As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of life under my belt and countless hours spent immersed in various digital worlds, I must admit that it was only recently, a few short weeks ago, that I finally took the plunge into one of the most hallowed realms of horror: Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 masterpiece, Psycho. You might be shocked to learn that despite my love for all things spooky and suspenseful, this cinematic classic had managed to elude me until now.
CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD! This article delves into two critical scenes from the movie ‘Psycho’. If you haven’t watched it or somehow miraculously avoided knowing about the plot in the 60-plus years since its debut, be aware that the following content might reveal key details. Proceed with caution.
Currently, as I compose these words, I’m 31 years old and just recently watched the entirety of the 1960 classic, “Psycho,” for the very first time. Being a devoted horror fan, I must confess that it took me this long to see one of the genre’s greatest masterpieces. Although, given how frequently its most striking scenes have been spoiled for me, I was concerned about how that might tarnish my viewing experience. Fortunately, I found myself captivated by the movie, albeit for reasons that may not be typical.
As a gaming enthusiast, let me share an experience that resonated more with me than the iconic scene in that suspenseful thriller you’re referring to. Now, I won’t bother detailing this particular moment because I think we both can visualize it vividly. Instead, I’d like to delve into my top-pick scene from what many consider Hitchcock’s masterpiece, and explain why this one has left me utterly captivated. In essence, I’ve become a bit obsessed with it!
Abogast’s Death Scene Is My Favorite Moment
In the film ‘Psycho’, it’s revealed at the end that Norman Bates (played by Anthony Perkins) is responsible for the deaths of two individuals – these are Marion Crane (portrayed by Janet Leigh, who later became a horror icon and starred in films like ‘Halloween’) and Detective Milton Arbogast (Martin Balsam). The investigation into Marion’s disappeal leads Arbogast to the Bates Motel, where he ultimately meets his demise.
Sadly, following a gash to the face that sent him tumbling, he ended up at the bottom of the main staircase in the Bates’ residence. Upon hitting the floor, Mrs. Bates (disguised as her own mother) raced down the steps and attacked, delivering a fatal series of stabs, ensuring Arbogast’s tragic end.
I realize why this scene is not as famous as some of the other haunting horror moments from Psycho, but I think it deserves to be. I have never seen a kill in a horror movie shot as uniquely as Arbogast’s stairwell fall, during which the camera remains close on his shocked and bloodied face as he descends closer to the ground. It is such a terrifying and even hypnotic visual, complemented wonderfully by Bernard Herrmann’s unmistakably shrill score, that I have not been able to stop thinking about since.
My Thoughts On The Iconic Shower Scene
It’s clear that Marion Crane’s shocking demise in the shower of the Bates Motel, as depicted in Psycho, is undeniably its most iconic moment. This impactful scene likely left a lasting impression on viewers when the film was first released in 1960, particularly those who heeded Alfred Hitchcock’s advice to start watching from the very beginning rather than jumping in midstream. Furthermore, Janet Leigh’s confession that she disliked showers following this role and opted for baths instead adds an extra layer of intrigue to the scene.
It’s likely that my lack of strong emotion was due to having witnessed this scene multiple times and observing its parody in numerous comedic films. Despite this, there are aspects of it that continue to impress me, such as the dramatic close-up of Marion’s blood flowing down the drain followed by a pan out from her lifeless eye. However, I must admit that my reservations lie in the rapid editing style, which has never appealed to me personally.
Regardless, there’s no debate about how significant and cherished this scene is, which makes it a shame that I had the ending spoiled for me at such an early age in my life. I guess, given its iconic status and the passage of over 60 years, encountering memorable moments from the most revered films in cinema history is pretty much unavoidable now.
In summary, considering its complex mechanics and rich history, I firmly believe that “Psycho” is among the most outstanding psychological thrillers I’ve ever encountered. Despite being aware of Marion’s ultimate fate, her story kept me captivated throughout. The revelation of Norman’s dual personality, which included his deceased mother, remained intriguing as it was unfolded. Additionally, spotting a few clever Easter Eggs, like the shared name of Sam Loomis with the character from the “Halloween” films played by John Gavin and Donald Pleasance, added an extra layer of enjoyment to the film.
It seems quite evident that the quality of a movie can overcome its lack of unexpected twists, and I believe Alfred Hitchcock would agree since, in my view, “Psycho” fits that category.
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2024-09-22 16:07