Rating of
4/4
Psycho: A Classic of Suspense
Keegon - wrote on 02/01/08
Psycho is a film of perfectly calculated suspense with some truly chilling moments and it is one of Alfred Hitchcock's best films. That's saying a lot since Hitchcock was a masterful director with such films as Vertigo, Rear Window, and Rebecca accredited to his name. To many, Psycho is his masterpiece. I disagree, but I do think that it is one of the best films ever made.
Hitchcock composed such an impressive visual and audio package that it's impossible not to appreciate Psycho for at least its technical achievements. The score is always haunting and in some cases the most terrifying aspect of the film especially in the infamous shower scene. The editing is more than effective and the pacing moves at just the right pace to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
The script is clever and the direction is superb as I've already mentioned. The performances are very noteworthy. Janet Leigh stands out as the most impressive. Her nervous, yet rebelliously bold performance as Marion is a legendary performance that people are sure to remember for ages. Anthony Perkins also reaches perfection with his characterization of Norman Bates. His role has already reached a level of infamy that most actors can only dream of.
I recommend this film very enthusiastically. It is one of the most suspenseful films ever made and a testament to Hitchcock's amazing talent as a director.
