Apr 11

Apr 11 Psycho (1960)

While much of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic psychological thriller may seem hackneyed now, it represented something fresh half a century ago, and it should be viewed in that context. Anthony Perkins breathes believable life into mama’s boy and creepy voyeur Norman Bates, and Janet Leigh gives a fine performance as the licentious and larcenous Marion Crane. The entire cast delivers, served expertly by both Joseph Stefano’s tight script and Mr. Hitchcock’s tense direction. Bernard Hermann’s intense score—now instantly recognizable—adds yet another perfect element to the mix.

(out of *)

1960 • 109 MINUTES
PARAMOUNT PICTURES • SHAMLEY PRODUCTIONS

STARRING
• ANTHONY PERKINS, VERA MILES, JOHN GAVIN, JANET LEIGH

ALSO STARRING
• MARTIN BALSAM, JOHN MCINTIRE

WRITTEN BY
• JOSEPH STEFANO (SCREENPLAY)
• ROBERT BLOCH (BASED ON THE NOVEL BY)

DIRECTED BY
• ALFRED HITCHCOCK

1960 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS (4)
• BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: JANET LEIGH (LOST TO SHIRLEY JONES FOR ELMER GANTRY)
• BEST DIRECTOR: ALFRED HITCHCOCK (LOST TO BILLY WILDER FOR BEST PICTURE THE APARTMENT)
• BEST B/W ART DIRECTION–SET DECORATION (LOST TO BEST PICTURE THE APARTMENT)
• BEST B/W CINEMATOGRAPHY (LOST TO SONS AND LOVERS)