Rating: 
Summary: A Daring and Thrilling Movie
Review: Thrilling, suspenseful, and stimulating are only a few of the words you can say to describe the film "Psycho." Alfred Hitchcock directs this mind boggling movie in a way that no other director could. This movie follows some of Hitchcock's other great classics such as "Rear Window," and "The Man Who Knew Too Much" which make them look as if they were Hitchcock's beginning movies.
Instead of using a large budget and Technicolor, Hitchcock decided to take a different approach with this movie. He wanted the movie to be filmed in black and white even though color movies had been out for some time now. At first I thought that because the movie was in black and white that it would be uninspiring and dull but it actually made the picture better. Having it be filmed that way makes the movie scarier. It is always dark and gloomy so it puts you in that mood where you are ready to be frightened. Hitchcock also did this movie on a very low budget with only $800,000 dollars to spend. With the little amount of money he had he did a wonderful job with all of the camera shots and angles that it looks like he spent tons of money and quality time while making "Psycho."
The movie starts out with Marian Crane played by Janet Leigh and Sam Loomis played by John Gavin in a cheap motel on their lunch break talking about how they want to be together but they can't for money reasons. Marian is able to steal money from her job and drives off to surprise her lover. She stops at a motel one night while on her way but because it was getting late she decided to stop and this is where the real story begins. You think that you are watching a movie about one thing and the next minute the plot of the movie changes before your eye. The whole time that you are watching the movie you are always unsure of what is going to happen and it keeps you guessing right up to the very end unlike some of the movies that are out now.
You would think that since this movie was made in 1959 that it would not be the least bit scary but it turns out to be one of the scariest movies of all time. What makes the movie so scary is the music. The music in this movie is absolutely astonishing. There is music playing throughout most of the movie and the way they placed the music in each scene makes the movie that much better. Right when something is going to happen the music gets a little louder or it suddenly changes. Suspense is also another factor that makes this movie chilling. You never know exactly when something bad is going to happen or if someone is going to attack so you are left gripping on to your seat until something unusual happens.
Another great feature about "Psycho" is the acting. All of the actors in the movie do a really great job portraying who they are playing. None of them every look like they are acting. They make it look so real and that is one of the supreme effects of this movie. You feel like you are watching a documentary on a murderer who is being taped and you
Just want them to stop.
"Psycho" is a movie that I went into a little bit hesitant but after seeing it I truly do believe that this movie is brilliant. This movie is for people who like suspense and love to be scared. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who is sick and tired of seeing all the new horror films out that make you yawn. This movie is exciting, suspenseful and makes you want to go out and see all of the other films that Hitchcock directed.
Rating: 
Summary: Predictable Suspense in a Perturbing Package
Review: We meet a young woman, Marion Crane, who seems to hold a rather common office job. Aside from complaints of a headache, everything about her seems normal. Or, does it? A big-name client comes in. He's ready to make a major purchase, which he'll pay for in cash. Marion's ready to leave for the weekend, so she's given the assignment of taking this large sum to the bank. However, she has deeper intentions on her mind when she leaves town with the money, an act that sets the rest of Psycho in motion.
While the plot was a creative one, it still had its weak spots. Much of the events could be predicted before they occurred, though I still wanted to find out what happened next. For example, I knew Marion would do something with the money, though I wanted to find out where her getaway would lead her. When her journey took her to a mysterious motel, and to the likes of the odd Norman Bates, telltale signs were everywhere that something wicked was just around the corner. In the film's suspenseful scenes, I could sense something was going to happen, yet I still jumped out of my seat when it did. Except for the final scene - which I found added well to Bates' disturbing manner - Psycho's ending left much to be desired. I knew the main twist far before the conflict was resolved, and the remaining characters over-explained the puzzle's solution.
