Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a Masterpiece of legendary proportions. It was {One of} The first Horror movies to ever be nominated for any major Academy Awards. Upon re-watching the film I did what i would consider my absolute best to distinguish status from the actual film.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based from the novel of the same name written by Robert Bloch. The story takes place in the fictional Fairvale, California. Coming from Arizona is Marion Crane {Janet Leigh}, a young secretary of a Real Estate Mogul, has just stolen $40,000 dollars in hopes of paying her boyfriend, Sam Loomis {John Gavin}, Long line of debt and alimony payments with hopes to get married. Along her travels, she stops into Fairvale, and checks out a Cabin at the Bates Motel. An old place separated from the Highway, the Bates Motel is ran by the late 20's Norman Bates {Anthony Perkins}, a reclusive young man nervous to the touch. With certain interest he keeps a keen eye on Marion checking her out to Cabin No. 1. But once Noman's Mother Hears his thoughts of the young woman she goes on a murderous rampage that leads to an investigation from Marion's Sister Lila, Boyfriend Sam, and a nosey Private Investigator Milton Arbogast {Martin Balsam}.
The film is a touching story. One of love, a son who loves his mother, a man that loves a woman, a sister that loves a sister. All of them trying to protect or avenge someone. The script, written by Joseph Stefan, did a fair job adapting Bloch's Novel. The Score, Composed by Bernard Herman, is a frightening and iconic. The direction by Hitchcock is phenomenal. His angles in the house and in the motel follow a specific formulas to get us into the mind of Norman's Comfort Zone. It's genius how he introduces us to Norman's World in the most uncommon way. Hitchcock practically started the Unexpected Killer trend and here it shows how genius it truly can be. Hitchcock's visuals go along perfectly with the Performance. I'd be comfortable stating the Crowd Favorite was definitely Anthony Perkins as Norman, he masterfully held the duality, and the presence of his scenes. Overall the film does seem very hard to review, but I have to give this film an 9/10. Hitchcock made a true classic, if you ever ask a person to name 5 Hitchcock Films, they'd Name: Psycho, North by Northwest, The Birds, Vertigo, and Rear Window.
Psycho II, a sequel to the Original set 22 years later starring, also returning Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles {As Lila Crane/Loomis.} New additions include: Meg Tilly as Mary Chambers, and rounding out the cast Claudia Bryer as Ms. Emma Spool. Not a lot can be said about this sequel without spoiling it. I know I myself there are others who will probably come across this review, and haven't seen it. So as silly as it might be I'm avoiding Spoilers.
Set 22 Years after the Original, Norman Bates returns to Fairvail declared legally sane, and therefor able to continue his life, supposedly free from his Mother's grip. But as a mysterious stranger begins calling him and leaving him notes, claiming to be his mother... Norman's grip on reality is slipping, leaving the question of 'Can Norman save himself, or will he lose his sanity?".
Perkins does a great job returning to the role, as does Vera Miles returning as Lila. There is a two significant twist, one that is alluded too, and one that isn't I'll go on to say the one that isn't is well executed but a stronger punch could have been delved if it was alluded to. While the first twist is something a viewer could easily be suspicious of, from the start of the film. While many see this as a weaker companion to the original, I find this one to be an acceptable, and almost neccessary companion piece. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the film and find it to be a true Horror Sequel Classic. 8/10.
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