Complex, powerful, and revolutionary, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho paved the way for screen slashers and modern horror films. With themes of corruption, identity, and the consequences of greed, Psycho is the blueprint for the archetypal slasher suspense thriller.

The way Hitchcock plays with opposing perceptions of its lead characters is why it remains a staple of horror cinema today, specifically those movies that sympathize with psychotic killers.  

Hitchcock’s direction succeeds at misleading viewers with each scene. He distracts his audience with side characters and subtle foreshadowing in his dialogue. The scenes are beautifully shot, as it’s stark black-and-white photography, panning shots of environments, zoom shots, and reflections in mirrors combined with that iconic, creepy music successfully creates an ominous, dangerous, and unnerving atmosphere throughout its runtime.

Bernard Herrmann’s score sets the tone for each scene with its loud stabs and haunting crescendos. His music builds the atmosphere and elevates already incredible filmmaking. As well as the score, the acting is a contributing factor in what makes Psycho such a groundbreaking film.

Anthony Perkins is the lead actor in Psycho. He plays the Bates Motel owner, Norman Bates, with a quiet charm and sweet innocence, so that you, like the characters, would never suspect a thing. His dialogue is clever, but his delivery is even better, with Perkins’ natural manner and inventive speech quirks. He makes interesting choices with his vocal tics, nervous hand motions, and awkward stance that all culminate in a legendary performance.

Norman Bates is one of the most effective, memorable villains in the history of Hollywood. From the infamous shower scene to the double scare in the basement to that unforgettable monologue in the finale, Psycho truly has many classic, iconic scenes that are remembered to this day. Overall, the short length, quick pace, eerie setting, and striking cinematography all work together to ensure that Psycho remains an all time classic horror film. There is no other film quite like Psycho.