LogFAQs > #892713265

We didn't even talk about Norman Bates yet. Through Anthony Perkins' subtle and quiet performance, one of film's scariest psychopaths is brought to full realization and is the driving force of the film. Marion's chats with Norman portray him as completely unadjusted, self-deprecating, sexually confused, and devastatingly lonely, yet polite, friendly and welcoming. The Bates Motel is not a haven for the sinful however. Marion's stay is defined by guilt and paranoia, which is only heightened by Bates' mother just in the house over the hill, who Marion feels like is judging her as Norman has his own problems with his mother, as he feels trapped in his duty to take care of her. A painting of a nude woman being raped in his office, Norman's love of taxidermy on birds, and constant presence of mirrors belays his true nature and Marion's incoming tragedy (the ensnaring of a "crane" is too good for Norman to pass up).

This all leads up to the most famous film in horror history, the shower stabbing committed by Norman. This scene contains the first toilet flushing in film history, a foreshadow of Marion's life swirling down the drain through her blood and her future watery grave. The sharp piercing cords of Norman's stabs and close-up shots make the viewer experience every piercing as if it were them themselves. The murder in the shower is more than just a frightening scene however; it not only symbolizes us at our must defenseless, but Norman violates the act of cleaning (or rather, Marion washing away her guilt) but interrupting the sacred act. It was also progressive for killing off a main character just halfway through the film despite the story being so focused on Marion.

To say Psycho is an incredible film is an understatement. It's a horror film that on every level affects the mind with terror audiences conjure up on their home. Unlike the slashers of future films who hide behind the mask and help disconnect audiences from their despicable acts, Norman's sneer and apparent friendliness make him more realistic, relatable, and that much more horrifying. Marion is an equally complex character that subverts the expectations of female characters as Hitchcock bravely confronts taboo topics and themes. Psycho is a film that begs repeat viewings and it's easy to analyze just about any scene in the film and where it fits into the big picture. It remains one of the scariest, progressive, and deepest pieces of horror fiction ever made, and something that should be missed by anybody.
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The first monster you have to scare the audience with is yourself.
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