Psycho (1960) Review.

Thoughts: To continue with the Halloween countdown here is the review for Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock’s horror thriller classic. Although the movie starts a little slow, it has some of the most shocking plot twists and “Edge-of-your-seat” suspense you will ever see in a movie. I am not a fan of the horror genre however, Alfred Hitchcock has directed many of my favorite movies but Psycho is not exactly a horror movie despite what some would say. It is more of suspense, thriller with a mystery tied into the plot. Also Psycho was really the first "Horror Slasher" movie, even if you dislike horror movies like I do, Psycho is still recommended to any classic film fan. The only real problem with Psycho is the very slow first half, it was starting to be a disappointment but I am glad that I finished the movie because the pay off was well worth it. While many consider this a "Horror" movie, it was not scary at, however it was suspenseful and sometimes very creepy in a good way. There is a lot to say about Psycho but that would spoil the movie.


Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Horror, Mystery
Release Date: June 16, 1960
Running Time: 109 minutes
MMPA rating: R


The Good: Very suspenseful, Incredibly shocking plot twists, Iconic soundtrack, Fantastic performance by Anthony Perkins,

The Bad: Slow first half,


Warning: Psycho is rate "R" for violence and other mature content, although it would probably be PG-13 today.


Note: If you want a full non-spoiled experience, I recommend not watching the trailer below.




Plot: The following plot summery is copied from Wikipedia.com.
In need of money to help her divorced boyfriend Sam Loomis (John Gavin), Phoenix secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) steals $40,000 from one of her employer's clients and flees in her car. En route to Sam's California home, she parks along the road to sleep. A highway patrol officer awakens her, becomes suspicious of her agitated state and begins to follow her. When she trades her car for another one at a car dealership, he notes the new vehicle's details. By the time Marion returns to the road, there is a heavy rainstorm which prompts her to spend the night at the Bates Motel rather than drive in the rain.
Owner Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) tells Marion he rarely has customers because of his location along an older, less-traveled highway, and mentions he lives with his mother in the house overlooking the motel. He then shyly invites Marion to have supper with him. She overhears Norman arguing with his mother about his supposed sexual interest in Marion, and during the meal, Marion angers him by suggesting he institutionalize his mother. He admits he would like to do so, but does not want to abandon her. Watch the movie to see what happens next.


Plot: 8.8/10- The first half is very slow and drags, but the second half is excellent and suspenseful. Also Psycho has some of the most memorable and shocking moments I have seen in a movie.

Action: N/A- While there is not any action, there obviously are deaths.

Acting: 8.5/10- Anthony Perkins gave an excellent performance and Janet Leigh was good as well. The other cast members also gave great performances.

Special effects: N/A-

Soundtrack: 9.8/10- While the soundtrack is not all great to listen to by its self, the way it adds suspense to the scenes is amazing.

Comedy: 5.0/10- One or two humorous lines.

Would I Watch This Again: Because the whole movie hinges on not knowing what is going to happen next, there is no suspense in a second viewing. Since it is a classic, I will watch it again at some time.

Overall: 8.8/10- Despite the slow first half, Psycho has enough pay off and plot twists to definitely be worth your time.

Closing comments: Even if you do not like horror movies, I highly recommend it for any classic film fan.

Recommended for: Suspense fans, Thriller fans, Horror fans, Mystery fans, Alfred Hitchcock fans,


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