60 Years Later: A Look at Psycho

Originally posted on Meteor Media.

Freelance journalist Charlie Vogelsang takes a look at Alfred Hitchock's iconic horror-thriller, Pyscho, which is now 60 years old.

On June 16 1960, at the DeMille Theatre in New York, the scope of cinema would be changed forever. Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho was shown to the world. Often cited as one of the greatest films from the 20th century, it redefined violence in cinema and is arguably the start of the slasher genre.

Initial reviews of the films were mixed. The New York Times called it “low-budget” and critic C. A. Lejeune was so offended that she not only walked out of the film but allegedly ended up resigning as the film critic for The Observer.

Although critics were not sure what to make of the film, audiences loved it. The outstanding box-office response from audiences prompted critics to reevaluate Psycho. Now it’s regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

Janet Leigh stars as Marion Crane, a bank clerk who goes on the run with a wealthy customer's deposit. Stopping at Bates Motel to rest, she meets the gentle owner Norman (played by Anthony Perkins), who lives with his sick mother. This is essentially the first part of the film, and what happens afterwards would spoil everything for those who have yet to see it.

Psycho represents Hitchcock at his best as it’s a crucial piece of horror cinema. Themes of light and darkness, and the use of mirrors and birds, have since become popular tropes used in most modern horror films. Leigh and Perkins are just phenomenal in their performances and bring so much depth to these troubled characters. Twists in the film might not shock newcomers as dozens of horror films have paid homage to Hitchcock’s work, but the creepy atmosphere mixed with the constant sense of uncertainty continues to hit home.

If you have never seen this movie, you’ll at least be familiar with the famous shower scene. It’s been satirised countless times in shows from Looney Tunes to The Simpsons. There are several sequels, and an awful remake that was instantly forgotten, but none of them could ever match the effect that the original Psycho had.

It may not be the best slasher or horror film ever made, but it paved the way for future classics such as Hallowen (1978) or Scream (1996). Modern audiences may find it slow, but the build up definitely pays off - so stick with it.