Reflections on the First Viewing: Hitchcock's Psycho

The first time I watched Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller Psycho, I was completely unprepared for the shock and eerie experience that was to come. At 16, my interest in films was piqued by the buzz around this suspense masterpiece. Little did I know it would leave a lasting impression on me and countless others.

Initial Impressions

My first encounter with the film was more or less a surprise. After hearing that it was a suspense film for school, I anticipated a moderately scary experience. I naively watched the initial 20 minutes, introduced by the iconic shower scene, assessing if it was worth my time. Initially, it seemed nothing out of the ordinary. However, as the story unfolded, my heart raced, and my eyes widened with each turn of the plot.

The Anticipation and Scare Factor

The suspense built up throughout the film, with the shower scene cementing my belief that something was amiss. The film's ability to keep me in suspense was a testament to Hitchcock's skill. Watching the main actress, Janet Leigh, being killed off so abruptly was shocking. Joseph Cotten's performance as the detective was particularly chilling in the way Hitchcock set up the shot to give us the same sense of shock and terror as the poor detective. This mastery of creating fear and suspense was awe-inspiring.

Impact on Younger Viewers

My first encounter with Psycho was when I was 13, and it was shown in a school film club run by my English teacher. For a young viewer, the shower scenes were extremely terrifying, and the motel owner's character seemed genuinely creepy. I gradually began to understand the deeper message Hitchcock was conveying: the consequences of crime can lead to a life of horror. However, the concept of a split personality was still a mystery to me due to my young age. It wasn't until later that I realized the complexity of Norman Bates' character and his psychological conditions.

Thirty Years Later: A Changed Perspective

Thirty years after its release, I watched the film once again. It has aged like most great works of art, offering a different perspective. At 16, Hitchcock's films always seemed a little hokey to me. Moreover, by the mid-1980s, Psycho appeared tame compared to modern slasher films. Nevertheless, my knowledge of film history helped me appreciate its impact on the contemporary audience. Like many classics, Psycho remains ghoulish and still delivers a sense of terror, even after decades of laughter and horror films.

Conclusion and Impact

The experience of watching Psycho for the first time was undeniably powerful and life-changing. It remains a benchmark in psychological thrillers. While it may now seem a bit cliché to some, its impact on the genre and on us as viewers is irrefutable. Hitchcock's direction, combined with the masterful use of suspense, anxiety, and shock, has ensured that Psycho remains a must-see for anyone interested in cinema.