Psycho (1960)

Film: Psycho

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Country: UK / USA

Released: June 1960

Runtime: 109 minutes

Genre: Horror

Studio: Paramount

Influenced: John Carpenter, Sean S Cunningham, Michael Mann, Jonathan Demme, Mary Harron

Based on the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch, Hitchcock's revolutionary horror and psychological thriller movie Psycho follows the story of Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh), a secretary who steals $40,000 from her employer and goes on the run, eventually seeking refuge at the Bates Motel, a remote lodge run by the seemingly harmless Norman Bates (played with unstable brilliance by Anthony Perkins). However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that things are not as they seem, and that a dark and twisted secret lies at the heart of the Bates family.

A notable groundbreaking aspect of Psycho is its exploration on screen of psychological themes and motifs, many inspired by the work of Freud. The film delves into the concept of duality, with Norman Bates representing both the harmless motel owner and the murderous "Mother" persona that has taken over his mind. This duality is also reflected in the film's visual style, with the use of mirrors and reflections throughout the film. The themes of voyeurism and obsession are also prominent, with the character of Norman Bates often depicted as peering through windows and spying on his guests.

One aspect of Psycho that made it such a huge success was its power to shock and disturb audiences by using novel approaches to plot and narrative, notably the film's structure, which is split into two distinct parts. The first half of the film focuses on Marion's journey to the Bates Motel and her interactions with Norman, while the second half shifts focus to a different character, Lila Crane, who is searching for her missing sister and delving deeper into the mystery of the Bates family. This structure serves to heighten the tension and suspense of the film, as it keeps the audience guessing about the true nature of the Bates family and the fate of the characters. 

Hitchcock also employs a range of cutting-edge techniques to enhance the film's impact, such as the use of carefully crafted camera angles, lighting and sound design. For example, the iconic shower scene, in which Marion is brutally murdered, is shot from a variety of angles and uses quick cuts and jarring sound effects (courtesy of Hitch stalwart Bernard Herrmann) to create a sense of disorientation. Some elements of the film now seem a little outdated – especially Hitchcock's presentation of the idea that Norman's mental illness is the result of an abusive mother – but that in no way diminishes its status as a landmark film in the horror genre, the influence of which can be seen in countless films and TV shows.