Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's genre-defining masterpiece that forever changed the language of horror and psychological suspense in cinema.
Psycho - Movie Information
- Original Title: Psycho
- Release Year: 1960
- Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 8, 1960 (LS), September 8, 1960 (United States), October 12, 2010 (Canada), September 15, 1960 (United Kingdom), October 7, 1960 (Germany - 18), November 2, 1960 (France - 18), September 21, 1960 (Australia), November 1, 1961 (Brazil - 14), March 29, 1962 (Mexico - B-15), October 28, 1960 (Italy - T), December 8, 1996 (Spain - 12), July 28, 1962 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (US), Psicosis (AR), Психо (UA), Psixo (AZ), Psychose (BE), 觸目驚心 (HK), Psychose (FR), 驚魂記 (TW)
- Production Companies: Shamley Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Psycho - Plot
When larcenous real estate clerk Marion Crane goes on the lam with a wad of cash and hopes of starting a new life, she ends up at the notorious Bates Motel, where manager Norman Bates cares for his housebound mother.
Psycho - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for Alfred Hitchcock's landmark 1960 thriller:
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Psycho - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alfred Hitchcock
Main Cast
- Anthony Perkins
- Janet Leigh
- Vera Miles
- John Gavin
- Martin Balsam
- John McIntire
- Simon Oakland
- Frank Albertson
- Patricia Hitchcock
- Vaughn Taylor
Writers
- Joseph Stefano
Producers
- Alfred Hitchcock
Psycho - FAQs
What is the shower scene in Psycho about?
The shower scene is one of cinema's most iconic sequences. Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, is murdered at the Bates Motel in a shocking, rapid-cut sequence scored by Bernard Herrmann's piercing strings. Hitchcock used editing and sound design rather than explicit imagery to create an unforgettable sense of terror.
Is Norman Bates based on a real person?
Yes, Norman Bates was inspired by real-life Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein, who was arrested in 1957. Like Bates, Gein had an obsessive attachment to his deceased mother and committed disturbing crimes. Robert Bloch's 1960 novel, adapted by Joseph Stefano, drew heavily from Gein's psychological profile.
Where can you stream or watch Psycho?
Psycho (1960) is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options in your area.
Who are the main actors in Psycho?
Psycho stars Anthony Perkins as the disturbed Norman Bates and Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, the ill-fated protagonist. Supporting performances come from Vera Miles, John Gavin, and Martin Balsam. Leigh received an Academy Award nomination for her role, despite appearing for only the first third of the film.
What is Psycho (1960) about?
Psycho follows Marion Crane, a secretary who steals money from her employer and flees Phoenix, Arizona. She stops at the remote Bates Motel, run by the shy, troubled Norman Bates. What begins as a crime thriller pivots into a chilling psychological horror exploring identity, obsession, and the darkness lurking beneath ordinary surfaces.
Did Psycho win any major awards?
Psycho received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Director for Alfred Hitchcock and Best Supporting Actress for Janet Leigh. Though it won none, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and is preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
How long is Psycho and what is its runtime?
Psycho has a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes (109 minutes). Despite its relatively compact length, Alfred Hitchcock packs in a masterfully constructed narrative that shifts genre and perspective multiple times, keeping audiences perpetually off-balance from the opening scene to the unsettling final frame.
What movies are similar to Psycho (1960)?
Fans of Psycho often enjoy other Hitchcock classics such as Rear Window (1954), Vertigo (1958), and North by Northwest (1959). For psychological horror with similar themes of identity and obsession, Identity (2003) and Fight Club (1999) are compelling modern alternatives. Psycho II (1983) offers a direct continuation of Norman Bates' story.
More About Psycho
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