Psycho

Classic Terror

Main Cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

While there had been other horror movies before, and certainly many after, this classic grips the mind and freezes the blood like none other. One of its strengths is its timelessness: the events depicted are believable even 45 years later in this day and time. Some things, such as mental illness, greed, passion, and loneliness, are eternal to the human spirit.

A summary of the plot: Marion Crane (Leigh) is a troubled woman. The man she loves (Gavin) has money troubles, and will not settle down with her until this burden is lifted. Later, at her workplace, a golden opportunity seems to fall into her lap when a customer pays in cash for a real estate deal. Marion is tasked to bring the money to the bank… but, in a rush of emotion, takes the money and runs, right out of town. After a harrowing car ride and an encounter with a suspicious policeman, she stops for the night at a run-down motel. The owner, Norman Bates (Perkins), is a shy, awkward loner. After dinner together, and a fascinating conversation, Marion decides to take the money back. But by then her fate is out of her hands…

More I won’t reveal, just in case you’ve not seen this excellent horror-drama. But I urge you to watch it, for it contains thrills shocking even today. The acting is first rate, with Anthony Perkins in the role of his life. Janet Leigh is equally good. Please, if you are a fan of the genre, you must see this film.