That Infamous Shower Scene!

Visiting London recently, I was heavily considering working my way through the train journey, until I realised how incredibly uninviting that idea was. So, dipping into an unnamed music store with its inviting piles of DVDs and CDs strewn everywhere (the modern shopping experience, how charming), I came across Psycho at a steal - I still can't get over the fact it was censored as a 15 (taking into consideration the numerous heart palpitation episodes that come as a standard with every viewing)?!

Hitchcock's 1960 effort is to me, and probably many many others, one of the finest movies ever made. The director, the Herrmann score, the leading lady (Leigh), the Bass opening credits, the defining role of Perkins. Not simply one element has ensured this film has gone down in history as an all time great.

From a design perspective, with Saul Bass' iconic opening credits setting the tense, sharp tone for a watching experience that never lets you settle, what more could a creative ask for. So incredibly understated, and yet encompassing the film's mood without fuss. From then, the violins and dialogue take over, and Perkins' stuttering, shy, shockingly psychotic Bates arrives from behind the motelier's desk to carry the viewer through to the closing credits.

As a perfect example of the changing values in society, the film itself stands up and argues its cause; the candid camera documentation of real life, extramarital relationships particularly, ensures Hitchcock casually breaks a few conservative taboos, along with the untrodden path of human psychoanalysis, the exploration of that monster inside of us.

That infamous shower scene, the worst plot spoiler in cinematic history? Better the devil you know, that way you can prepare those fingers to view cringingly through!

WARNING: listen with headphones on!