Psycho (1960 - Alfred Hitchcock)
Well I have finally seen it. A film I knew so much about, but only a tiny part of the actual film. I had not known about the lead in to the motel, nor the psychological report at the end. The trouble is I knew too much about the key parts of the film. The original audiences to this film must have been in for quite a ride.
The Good. The film moves along a very good pace, even though there is a lot of long scenes, by today's standards. The shower scene, still works even knowing so much about it. The camera and focus on the detective on the stairs in the Bates house, loved it. It put you on edge, well hanging over the edge, but not with straight suspense, but showing that things are way off, but still anchored in the real. Janet Leigh's performance. I would almost add Anthony Perkins, however there were some weak line deliveries.
The Bad. The bit just before the end with the psychologist explaining about what we have just seen. Ham-fisted. I would much rather it be dropped and it finishes with Norman talking to himself.
A excellent film, but not quite a great film.
Rating: 80 / 100
Yeah, pop culture experience certainly diminishes some of the intended effect. Though I will say that previous viewings do not. My original reaction to the film was much like yours, an acknowledgement of it's strengths but also an awareness of its flaws, but my two subsequent viewings each raised my esteem of the film. I still think that psychologist coda is dumb, but it's easier to dismiss when you know it's coming, maybe even just shut off the film before it. Meanwhile the rest of it doesn't lose its lustre and I gained an appreciation for how well done it is. It's always nice to watch a new classic, I kind of miss that experience. It's nice to know what everyone is talking about, but the realization of "oh that's where that's from" is fun too.
But I wonder if now I might be ready to watch it again. There is a lot in this film and the details are worthy to coax out. I might try it again, leaving behind the disappointment of not having more to see, and look deeper, thus finding the extra I wanted. Perhaps.
Definitely. As I said above, for me that second viewing definitely helped wash away the disappointments.