Making of Psycho
Hitchcock and “Psycho” Sir Alfred Hitchcock was an English film director and producer. He pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. Hitchchock remains one of the most famous directors in movie history, not only because of his droll public image, but also because of the enduring appeal of so many of his films. His very name inspires fond grins from many viewers and how even some of his less famous works undeniably hold their attention. “He knew something universal about moviegoers, and it may come down to his most familiar theme: the Innocent Man Wrongly Accused. It’s surprising, then, that is most successful and infamous film, “Psycho” (1960), had no leading characters who were innocent, certainly not Norman Bates and not even the purported heroine, played by Janet Leigh.” (Ebert, 2012). “Psycho” is a 1960 suspense/horror directed by Hitchcock and staring Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin and Janet Leigh. The screenplay is by Joseph Stefano, based on the 1959 novel Psycho by Robert Block loosely inspired by the crimes of Wisconsin murderer and grave robber Ed Gein (Rebello). The film centers on the encounter between a secretary, Marion Crane, who ends up at a secluded motel after embezzling money from her employer and motel’s disturbed owner-manager, Norman Bates. “Psycho” initially received mix reviews, but outstanding box office returns prompted reconsideration that led to four Academy Award nominations. It is now considered one of Hitckcock’s bets films and praised as a work of art by critics. Ranked among the greatest films of all times, it set a new level of acceptability for violence and deviant behavior in American Films (Rebello). In trying to learn and understand more on the making of Hitchcock’s 1960’s classic “Psycho” I watched the 2012 film, “Hitchcock”. “Hitchcock” is a 2012 American biographical drama, directed by Sacha Gervasi and based on Stephen Rebello’s nonfiction book, “Alfred Hitchcock
Bibliography: Rebello, Stephen. Alfred Hitchcock and the making of Psycho, Griffin, 1990. “Psycho”, Alfred Hitchcock. Paramount Pictures, 1960. “Hitchcock”, Sacha Gervasi. Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2012 IMDB.com Rogerebert.suntimes.com, Roger Ebert, Nov. 12 2012