Film Analysis of Psycho

Film Analysis of Psycho When ‘Psycho’ was first screened in New York on 16th June 1960, it was

an immediate success. Earning over $15 million, 15 times more than it

took to make, ‘Psycho’ had made Hitchcock a multi-millionaire. As well

as this, the huge critical acclaim ‘Psycho’ received made Hitchcock

the master of suspense he will always be known as.

Two sequels were made because the film was so popular people wanted

more. Many other film makers were influenced by Hitchcock; these were

many of the most well known horror and suspense film makers. The

result of the influence is John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’.

Before People even saw ‘Psycho’ they knew of its content and greatness

due to excellent publicity and marketing campaign, this was a huge

step towards new standards for audience manipulation. The films sexual

content and violence was a whole new ground for main stream Hollywood

film. ‘Psycho’ was only viewed at night due its content. Hitchcock

insisted people alter their habits of going to the cinema if they

wanted to see ‘Psycho’. Its release affected the way people thought

and acted. It was blamed for the cause of several murders and acts of

anti-social behavior.

Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a woman in love, is searching for a way to

free her boyfriend, Sam (John Gavin), from the shackles of debt and

secure herself a husband. When an over zealous and rather rich oilman

teases her with $40,000, Marion sees her future flash before her

eyes. Off she goes with money in hand to begin her new life not

knowing the terror that awaits her.