Psycho (1960)

**

Yesterday I saw "Psycho" on the big screen.  "Psycho" is, in my opinion, one of the most influential movies in film history.  It is the beginning of a new wave of horror film.  It is the true start of the slasher genre.

"Psycho" is the story of Marion Crane, who is on the run from life as she once knew it.  She checks into the Bates Motel where Norman, dressed as his mother, murders her.  The rest of the film involves a private investigator, Marion's sister, and Marion's boyfriend trying to find out what happened to Marion.

This is one of Hitchcock's best films.  It gave the world a new level of horror to be seen in the cinema.  I like how he combines new and old elements of horror in the film.  The psychiatric aspect, the sexual aspect, and the reality of the murders that take place was brand new at the time for audiences.  The old dark house aspect is what horror movies used to be like.  It was very smart to have all of these elements.

The film is perfectly cast.  Anthony Perkins is wonderful as Norman Bates.  You would never think he could hurt anyone and when you find out that he is the murderer, it is a real shock.  Janet Leigh is also great as Marion.  She really was a remarkable actress.  I always wonder how she kept her eyes so still during her death scene...  Everyone in this film was acting at their best.

Bernard Hermann did the music for "Psycho" and it is one of the best scores to ever be in a film.  Everyone knows the music.  It has been used and parodied countless times.  It is unforgettable.

"Psycho" is an important film that everyone should see, especially if you are into horror movies.  It paved the way for slasher films like "Halloween" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street".  John Carpenter realized this, so in his film "Halloween", he gives homages to "Psycho" as often as he could. 

A-  I recommend it.