Psycho's best aspects shine through in its scares, suspense, and music. In the death scenes, the music quiets to a complete stop as the camera pans in on the victim. The feeling is high that danger is near. When it finally does arrive, after moments of anticipation, it seems to emerge out of nowhere and can stun even the most relaxed viewers. This suspense plays out well through the movie, and not just in the climactic scenes. When Marion comes upon Norman, you crave to know where their interactions will lead. The same goes for other characters who step upon the Bates Hotel, such as the investigator Milton Arbogast, Marion's boyfriend Sam Loomis, and Marion's sister Lila. An element that fits in well with the mood is Psycho's music. It halts before action occurs, like an "eye of the storm" effect, then suddenly pipes up to increase the frightening event. At the crucial points, it increases in volume and speed, a perfect audio complement for a rapidly beating heart.
Hitchcock's favorite themes add well to the film's effects. There are two occurrences when Marion comes across a suspicious looking police officer. As this officer interrogates and watches her, whether or not she will be allowed to move on is a question that comes to mind. The biggest theme that's intertwined through the movie would be madness, seen both in Norman and his invalid mother. While the mother tends to become a raging lunatic, Norman's insanity shows through in a more subtle way. When he has his quaint dinner chat with Marion, the unhealthy bond with his mother reveals itself as he defends her to no end against Marion's critical tone. Two of the themes help to add to Norman's disturbed character. First, we find out he likes to stuff birds in his spare time, surely an odd habit for such a man. Second, there's a point in the movie in which he spies on Marion through a peephole and a close-up is given of his eye. This scene dramatically increases the creep factor.
Psycho is a suitable all-around thriller. Unlike today's gore-infested horror movies, there are only two or three instances when things get nasty looking. The squeamish viewer can watch this Hitchcock film without much trouble. While gore-loving horror aficionados may find it rather plain, this is a perfect horror flick for a more mainstream audience. Being a close follower of typical thriller elements, it would also be ideal for a newcomer who's just learning the world of horror films.
Rating:
Summary: Psyche Yourself For A Real Thriller
Review: Many people say Alfred Hitchcock is a mastermind when it comes to directing. I was never much of a believer of that until I saw the movie Psycho. The thought of a movie made in the 1960's was a huge turn off. What could be good about a movie made so long ago? There would not be any amazing special effects that movies had now a days.
The assumptions I made about this movie were drastically off the charts. Psycho would easily be considered first-rate in my book. The plot is exceptional. You will never know what hit you as you watch this movie.
The story starts out with two characters in a secluded hotel room. Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh) is a gorgeous blond with immense sex appeal and her handsome lover Sam Loomis (played by John Gavin) are getting ready to leave the hotel to resume their daily lives. Marion arrived at work after her lunch break. She was then given a job to take $40,000 to the bank. The $40,000 belonged to a tasteless man named Tom Cassidy.
Marion leaves with the money, but instead of taking it to the bank she skips town to be with Sam. On the drive she runs into a few problems: there was a nosey cop who seemed to be following her and then it began to downpour. She stopped at a local motel. When she stepped into the lobby of the Bates Motel Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins) assigned her a room. They talked in the parlor, and that is where the twists of the plot began.
The imagery in this movie is excellent. Hitchcock brilliantly uses the eye as a focus point in many scenes. In the parlor scene, there are many stuffed birds that seem to have their eyes focused on Marion and Norman. Norman's eye as he watches Marion in her hotel room gives the scene a creepy feeling as the eye seems to be bulging out of the socket. Imagery is often used as an extra aspect of a movie, but this movie would not be the same without its images.
The angle's Hitchcock chose to set the camera during the scenes gives them a dramatic and chilling feature that most people would enjoy in a horror film. Scenes such as when the water from the shower is swirling down the drain and the camera moves in closer and closer or how the camera angles focus in on the eyes of the characters makes the movie a classic in many peoples hearts.
The element of suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat for most of the movie. Films that are made now days have great special effects, but the element of suspense is slowly starting to die. New directors seem to think that the element of surprise makes a better movie. I think that the movie Psycho proves that to be wrong.
