PSYCHO
US, 1960, 108 minutes, Black and white.
Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, John Mclntyre.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Psycho is considered a Hitchcock classic, and was thought to be outrageous on its first release. As the years have gone by Psycho has been discussed a great deal; Hitchcock is alleged to have said that it was a 'fun film’.
This film marked his return to black and white photography, appropriate for the stark Gothic horror. The author was Robert Bloch who has written quite a number of horror films, especially in such omnibus English series as Torture Garden, and The House that Dripped Blood. Anthony Perkins has presented quite a number of sensitive neurotic characters in his films and this is one of the best. The success of the film depends a great deal on audience reaction to him. One of the surprising things was the disappearance of the main star of the film before it was half over. The film jolted even the ordinary expectations of the audience, as well as making them scream.
1. What is the meaning of the title? Do you agree with Hitchcock's statement that this was merely meant to be a 'fun film'?
2. Was this a successful thriller? Which were more important, shocks or suspense?
3. Why do audiences respond so vividly to Psycho?
4. How well did Hitchcock establish the beginning of the film? How important was this for audience identification and involvement with the characters?
5. Marion Crane - implications of her lunch hour meetings with Sam, their love affair, wishing to marry? Fear of her mother, Sam's inability to marry because of money problems? Was this important for the rest of the film?
6. Marion's temptation to steal. Why did she steal the money, for whom? Did this bother her? How was this illustrated?
7. How did Hitchcock create suspense and involve the audience - Marion being followed by the police, and being worried by the rain?
8. The Bates' place? How sinister?
9. What were your first impressions of Norman? Did he seem normal?
10. How did Norman change Marion? Did she understand him?
11. Did you believe that there was a real mother? Has Hitchcock fair in creating this impression? Did he play unfair tricks on the audience?
12. What were your impressions of the murder? How did it shock your sensibilities?
13. How were your emotional responses challenged by Norman's actions?
14. Why was Lila introduced only at this stage of the film? Was she a credible character?
15. Can you understand how Sam was under suspicion?
16. Were you surprised by the entrance of Arbogast? What was his function in the film? His murder is considered something of a classic. Why?
17. How did Arbogast's death make the visit of Lila and Sam all the more ominous?
18. Was the psychological postscript convincing? Was it necessary to explain what had happened? How well was it handled?
19. How much insight into human behaviour, madness, guilt did the film give?
20. Visual detail: precise opening-setting in Phoenix; Marion's going home, seeing her boss, mental dialogue; selling the car and the police; Norman's fussiness and his hobby; Marion's decision to return; the paper in the toilet; the disappearance of the car and the money; Lila's similarity to Marion; Lila's psychological tour of the house; the attack on Lila; Norman's finally be- ' coming his mother (and the fly)?
