Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a young, unhappy woman, steals $40,000 and leaves her old life behind, hoping the money can solve her boyfriend’s (John Gavin) financial problems, and maybe give her a future. During a storm, she stops at The Bates Motel, run by Norman (Anthony Perkins) for his invalid mother. Soon, Marion’s sister, Lila (Vera Miles), and Detective Milton Arbogast (Martin Balsam) are looking for her.
If you haven’t seen Psycho and somehow managed to avoid its story and missed the many parodies of its key scenes, then find a copy and watch it now. You won’t be able to keep that virginity and live in our society for long. Watching Psycho without knowing its surprises is a thrill. While it is a good movie any way you see it, it loses much of its impact if you know what’s coming.
What is coming? The first Slasher which also contained mystery, stylish frights, and music that replaces sound effects in a way that no one else has ever managed. It has the artistry and skill of the finest suspense director and one of the best director’s of any kind, Alfred Hitchcock. Janet Leigh gave layers to what could appear to be a straight forward part. You could see her doubt, her longing, and her fear in every frame. And, of course, she is gorgeous. Perkin is even better. This is a performance that ranks with the best put on film and more Slasher directors need to study it to see what their insignificant films are lacking.
Not all the acting is superb (even Hitchcock was unimpressed with John Gavin as the boyfriend) and the psychologist’s end speech goes on far too long, but those are minor problems in a film that changed horror.