Monday, February 17, 2025

Classic Film: Psycho (1960)

Psycho | Alfred Hitchcock, Horror, Thriller | Britannica

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho follows Marion Crane’s fateful stay at the Bates Motel, where she encounters the unsettling Norman Bates. Known for its shocking plot twists, psychological horror, and Bernard Herrmann’s haunting score, the film changed the thriller genre forever.

Why is Psycho a Classic?

Psycho broke cinematic taboos with its unpredictable storytelling, shocking violence, and psychological depth. Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense, combined with the film’s editing and music, makes it one of the most studied films in history.

Discussion Questions

  1. Film Technique: The infamous shower scene is one of the most analyzed in film history. How do editing, sound, and camera angles create fear without showing excessive violence?
  2. Genre/Cultural Context: Psycho helped define modern psychological horror. How does it differ from supernatural horror films?
  3. Classic Status: Norman Bates remains one of cinema’s greatest villains. What makes his character so unsettling and memorable?
  4. Personal Response: Did you enjoy Psycho? Why/Why not?

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