The movie is filmed in black and white and this element seems to really give the movie an extra edge. The shadowing that is able to be done in this version of the movie instead of the version that was just recently remade in color gives it a spooky and tantalizing feel. Shadowing seems to be a very important aspect in the roll of suspense and excitement.
Psycho is a brilliantly directed film that is a true classic horror film in my opinion. When most people think of a movie in the genre of horror they think of a gory film with lots of blood and killing. That is what most horror films of today seemed to be based around, but that is not truly what makes a horror film. The element of suspense is what makes a horror film. Psychos plot twists, amazing acting, and use of camera angles seem to give it a boost that will knock a person's socks off.
Rating:
Summary: Psycho Kicks Ass
Review: This movie is a must see for both Hitchcock fans and movie lovers. Only Hitchcock can create terror of the most ordinary situations. The film warrents repreated viewings, as audiences will no doubt find some new idea or twist to explore as they go deeper into this fascinating film.
Rating: 
Summary: "Psycho" Gets Thumbs Up
Review: Psycho Gets Thumbs Up
Alfred Hitchcock's low budget movie, Psycho, was only made on an $800,000 budget yet it became one of the most influential slasher films of all time. I would say it is the father of all slasher films because without it there would be no Halloween, Friday The 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream. In Halloween even star Jamie Lee Curtis as the main character, the daughter of Psycho's Janet Leigh, and "Sam Loomis" the character name in Psycho was re-used. It is one of the most frightening films of all time.
The film starts out with Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), desperate to try to find a way to be with her lover, Sam Loomis (John Gavin). She steals money from her boss and runs to California. She ends up at the Bates Motel on a rainy and meetswith the shy manager, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). He offers her a room and meal in the parlor. He speaks to her of the traps that people go through in life. Marion changed her mind and resolves to go back and return the money. But too soon, Marion is killed by "Mother". Others arrive at the Bates Motel looking for her, including Loomis, detective Arbogast (Martin Balsam), and Lila (Vera Miles. They make horrible discoveries by end of the film.
The actors and actresses in Psycho were awesome in the way they played their characters. Janet Leigh was exceptional during the conversation in the parlor. I watched her as she shifted back and forth in unease; I felt sympathy for her. I wanted to scream for her to run out of go back into her room. Anthony Perkins did a wonderful job as well. If it weren't a movie, I'd think he actually was mentally ill. He exudes nervousness through the movie screen as he walks about eating candy. No one can recapture this film, not even Gus Van Sant. Vince Vaughn who played Norman Bates in the remake of Psycho can not and will never achieve what Perkins did. There was always something lacking in the modern remake even though it was redone frame by frame. The modern actors just didn't cut it.
I remember watching Psycho when I was younger. I couldn't take a shower for days. The famous shower scene was frightening with the weird "screech screech" music. It really made me think of knives. Now I associate the soundtrack with knives. It has influenced much of society today because probably it's not just me who associates the soundtrack with knives but many others.
Overall, I loved the film. It was a great and surprising movie that kept me on edge till the very end. There could have been more added to the ending but if it were changed it would not be Psycho anymore. This influential movie will be one of the great slasher films of all time even centuries from now. I recommend this movie to those who have not seen it. A beautiful, wonderful, frightening classic.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Go Psycho after Watching "Psycho"
Review: Director Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "Psycho" kept me at the edge of my seat throughout this classic thriller. Although the movie is in black and white, Hitchcock uses other special effects to add excitement. Not only that, but his wise choice of actors made the film that much more enjoyable. They portrayed the characters just as Hitchcock wanted them to. At the beginning of the movie, the plot is shifted in many directions. Hitchcock did an extraordinary job adding many twists into the story. "Psycho" is a famous, classical horror movie that will be a popular movie for many years to come.
