One of the more controversial genres of film, horror movies seem to be around for one purpose: to bring our deepest darkest nightmares into the light of reality. The worst feeling after viewing a horror movie is the shock of thinking it could happen to you. The best horror movies are the ones that make us check behind our shoulder in a dark parking lot or peek out our window when things are getting just a little too quiet. Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho creates such a reaction out of us. This 1960s horror flick filled with suspense and conspiracy tops AFI’s scariest films of all time.
Beginning on a typical Friday afternoon, Psycho follows Marion Crane, a Phoenix secretary filled with anxiety over the stolen $40,000 lying in the purse next to her, as she travels to California. Along the way she checks into an isolated Bates Motel, run by a strange young man and his controlling mother.
The way the audience can relate to themes and aspects present in Psycho helped this film reach the No. 1 spot. Before the 1960s, horror films rarely or never touched on real-life situations such as murder, conspiracy or human behavior. Instead, horror films consisted of werewolves, Frankenstein, Dracula and other creepy-crawly monsters. By the ‘50s, horror films adapted to the growing interest in “outsiders,” specifically aliens. Films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers became popular thrills.
But with Psycho, filmmakers took inspiration from both real-life occurrences, such as the serial killer Ed Gein, and modern-day issues. Audiences respond better to scare when they connect with the situation. Having common characters in common locations causes the audience to picture themselves in the movie. For instance, the iconic shower scene takes a regular everyday task and causes movie viewers to think twice about what’s behind the shower curtain.
My view on the film is similar to those of many past critics. Even watching it today, with the black-and-white cinematography and quick camera shot changes, Psycho presents a suspenseful edge-of-your seat thriller with a twist ending for all to enjoy. I appreciate a film that gives me the chance for an “A-ha!” moment, and Psycho’s startling ending did just that. Using themes such as dominance over others, trust and conspiracy, Hitchcock guides the audience through twists and turns, and it does indeed get bumpy. Through a notable score of screeching music chords played on various string instruments, viewers will literally jump in their seats at the surprises that await them at the Bates Motel.
While not currently available on Netflix, Psycho can be rented from your local library. If you haven’t seen it, give this dark thriller a chance. If you have, I’d love to know your thoughts on the film. And for anyone dying for a more inside look at the Bates, check out the TV series Bates Motel. The second season premieres March 3 while the first season is now available to stream on Netflix.
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