Psycho

What’s the Story?

In this Hitchcock classic, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) steals money from her boss' client and skips town. She drives for hours, then, exhausted and nervous, stops in a remote area at the Bates Motel, run by Norman Bates (a delightfully creepy Anthony Perkins). Norman is cheerful, but he's nervous and hiding something. He invites Marion to share some dinner with him and mentions his overbearing mother (whose silhouette is seen in a window of the big looming house that sits on the hill just above the motel). Norman's hobby is taxidermy, and he also happens to have in his possession the extra key to Marion's room. ...

Is It Any Good?

PSYCHO is a classic, and for good reason. Everything about this film is perfection, from the gorgeous black and white cinematography to every single performance, to the famous Bernard Herrmann soundtrack, to some of the most suspenseful and frightening scenes ever filmed. Anyone who considers themselves a film buff must see this one. There is some real violence in this film, but it's not at all explicit, making it in some ways scarier than the gore-fests that are so popular now.

It's a film that works on many levels. It's truly scary, but it's also a psychological mystery and a couple of different kinds of love story. All the performances are excellent, and the screenplay is top notch, but Hitchcock is the real star, manipulating the audience in every frame, making it perfect for repeat viewing –- there's always something new to see. It's a great way to introduce older kids to Hitchcock, and may spark interest in his other wonderful films.