Hitchcock knew what he was doing when he chose the characters that he did. Anthony Perkins, who played Norman Bates, used the perfect facial expressions and tone of voice to keep you guessing his innocence or guilt. When the investigator comes to his tiny, in-the-middle-of-nowhere hotel looking for Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), Perkins is nervous and stutters a lot. This suspicion leads you to believe he might have something to do with the disappearance of Marion, but in your head you're portraying Perkins as this nice, innocent hotel owner with great hospitality. Throughout the movie in many different scenes, Perkins uses very meaningful, evil, and friendly facial expressions that especially play out Bates' character. When Bates' is watching Marion through the window, you get the feeling that Bates' has something evil planned, but murder is not what jumped to my head right away.
Janet Leigh was another great actress for Hitchcock's film. She is a petite, vulnerable character that is marvelous for the role of a devious, suspicious blonde on the run with $40,000. I think Hitchcock knew what he was doing when he asked Leigh to be in his movie. It adds a whole other twist to the storyline.
The special effects make the movie outstanding all by themselves. One thing that really stands out in my mind is the soundtrack. The music adds to the horror and suspense of it all. Hitchcock selected music that terrifies you even if you weren't even looking at the screen. It really draws you into the scene like you're witnessing things firsthand.
Throughout the movie, the lighting and camera angles draw you in even more. Hitchcock uses outstanding shadows on the faces of the characters, and adds a dark, eerie glow to the dark nights at Bates' Motel. I especially liked the camera angles during the shower scene. Hitchcock zooms in really close, once again inviting the audience to be a part of the scene.
At the beginning of the movie, Marion Crane is with her boyfriend Sam, at a cheap motel over their lunch break. Unable to get married because Sam is still paying alimony to his ex-wife, Marion is drawn in to the perfect opportunity: She is trusted with $40,000 in which her boss orders her to take it to the bank at the end of the day. Instead, Marion flees the town to Sam's home in another town.
Tired from driving almost all through the night in a heavy rainstorm, Marion sees a hotel off the main highway and decides to stop. Here, she meets Norman Bates, the owner of the hotel. Being the nice hotel clerk that he appears to be, Norman offers Marion a late supper. She complies, and patiently waits for his return. In the meantime, she overhears Norman in an argument with his mother. This adds yet another twist in Hitchcock's film. After dinner, Marion tells Norman she wants to get cleaned up and get a good night's sleep, so he leaves, only to return later, leaving the audience in total shock after what comes next....
I think "Psycho" is an excellent horror film that will scare many viewers right out of the shower after watching it. Its constant mysteries and plot twists keep you thinking all the time. Although it may be quite gruesome, Hitchcock's film remains on my list for scariest movies of all time!
Rating:
Summary: Psycho for ¿Psycho¿
Review: "Psycho"-one of the best films of its time- creates vivid images for its audience. Hitchcock depicts a world full of love and greed by placing at the center of this twisted plot at a motel surrounded by darkness. "Psycho" makes its name well known by its quality of acting, symbolism, and elements of surprise.
The characters in "Psycho" are believable. Anthony Perkins, who does a superior job of playing his role of the murderer named Norman, is attracted Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh.) Perkins acts exceptionally well. He appears to want Marion for himself, but he can't have her due to a force that controls him. An example of Perkins acting abilities demonstrates how he appears to be a friendly person but in another scene he emerges with hatred filled face. His presence of another being inside him is best portrayed in the scene when Marion and Norman are sitting in the backroom. Marion begins to ask the questions about putting his mother away in an institution, making Norman's face change shape and appear dark and mysterious. I think that this aspect is important to the film because if he wasn't able to show a dark side we would never know when he is somewhat "possessed." Critics think the psychiatrics conclusion is not important to the ending- I would have to agree. His diagnosis was not relevant because Hitchcock already visually explained what happened. We don't need it repeated.
