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Andy K (10823 KP) rated Psycho (1960) in Movies

Sep 30, 2019  
Psycho (1960)
Psycho (1960)
1960 | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Most Hollywood scholars and film critics agree Vertigo is the ultimate Hitchcock masterpiece with Psycho, North By Northwest or Rear Window rounding out the top 4. Although I would give each a 10 out of 10, I would say Psycho is probably my all time favorite.

Maybe you could say Vertigo is a better technical film or it uses camera, lighting, sets and scenery better, but Psycho has all of that as well and then some. I remember reading somewhere a list of movies where mid way through the film the plot was hijacked in a completely different direction than it had been going (for movies like From Dusk Till Dawn and True Lies), but Psycho was not listed.

I was extremely surprised in that by 1960, how many filmmakers would dare kill off their only main character and the only one the audience cares about partially through and leave the audience gasping as what was to happen next? I wish I had been sitting in a darkened theatre in 1960 to see just that. Working at movie theatres for years, I have had my share of watching crowd reaction both in laughter and in fear, and I can see how movie makers enjoy doing this themselves for their own films.



Great movies keep you coming back even though you are completely familiar with every detail already, but still come back to rewatch anyways.

I have to assume Anthony Perkins did too good of a job as Norman Bates to have any casting directors use him for different roles. He reprised Norman, several times in the 80s and 90s, and also had roles in other films like The Black Hole and Murder on the Orient Express, but no one really remembers him for anything other than Psycho. He was just that great.

I absolutely love the Bernard Herrmann score, especially over the haunting opening credit sequence. One of the best of all time. Have to mention Janet Leigh also won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She was memorable and marvelous as well.

And Hitch never won Best Director.

  
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Dave Franco recommended Psycho (1960) in Movies (curated)

 
Psycho (1960)
Psycho (1960)
1960 | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

"I love horror movies, I love thrillers. The majority of — and this is a blanket statement — horror movies don’t all necessarily have a good story or good acting or look particularly visually appealing. When a thriller or horror movie can excel at all of those elements, there’s nothing that entertains me more. Psycho is the ultimate horror movie — Anthony Perkins is a genius."

Source
  
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Peter G. (247 KP) rated Misery (1990) in Movies

Jun 24, 2019  
Misery (1990)
Misery (1990)
1990 | Drama, Horror, Mystery
This gripping and thrilling King adaptation became notorious for one of many gruesome scenes that gave rise to a new definition of the word Stalking.
It's quite Hitchcock like in its execution and the level of suspense is palpable and very dark, Bates chills to the bone as her character mutates from number 1 fan to absolute psycho. Edge of the seat viewing!
  
The Birds (1963)
The Birds (1963)
1963 | Classics, Horror, Mystery
Hitchcock at his best
1960 saw the release of Psycho, Hitchcock's signature work, but Psycho is not the only film that people think of when talking about his work. The Birds, made three years later, has a warm place in film fans hearts and a much larger fan base than people seem to think.

I know more people who dislike Psycho compared to those who like The Birds and I feel that this is most defiantly Alfred Hitchcock at his best. Rear Window and Vertigo are also up there but this film offers the right blend of shocks and a disturbing sense of dread, that makes it accessible by many, whilst still being fun to watch.

The birds have turned. Nature is taking her wrath upon man for a brief moment, but the sheer scale of the idea that nature could turn on us is a primally frightening concept. I do feel that this was the vain in which M. Night Shyamalan's dismal The Happening was attempting to tap into decades later, but Hitchcock got this right first time, for all time.

The effects are dated but their impact is still strong, as the ideas are so pronounced that there's little need to show anything. The acting is decent and the direction, though not as perfect as many would argue for Hitch, still doing the job well. This is a timeless and more accessible Hitchcock classic than Psycho, yet often dismissed and I wonder why?

Both films are clear genre pieces and are still being drawn from today. This is a textbook thriller with a natural twist and a dire tone. But the image of the crow massing on telegraph poles is a simple as it it frighting, just because it happens every day…
  
American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho (2000)
2000 | Comedy, Drama, Horror
Acting, Soundtrack (0 more)
This Movie is very ambiguous so will not be for everyone! (0 more)
Hip to be square... and psychotic?!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Patrick Bateman has everything; a high rank Mergers and Acquisitions job at Pierce and Pierce, a gorgeous (expensive) Apartment, a beautiful Fiancee and an extremely active social life. But, he's psychotic, and, after a few cheeky murders of Co-Workers and complete strangers alike, is on the verge of snapping completely. This is his descent into madness...
Based on the Novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis; American Psycho is a very chic, bloodsplattered love letter to the '80s. I love the New Wave Soundtrack which complements the film perfectly; especially when paired with Music fan Bateman's own two cents about certain Bands and tracks. The Cast are absolutely amazing; I love how connected they are to each other yet also hopelessly disconnected because of their jobs and knowing so many people (for example, when Patrick says the name Ed Gein, one of his "friends" says "The maitre 'd at Canal Bar?") that Bateman can get away with murder because they swear he was having Dinner with them the night of the murder! One thing that really does stick out to me about American Psycho (and still bothers me to this very day) is the HUGE ambiguity, which will make some people scratch their heads and question everything. I like ambiguity and I think American Psycho makes it work, and definitely sparks a conversation, but some people hate the Movie for those moments. It doesn't detract from how wonderful the Movie is though, and American Psycho is a cinematic beauty that should be watched by everyone. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to return some Videotapes...
  
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Sam Bennett (32 KP) rated Bates Motel in TV

Aug 9, 2019  
Bates Motel
Bates Motel
2013 | Drama
Freddie Highmore could not of picked a better norman bates, honestly think he is better than originals. (3 more)
Vera Farmiga. I'm not her greatest fan but in this she is beyond Brilliant. Her and Freddie work so well together.
Last 2 seasons oh my lord, I dont think my gob shut from shock!! No spoilers dont panic but when you watch it you will see.
Sheriff Romero! Well actually Nestor Carbonell those eyes! Everytime he is on screen you get lost in those eyes!
No more seasons 😭 (1 more)
Time setting is weird.
I have no words except Freddie Highmore!
A must watch even if you have never seen psycho!! This is a prior to psycho! Freddie Highmore is fantastic in this, he's stronger in each episode. The writing & production team couldn't of chosen anyone better for the role!
  
Halloween (2018)
Halloween (2018)
2018 | Horror
Trick or Treat
It's been 40 years since Michael Myers went psycho, killing his family on Halloween night, leaving only one survivor, his sister Laurie. Locked up in an institution, Myers manages to escape when his bus transfer goes horribly wrong.
Laurie knows it's only a matter of time before another showdown when word of Michael's Escape surface's - but this time, she's ready for him.