Psycho (1960)
"Psycho" is an American horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Despite its consensus critical acclaim, "Psycho" was only nominated for academy awards and only boasts a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.
"Psycho" is an elementary horror film, not because of its content, but because of the climate of horror at the time. "Psycho was released at the same time as other horror classics such as "Night of the Living Dead", and doesn't hold a candle to its horror content. I think "Psycho" is an important film, but not a good one. The film laid the groundwork for more developed, and grotesque horror to become normal in modern filmography; however, it feels like the film's content is taboo for the sake of shock, not horror.
"Psycho"'s writing is actually, fairly good. It has a well set up plot twist, and a red heron protagonist. The film's antagonist, Norman Bates, is well acted and is a fairly complex character. My only real qualm with the film is how Norman's character is explained. You don't get to see his multiple personalities develop on screen, before your eyes, but rather, by a psychiatrist throwing all of the information at you at once. For this reason, the entire plot appears to be explained to you, rather than being able to actually watch a film and have it pan out in front of you.
"Psycho" isn't per say a bad movie, but I believe it is Alfred Hitchcock experimenting with the themes of his films, and "finding himself" as a filmmaker. The movie almost feels like a rough draft of something that could be much better given the proper time to marinade and become more mature.
"Psycho"'s writing is actually, fairly good. It has a well set up plot twist, and a red heron protagonist. The film's antagonist, Norman Bates, is well acted and is a fairly complex character. My only real qualm with the film is how Norman's character is explained. You don't get to see his multiple personalities develop on screen, before your eyes, but rather, by a psychiatrist throwing all of the information at you at once. For this reason, the entire plot appears to be explained to you, rather than being able to actually watch a film and have it pan out in front of you.
"Psycho" isn't per say a bad movie, but I believe it is Alfred Hitchcock experimenting with the themes of his films, and "finding himself" as a filmmaker. The movie almost feels like a rough draft of something that could be much better given the proper time to marinade and become more mature.
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