The 1960s was a decade that saw a lot of changes in the world, from the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War. This decade also saw the rise of crime films, with classics like Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, and Bullitt. However, there is one crime film from the 1960s that still shocks audiences to this day: Psycho.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1960, Psycho tells the story of Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh), a young woman who steals $40,000 from her employer and goes on the run. She ends up at the Bates Motel, run by the shy and seemingly harmless Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins). What follows is a twisted and suspenseful tale of murder and madness that still manages to shock viewers over 60 years later.
One of the reasons that Psycho continues to shock audiences is its iconic shower scene. In this scene, Marion is brutally stabbed to death while taking a shower. The scene is famous for its quick cuts, screeching violins, and graphic violence, which was shocking for audiences at the time. The scene also subverts audience expectations by killing off the film’s main character only 45 minutes into the film, which was a bold move for a Hollywood movie at the time.
Another reason that Psycho continues to shock viewers is its portrayal of mental illness. Norman Bates is a character who suffers from dissociative identity disorder, and his split personality leads him to commit violent acts. While the film’s portrayal of mental illness may be outdated by today’s standards, it was groundbreaking for its time and helped to pave the way for more nuanced portrayals of mental illness in popular culture.
Psycho also stands out for its use of suspense and tension. Hitchcock masterfully builds suspense throughout the film, using everything from ominous music to eerie camera angles to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The film’s climax, which sees Norman Bates revealed as the killer, is a tense and thrilling sequence that still manages to shock viewers today.
Overall, Psycho is a crime film that still shocks audiences over 60 years after its release. From its iconic shower scene to its portrayal of mental illness to its masterful use of suspense, the film remains a classic of the genre. While its shock value may have diminished somewhat over time, it still manages to captivate and thrill viewers today, proving that great filmmaking can stand the test of time.
