HITCHCOCK’S PSYCHO LEGACY: FROM SHOWER SCENE TO BATES MOTEL

PSYCHO (1960) d. Alfred Hitchcock (USA)
PSYCHO II (1983) d. Richard Franklin (USA)
PSYCHO III (1986) d. Anthony Perkins (USA)
PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING (1990) d. Mick Garris (USA)
PSYCHO (1998) d. Gus Van Sant (USA)

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Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is not just a film; it’s an institution in the world of cinema, one that redefined the horror genre forever. Based on Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel, audiences were introduced to Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a seemingly mild-mannered motel owner with a dark and twisted secret. The film's groundbreaking narrative, shocking twists, and chilling atmosphere have influenced filmmakers for decades.

CURTAINS/PSYCHO II - 1983 DOUBLE FEATURE!!!

PSYCHO II (1983) d. Richard Franklin (USA)
CURTAINS (1983) d. Richard Ciupka/Peter Simpson (Canada)

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Tonight we're jetting back to 1983 to discuss a couple of undersung gems from the heyday of the slasher boom, one a belated sequel to a groundbreaking masterpiece, the other a curious Canadian feature made all the more appealing by its troubled production, release, and subsequent obscurity.

PSYCHO III (1986) Blu-ray Review

Psycho III (1986) d. Perkins, Anthony (USA)

After the critical and commercial slamdunk of Psycho II and with sequel fever in full swing, it came as no surprise when word arose that the Bates Motel would be re-opening for business. Having engendered a generous portion of goodwill, the prevailing spirit was one of optimism, especially when it was revealed that Anthony Perkins would not only be reprising his signature role, but assuming the director’s chair for the first time in his illustrious career. If anyone knew Norman, it was Tony...or so we thought.

PSYCHO II (1983) Blu-ray Review

 
Psycho II (1983) d. Franklin, Richard (USA)

Being a dead-icated young pup, I dutifully read Robert Bloch’s 1982 literary follow-up to Psycho before seeing its celluloid counterpart on cable during its HBO run, even going so far as to ask the local bookmarm to conjure it via interlibrary loan. I found it satisfying enough, including its key twist of leaving Norman Bates by the wayside early in the narrative. However, with Anthony Perkins returning to the role that had loomed large over his career for the past two decades, it was even money that screenwriter Tom Holland would not be following Bloch’s game plan – even as a lad I knew that Hollywood couldn’t squander an opportunity like that for the sake of a clever plot twist. (Then again, Hitchcock had done something mighty similar 22 years earlier, to memorable success, so who knew...?)

HOW AWFUL ABOUT ALLAN (1970) movie review

HORROR:

How Awful About Allan (1970) d. Harrington, Curtis (USA)

Anthony Perkins stars as a troubled mental patient, psychosomatically blinded by guilt over having accidentally set his father on fire and scarring sister Julie Harris in the process. After being released to stay with her at the old family abode, Perkins starts to suspect their new boarder is trying to kill him (but cannot identify the assailant due to his infirmity).