The Shower Scene
Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most famous and influential directors in cinema history, made a name for himself with his film Psycho. It turned a drab novel into a horror classic that remains a chilling reminder of the power of imagination and terror. It is no surprise that it inspired a string of successful sequels and remakes over the years, but few have been able to recapture what makes this original work so special.
While the plot can be tweaked and even re-told by another director, no one will ever be able to recreate what makes this 123 movie so unique. The film itself is a masterpiece, and no remake could possibly match its level of suspense, horror, and sheer ghastliness.
This sequence is without doubt one of the most famous and iconic scenes in all of cinema. The way Hitchcock manipulates the camera to reveal blood while also obscuring it with a flash of a wand is absolutely stunning. It is also a testament to his mastery of editing and camera positioning.
The Final Crucial Shot
It is a moment that shows us just how much the protagonist can identify with his victim – and how he can sometimes believe they are someone else, even after the fact. This is a theme that has continued to resonate with audiences and artists throughout the years.
Horror/Suspense Masterpiece
Using all his talents to build a shocker that stands the test of time, Hitchcock delivers a memorable horror/suspense masterpiece in Psycho. It’s a remarkable achievement that showcases the finest in cinematic technology and combines it with outstanding performances, a hauntingly atmospheric score, and some of the best art direction in Hollywood.
The Story
Based on the book Psycho by Robert Bloch, the film follows a family that is invaded by a serial killer who targets their daughter. It was a story that Hitchcock knew he could sell, and he also wanted to create action-packed solar movies that would help him balance the failure of his last feature, Vertigo.
The Cast
Joseph Stefano’s screenplay from the novel is adapted by Hitchcock and he has the advantage of having access to some of the best actors of the period. Anthony Perkins plays Norman Bates, a character described by Robert Bloch as a fat, balding, middle-aged voyeur, and it was the way Stefano reworked this description to make it sympathetic that helped bring out the incredible performance from Perkins.
The Cinematography
A lot of things in this movie were firsts for the industry including the use of invasive close-ups, spiraling movements, film noir lighting and rapid cuts that portray nudity without nudity or extreme violence without much blood. The cinematography and the musical score by Bernard Herrmann are both top-notch, and the settings of the motel and the mansion are just eerie enough to set up for some truly unforgettable moments in this movie. Those who are not familiar with the plot will still get the shock of their lives in this film. It is a shocking and mind-bending masterpiece that will have you yelling, “What the hell did she do?”
This movie is definitely not for everyone – it contains some questionable content and themes, and it can be quite anti-Christian. Despite this, it is a movie that can still be seen by Christians who want to experience an effective and thrilling thriller.