The use of symbols in the movie not only creates a stronger level of suspense, but also shows Hitchcock's own fears. Hitchcock uses what he is afraid of in his own life because it's usually relevant to everyone's as well. The use of the symbols in any movie lets the audience understand more about the individual who produced it. An example of understanding Hitchcock more is the symbol of the policeman. Hitchcock had a fear of cops because when he was boy his father played a trick on him that has forever had an influence on him. Even though the policeman appeared normal you could tell by his dark figure that the man didn't seem right. Using the cop is a good idea to incorporate himself into the movie while creating a disturbing image. Another symbol used in the film is the use of birds, which don't have any relevance to Hitchcock but create suspense. The birds could be considered as someone watching the persons every move. The eye is also used when Norman looks through the wall, and this image is creepy because of the thought of someone watching. I think that the eye is a vital part of the films symbolism to heighten the suspense. The symbols used in the movie bring out a meaning portion of Hitchcock's life, and make it more suspenseful.
The element of suspense makes the movie "Psycho" what it is; nail biting. In the movie there is no thrill that creeps out at you and makes you want to jump out of your seat. Instead you are calmly placed with little bits of the puzzle to slowly make you gain more interest. The movie is not about blood and gore, but rather keeping your attention throughout the movie using symbols to make a long lasting suspense. To make the screen play more believable the sound used during the film helps create a more eerie feeling when watching. Your spine starts to tingle as the music grows louder, and the thought of something jumping out is only what Hitchcock wants you to think. The use of black and white also gives a sense of suspense because we are able to see dark things perceived as evil and whiter textures associated with good. When watching, you begin to feel bad things approaching, and making your eyes become more focused. Suspense is an important key to every movie, and this movie uses it to keep the audience fix to the screen.
The quality of acting brings out suspense through symbols in the movie "Psycho." The actors in the movie do an excellent job of making themselves believable in the role that they play, which is important to make a successful film. The uses of symbols help the movie provide stronger images for a viewer to become more intrigued. The suspense is never ending. This helps make the movie more appealing to keep your interest. Overall the movie isn't considered to be a classic in my opinion, but is a strong structure for other films to work from to present a better movie.
Rating:
Summary: Pyscho Review
Review: I thought the movie Psycho, by Alfred Hitchcock was very good. Compared to other horror films of today, his tended to focus on a main point instead of just getting caught up in all the killing and blood. Furthermore, the music that he threw into the movie was a spot on the match. He could not have portrayed the characters any better, or their acting.. I will definately view this movie again and recommend this movie to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: They do not call them classics for nothing
Review: Alfred Hitchcock's classic movie Psycho helped define his later movies, titled The Golden Years. The way he portrays murder and sex is very subtle. His trademark uses of over bearing mothers, relationships that do not last, theft, and madness. If you only see one Hitchcock movie in your lifetime make sure Psycho is the one you see.
The movie opens eluding that Sam Loomis, played by John Gavin, was having sex with his lover Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh. Following, Hitchcock throws in the element of theft when Marion steals a large sum of money and secretly runs away to meet up with her lover Sam. Look closely and you may catch a glimpse of Hitchcock. After stopping at the Bates Motel off of the main highway she meets the owner Norman Bates who says he is living with his mother. During an awkward dinner with Bates Marion finds out that he has a very overbearing mother who is not well, which is typical of a Hitchcock thriller. After dinner Marion retires to her room and the madness begins. Suspenseful music builds anticipation up to the famed shower scene where Marion is murdered. This throws in the common Hitchcock element of relationships that do not last since Marion and Sam cannot be together if she is dead. The remaining two thirds of the movie her sister, Sam and a private detective are trying to find Marion. Finally there is an intense climax on the premises of the Bates Motel that will have everyone on the edge of their seats.
The thing that I found most refreshing about this movie was the fact that it did not need to show a massive amount of blood or even show the blade being stabbed into a person. His allusion to murder is inspirational. Hitchcock used suspenseful music building up to murders and then would have the camera show just the faces of terror and shock or the knife post-stabbing a victim. Modern day horror/suspense/thriller films use excessive blood and guts to try and shock you that I feel is an unnecessary use of film. Film makers should watch Psycho and take a lesson on what they could do to bring the violence and gore level in movies back down.
