope. For example, this was the first American motion picture to feature a toilet being flushed (most movies of the era didn't even acknowledge the existence of toilets). Also, Janet Leigh is shown in her underwear on more than one occasion, and, during the famous shower scene, it's possible to see hints of flesh (most of which belong to a body double). The script also features a man speaking the word "transvestite". (Berardinelli.1998)

                                                     Fig.2

"Although Psycho has inspired and influenced several decades of movie killers murdering pretty young objects, not that many people actually die at the Bates Motel. But oh how artfully they bite the dust". (Meyerson.1999)

That being said after we witness the death of the first victim we see a long, even dragged out scene in which we watch Norman clean up the crime scene. After every kill he seems more confident almost, this can be seen when Lila Crane goes to visit the inn with a man, Bate's demeanour looks more outgoing, his stance is seemingly stronger than it was the first time he had a visitor. 

                                           fig.3


The end scene had a scary overlay of the mother in Bate's body with her skeletal version; although brief it was very effective. It then showed the car of the first victim being towed out of the pit along side the words the end. I found that that scene alone created a lot of tension as it felt like there was more to say, but ended almost prematurely.


"These surprises are now widely known, and yet "Psycho" continues to work as a frightening, insinuating thriller. That's largely because of Hitchcock's artistry in two areas that are not as obvious: The setup of the Marion Crane story, and the relationship between Marion and Norman (Anthony Perkins). Both of these elements work because Hitchcock devotes his full attention and skill to treating them as if they will be developed for the entire picture". (Ebert.1998)

Illustration List:

Fig.1 http://eatbrie.com/large_posters_files/PsychoLC8.jpg

Fig.2https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0Wup-cflxje9hIykCLXqTa7xlu0uT9yhYpWFUK9KaodRyN2VXpS1fwieLVrnvotlq3FRwH77fcWqKnZi8woSMoEHYLk7ua6aqFDlqpj5dI4akOpg1fXJ1UtmtvLVGx6yMkMPETALhyphenhyphen8/s1600/Psycho+(1960).jpg

Fig.3https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW0ljdGiVVSxX_8uO61bpFHoMWERhYrQ5XzX9gjT9vnQkLcNQlpI2coKD8ydG3RqkFWPRbSy7d-9LjAQoxdmjYBL9Ji4Od8_KmXqM3VM5uNCmVukCnFr1BbFWx0RsNg-w5SLTn5wWwqvk/s1600/psycho8.jpg

Bibliography:

- James Berardinelli, 1998. http://www.reelviews.net/movies/p/psycho.html (accessed on 8.2.11)

- Eric Meyerson, 1999. http://www.filmcritic.com/reviews/1960/psycho/ (accessed on 8.2.11)

-Roger Ebert,1998. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19981206/REVIEWS08/401010353/1023 (Accessed on 8.2.11)