Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most well known directors of all time. His techniques and unique style has made him an alter and loved by many.
Psycho released in 1960 was ground breaking and ahead of its time, looking at taboo subjects through transgressive viewing such as issues with mental health, sex, nudity, murder. With a mere budget of $806,947 USD it made 37.1 million USD in the box office alone. The film had such a buzz surrounding it that Hitchcock went to great lengths in order to prevent any spoilers such as; in 1959 Robert Bloch known mainly for being the writer of Psycho released the story as a novel, Hitchcock bought all copies of it. He also insisted that no one could enter a screening of the film after it had begun, his aim was to tighten the suspense and draw more audience members in.
Due to the film being so iconic and well known it really is quiet difficult to view the film nowadays with no previous knowledge of the story. Todays pop culture makes elements of the film common knowledge, meaning a first hand viewing of the film can no longer exist for Psycho, as it would have when it was originally released. This film has had such an impact, from the day it was released it changed the film world. Even if you have not watched the film you will most likely have been exposed to its influence. After Hitchcock’s succsess other filmmakers became enlightened to the possibilities taboo subjects brought.
The shower scene, 45 seconds of cinematic genius. For the first three quarters of an hour spectator positioning forces us to follow whom we presume to be the lead protaginist of the film; Marion Crane played by Janet Leigh.
The Film Experience 