His allusion to sex is also inspiring. Showing Sam and Marion putting their shirts back on lets the view know what was going on but did not have to show the actual act of sex. Modern movies go a little too far by actually showing the act and the actor and actresses naked bodies. Do we really need all of the nakedness and actions of the actors and actresses to know that they are having sex?
When deciding whether to see the original 1960 Psycho or the 1998 remake, choose the classic. The scenes leading up to the famed shower scene were almost the same except when Norman, played by Vince Vaughn, takes down the picture on the wall and looks at Marion, played by Anne Hache. You get an image of Norman pleasuring himself while watching through the hole; just more than a little disturbing and unnecessary. The shower scene was not as effective in the remake because you see the blade going to stab her body but stops short of ever touching it. In the original they left the vision of the knife piercing her body to our imaginations. I also feel Vince Vaughn did not play as convincing a psycho as Anthony Perkins did in the classic.
Everyone should see Hitchcock's classic thriller Psycho and if you have already seen it you should re-watch it looking for some of his classic Golden Years movie elements of sex, theft, madness, and relationships that do not last. This classic movie uses suspenseful music to keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire movie despite the lack of gore and provocative scenes, and don't bother to watch the remake it does no justice to the 1960 original.
Rating:
Summary: Psycho Like-O
Review: Psycho is unlike the thriller films of today's standards. Modern thriller films contain graphic murder scenes. Scaring the audience depends on how much blood, guts, and gore are involved. The movie scares the audience without the vivid gore. That reason is what makes Psycho known as a classic suspense film. Hitchcock's uses class in the making of the film. He makes the audience use their imagination instead of showing a detailed murder.Vera Miles and Janet Leigh are the actresses Hitchcock chose for this movie. These female actresses are beautiful, yet sophisticated. Today's thriller films feature rather promiscuous looking teen girls. Having classy women acting in the film makes it refined. The suspense used in Psycho makes it a classic film. It doesn't depend on the graphic murders that today's films use. The most graphic part of the famous shower scene is a flash of Marion Crane's (Janet Leigh) stomach. The knife is never shown touching the skin. Although the murder takes place thirty minutes into the film, the suspense does not end. The search for Marion and the mystery of Mother keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Alfred Hitchcock lives up to his reputation as the "Master of Suspense" with this film. Marion's love for Sam (John Gavin) drives her to steal forty thousand dollars from a client of her boss. She lands herself in an old, eerie motel run by Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). The forty thousand dollars serves as Hitchcocks' McGuffin in this film. The mystery of Norman and Mother keeps the viewer in suspense. His outwardly nice appearance diminishes when the audience finds Norman watching Marion undress through a hole in the wall. The suspense begins building from here. After a nice meal and conversation with Norman, Marion realizes she set herself in a trap so she decides to fix her mistake. Marion decides to shower and go to sleep early in preparation for her long drive home. Her shower ends with her death, and Norman cleans up the mess. When the private investigator (Martin Balsam) is sent to Bates Motel to ask about Marion, Mother strikes again. Her facial features are never shown; this keeps the audience wondering not only what she looks like, but wondering what her motive is. Hitchcock explored cinematography in Psycho. Hitchcock used specific camera angles to hide the mystery of Norman's mother. After the private investigator and Sam stop by the hotel to search for Marion, Norman moves mother to the basement. The birds-eye camera angle is used so that only the top of her head and body is seen as Norman carries her. When victims are being killed, Mother is usually seen from behind. When her face is shown, Hitchcock uses shadows to make sure her facial features were obscured. Alfred Hitchcock's techniques in filming Psycho make it a classic thriller film. By not using blood and gore he allows the audience to use their imagination in murder scenes. His choices of actresses add to the sophistication of the film. It's classic because the suspense continues to build even after the murder scenes are completed. It does not rely on murder to make the audience frightened.
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