This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
katie feeback’s review published on Letterboxd:
This review may contain spoilers.
Psycho: Trailblazer
Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' has become a pioneer for Horror films in the 63 years since its release. This can be a result of the acting, the storyline, or even the cinematography. But, I firmly believe that the reason this film was, and continues to be prominent, is because of the magnificent way Hitchcock utilizes suspense.
I had never seen this particular film before, but I had watched ‘Rear Window’, one of Hitchcock’s other notable works. To me, ‘Rear Window’ was a work of genius, I was attentive and anticipating every frame, which led me to have high expectations for this film. I will say that I was not disappointed.
The film starts off with a conflict, Marion impulsive stealing $40,000. She then skips town, and soon enough, a police officer becomes suspicious of her. This is one of the first instances Hitchcock uses suspense to draw the audience in. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat in the moments where Marion was being watched by the officer. Hitchcock did exceptionally well making a storyline that had me convinced that it would be a main focus of the film. I was surprised when they did not delve further into the cop/Marion storyline, besides the obvious searching for her by her sister.
Hitchcock uses his well-thought through suspense tactics to engage the audience, make them connect with Marion, all to kill her halfway through the film. I genuinely was expecting her to escape from Norman, and for her to live throughout the whole story. I was shocked when she died, but it intrigued me even more, as I wondered where the story could go. I also admire the way he utilized this skill through the scene where Norman carries his mother down the steps, as well as when Lila grabs the shoulder of Mrs. Bates and finds her rotted skeleton instead of an alive woman they presumed she’d be.
After Marion’s death, I had a hunch that Norman’s mother was not really involved, but I never believed it would get to the degree of Norman living in his head as his mother. I think this incredible solution to the story is one of the reasons this has lived on in so many people’s lives. The suspense and acting given by Hitchcock and Anthony Perkins are incredible, and I am so glad that this class pushed me to watch this film!