Psycho (1960) is the last movie in my Spooky October series. But I've saved the best for last. This is my absolute favorite Hitchcock film. From the cast, to the script, art direction, cinematography and music, Psycho is brilliant.
If you're the kind of person who looks for symbolism and visual motifs in films, this is the movie for you. Look for the reflected image of Norman on the porch when he gives Marion the sandwich, depicting his dual personality. Marion is wearing a white bra and slip in the hotel with Sam and then later is seen wearing a black bra and slip at her apatment and the Bates Motel, depicting her change from law-abiding citizen to thief. Also, the other secretary is played by Hitch's daughter Patricia.
LILA CRANE: I can handle a sick old woman!
Luana - truly one of the greats! My first actual whole movie viewing of this was on a Friday night in elementary school - a friend came over for a sleepover and we watched it from like 10:30p-12:30a or close to that time. As it ended I was ready to head off to bed - but my friend was soooo scared he kind of freaked out and at these wee hours called his mom to come get him. My parents were confused when my pal wasn't there the next morning as they'd gone to bed about the time the movie started and missed all ther drama! I've seen the movie several times since - and for a low budget shocker made with the crew of a television show - there is a tremendous amount of artistic endeavor involved on the part of Mr. Hitchcock, as you point out. Well done - you're about ready to write a book on film analysis, I do believe!
ReplyDeleteMy mom loved Hitchcock and took me to Psycho when I was 13. I was terrified and horrified. She didn't know it would be that scary. Like many people, I was afraid to take a shower for a long time. It was interesting to learn about the motifs. I didn't know that before.
ReplyDeleteBelle: The first time I saw it I was in my 20s. My hubby was away on a military assignment and I was alone with the kids. It was on the TV very late at night and I decided to stay up and watch it. I'd never seen it but had only heard about the shower. I loved the movie, but I did have a hard time sleeping. I kept seeing the image of Norman in the jail transposed over the image of the skeleton. Very scary indeed.
ReplyDeleteCraig: I think everybody remembers when they first saw Psycho. I can't imagine seeing it as a kid. I would totally freak out. It was bad enough watching it as an adult. That was my first exposure to Hitchcock. He was a genius.
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