Psycho (1960)
The father of horror/thrillers.
Presentation:
This is what started it all. The contribution Alfred Hitchcock makes for cinema with this film is immeasurable. It’s no wonder this film was such a box office success, indicated by its box office spectacle with regulations on who can enter the theatre for risk of spoiling the surprise. Fantastic ideas and camera work, though there are some rough cuts and edits that aren’t very smooth, nothing unforgivable as core scenes still have dramatically executed cinematography for its time. Casting is spot on and music is really marvelous setting a perfect tone for this classic horror/slasher/thriller.
Conclusion:
The first half of this film is incredible. Even for a classic, you don’t need to grade this film on a curve and it is just as relevant today. However the second half introduces retrospective clichés, which is a bit unfair as it’s the first film of its type, but for viewers in 2024 they may expect greatness because of the first half. The drama aspects in the latter half incorporate a blander script with characters we don’t care about, which is underwhelming as the movie progresses with a lot of overstated and explanatory storytelling. This is necessary to comprehend the novel mind of a killer in 1952 but it’s implicitly understood in 2024 making it lose some of its punch. Still a fun flick anyway.
Recommendations
A violent metaphor on burden, trauma and guilt.