Psycho

The run of classic films continues with this Halloween screening of one of the greatest horror movies of all time.

There are some classic films that will remain that way for all time. They have a timeless quality despite being made in another time. Alfred Hitchcock has long been regarded as one of the best directors and this film is further proof of that. Hitchcock is highly skilled at creating tension in a film so the audience is always on edge. He has made some of the greatest thrillers on film. This film is really cleverly written and directed. In the script writing classes I've done this film is used as an example of how to build up tension. It starts off fairly simply with a woman, Marion Crane, stealing some money and escaping. The scene where Marion meets the cop on the highway is so brilliantly constructed and created that while not much goes on you still feel really tense. It is also true of Norman Bates. When you first meet him he comes across as just a normal guy who runs a rundown motel. But as the film progresses you learn about Norman and his true Psyche. This one is one of Hitchcock's bloodiest films and so to soften the blow for audiences he chose to film it in black and white. I do not find the film very scary but I don't normally find knife wielding maniacs scary. I'm sure that today it would not be found to be scary for modern audiences as they require more blood. It is just an excellent story told brilliantly.

Poor Anthony Perkins got stereotyped for playing this role. He went on to be in the three sequels of this film so maybe he realised that was the only way he could make money and just accept it. He is brilliant in this role. He plays the nerdy guy so well. At the beginning you don't think much of him and he plays his innocence really well. As the film progresses you begin to see cracks in his persona and his true intentions are revealed. Janet Leigh certainly makes a good victim. As Marion she does a good job of playing a woman who has not committed a crime before. Marion acts nervously so much that its always so obvious she is up to no good. Vera Miles gives an excellent performance as Marion's determined sister Lila. She comes across as very brave. The other males roles like Martin Balsam as the detective and John Gavin as Marion's boyfriend Sam are also great.

One of the greatest horror/thrillers ever made. While you may not find it very scary compared to films today, you can still admire the skill of master film maker.