Alfred Hitchcock is known as one of the pioneers and masters of horror film-making. His innovative style, story lines, and techniques make him a true legend in the world of scary movies. Many feel that Hitchcock was a man ahead of his time, and that his movies have become the template for which most other horror films go by. Over 60 years' worth of film-making produced over fifty full length movies, many of which will live in peoples' hearts and minds for a lifetime. He became interested in photography in his teens, and then began designing titles for silent movies in the 1920s. Eventually, Alfred Hitchcock took on the role of directing in the 1930s, and his career took off. Films such as The Birds, Dial M for Murder, Rope, and many others are cinematic legends. The movies he created were quite disturbing, and often contained material that most people had never seen before.
Perhaps one of the most famous of all Hitchcock movies is the story of a man named Norman Bates and his mother entitled Psycho. Some have said that Hitchcock adapted the story from his punishment as a young child, which involved him being required to stand at the foot of his mother's bed, sometimes hours at a time. The film was released in 1960, and has some of the most memorable scenes of any movie ever made. The storyline involves a man named Norman Bates and his mother who operate a motel. Hidden behind the pleasant facade of the hotel is a dark secret, including Bates' obsession with his mother, which turns him into a killer. The music in Psycho, particularly the shower scene where Bates attempts to stab the main character Marion Crane, have now become a standard and instantly recognizable. The haunting sounds of violins were quite frightening, and added to the suspense and fear in the film.
The idea of Psycho was something that had never been created for the big screen before. It contained suspense, murder, and a plot that involved intense relationships and excellent acting by Vivian Leigh and Anthony Perkins. Hitchcock enticed audiences with a very intense trailer, and the film opened up with great success. For a time, he insisted that theaters deny patrons entry if they arrived late in order for them to catch a good glimpse of Leigh and her acting. Movie theaters were hesitant at first, but soon agreed after the film's fans waited for hours outside the theater. The film style of Psycho was innovative, and Hitchcock used a few interesting techniques to make it look more frightening. Chocolate syrup was actually used for the blood since it looked more realistic, particularly in black and white. Psycho is still one of the world's most popular horror films today and has withstood the test of time.
For additional resources about Alfred Hitchcock and the film Psycho, refer to the following sites:
- The Master of Suspense – Photos, background, and everything Hitchcock
- Hitchcock Information – Biography, movies, quotes, picture gallery, and much more
- Hitchcock Scholars – Everything true fans want to know with intense background and commentary on the filmmaker
- Psycho Cast – Listing of the film's cast and crew
- Scene From the Film – The scene where Bates is about to strike, just before the infamous shower scene
- Shower Scene – One of the most recognizable scenes in film
- Review & Synopsis – A review of the 1960 film and synopsis of the plot
- Impact – How Psycho changed the horror genre
- In-Depth Background – Includes review, background, and lots of information about the movie
- Quick Overview – A good, quick resource with cast and synopsis
- Psycho Movie – Includes the trailer and information about the movie
- Norman Bates – Insight into the infamous character
- Essay on Psycho – In-depth essay about the well-known film
- Film Facts – Some interesting facts about Psycho
- More Psycho Fun – More in-depth information about the movie, and fun facts