I’m adding reviews to the Film Lists section of the website, and the content will be split up into a series of blog posts. Although the current lists focus on horror films, I’ll add more genres in the future.
I’m not covering every type of film (no documentaries on Hungarian, accordion virtuosos), but I’ll review movies I enjoy and believe others will appreciate.
When I decided to create a “best of” horror section, I viewed the movies, made notes, and tried to remember the first time I watched each film.
I didn’t read other critics’ reviews or lists from The American Film Institute; I solely used my brain to publish the lists. Like many of you, my opinion of a film changes over time, and as it’s often the case, I like the flick more after seeing it a second or third time.
The biggest problem I encountered while developing the lists was how to rank the films. All twenty-five are exceptional horror films, and although Psycho ranked first and Lords of Salem ranked twenty-fifth, the order is less important than the film’s impact on the world.
Psycho (1960)
I believe Psycho should be ranked first because it changed the film industry and the country forever. There’s nothing like it. The shower scene, creepy Anthony Perkins, gorgeous Janet Leigh, Bernard Herman’s excellent and memorable soundtrack, and high-caliber camerawork set Psycho apart from any movie made before or since.
Before the premiere of the film in 1960, filmgoers often arrived and departed theaters at odd times. Hitchcock persuaded theater owners to forbid anyone from entering the theater after the starting time.
The director wasn’t being extreme in his requests. He understood that anyone arriving late would not understand what was going on. Missing the shower scene and first murder, which might have been a good thing for some, would warp the viewer’s understanding of the plot.
Hitchcock’s shocking murder scene in the shower convinced many Americans (including Janet Leigh) to follow Ernie’s (from Sesame Street) advice and make bath time more fun.
I think that changing your bathing habits because of a horror movie is strange, but I’m fascinated when art influences everyday life. Even Homer Simpson changed his bathroom habits after watching Lethal Weapon 2. He started checking behind the toilet for a bomb before sitting on the commode.
Norman Bates, played by Anthony Perkins, is unlike most villains in horror movies. He’s friendly, hesitant with his words, menacing, and completely bonkers.
Perkins’ performance was so convincing and notorious that his career suffered after Psycho. He continued to work in movies and television, but producers were reluctant to offer him major roles. Norman, the psychopath, would not grab the starring role in a romantic comedy or adventure film.
From the opening shot to the finale, Psycho is a scary film that never loses steam. Inventive editing, a jolting soundtrack, and Oscar-level acting propel the “pulp” material into a masterpiece. It’s a sordid tale, and although it recently turned 60 years old, it’s still relevant and entertaining in the year 2020.
If you’re nervous or a little freaked out after watching the film, relax. Have a few drinks and take a long, hot shower.
Recent Comments