Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho was controversial because it shattered the cinematic conventions of the time by depicting graphic violence, blurring gender lines, and exploring taboo subjects like voyeurism and mental illness1. Released in 1960, Psycho challenged the conservative norms of the Hays Code era and shocked audiences with its brutal shower scene, unsettling exploration of Norman Bates’ psyche, and groundbreaking narrative structure. The film’s enduring legacy lies not only in its influence on the horror genre but also in its reflection of societal anxieties and its exploration of the darkest corners of human psychology2.
Breaking Cinematic Boundaries: Violence, Sex, and the Hays Code
Psycho emerged during a period of significant transition in Hollywood. While the Hays Code, a self-censorship system that had dictated moral guidelines for filmmaking since the 1930s, was beginning to weaken, its influence still loomed large. Hitchcock, however, boldly pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on screen3. This was especially challenging because Paramount Pictures was reluctant to finance what they perceived as a low-brow horror film. Hitchcock was forced to finance the film himself, using his own money and even forgoing his director’s fee in exchange for a percentage of the profits. He also had to make do with a limited budget and rely on the crew from his television show, Alfred Hitchcock Presents3.
The film’s most notorious scene, the shower murder of Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), was a masterclass in cinematic suggestion. Hitchcock employed rapid cuts, close-ups, and creative sound design—including the use of a casaba melon to simulate the sound of the knife striking flesh 6—to convey the brutality of the act without explicitly showing the knife penetrating flesh3. “The blood, you see, was chocolate syrup,” Hitchcock later explained. “I was very careful to point out that there was no actual violence.” 7 Despite the lack of graphic imagery, the scene’s raw intensity and shocking violence were unprecedented for the time8. Even the depiction of a flushing toilet, a first in American cinema, was considered transgressive3.
Beyond the shower scene, Psycho challenged the Hays Code with its frank portrayal of sexuality. The opening scene, featuring Marion and her lover Sam (John Gavin) in a hotel room, was considered risqué for its time3. This open depiction of an extramarital affair, coupled with the suggestive nature of Marion’s undergarments, further contributed to the film’s controversial status4.
It’s important to note that Psycho‘s daring approach to violence and sexuality may have been a catalyst for the more daring and visionary filmmaking that emerged in Hollywood during the 1960s and beyond9. By pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable on screen, Hitchcock helped pave the way for a new era of filmmaking that was less constrained by censorship and more willing to explore complex and controversial themes.
Censorship and International Bans
The controversy surrounding Psycho extended beyond the United States. The film faced censorship and bans in several countries due to its graphic violence and disturbing subject matter. For example:
| Country | Censorship/Ban Details |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Stabbing sounds and visible nude shots were removed. |
| New Zealand | The scene where Norman washes blood off his hands was censored. |
| Singapore | Arbogast’s murder and Norman’s mother’s corpse were removed. |
| Spain | The film was initially banned. |
| Ireland | The film was banned and later released with significant cuts. |
These international reactions to Psycho highlight the varying cultural sensitivities surrounding violence and sexuality in cinema3.
Controlling the Viewing Experience
Hitchcock was not only a master of suspense but also a savvy marketer. He employed innovative strategies to control the audience’s viewing experience and maximize the impact of Psycho. Taking a cue from showman William Castle, Hitchcock implemented a “no late admission” policy, with posters featuring the director sternly pointing at his watch and admonishing viewers to arrive on time4. This strategy not only heightened anticipation but also ensured that audiences experienced the film’s shocking twists and turns without any prior knowledge.
A Psychoanalytic Lens: Voyeurism, Oedipal Complex, and Gender Fluidity
Psycho delves into the darkest recesses of the human mind, exploring themes of voyeurism, the Oedipal complex, and gender fluidity. Norman Bates, with his unsettling fascination with Marion and his unhealthy attachment to his deceased mother, becomes a case study in psychological disturbance2. The character was partly inspired by Ed Gein, a real-life serial killer known for his macabre fascination with female bodies and his complex relationship with his mother5.
The film’s voyeuristic elements are evident throughout, from Norman spying on Marion through a peephole to the audience’s own complicity in observing the characters’ private moments2. This exploration of voyeurism, coupled with the suggestion of incestuous undertones in Norman’s relationship with his mother, added another layer of controversy to the film3.
Furthermore, Norman’s cross-dressing and his embodiment of his mother’s persona challenged the rigid gender norms of the time3. This depiction of gender fluidity, while groundbreaking in its exploration of identity and mental illness, was also a source of discomfort for some viewers and has been criticized for its potentially transphobic portrayal of Norman Bates and its association of cross-dressing with mental illness11.
Psycho can be seen as a landmark achievement in terms of queer depictions on screen12. Norman Bates embodies a new, visible queerness that challenged traditional representations of gender and sexuality in cinema. However, the film also engages with classic horror tropes that conflate monstrousness with queerness, drawing on the Gothic tradition and the Decadent movement’s association of homosexuality with death and decay12.
The Monstrous Feminine: Mother as a Symbol of Repression and Control
The character of “Mother” in Psycho, though physically deceased, exerts a powerful influence throughout the film. She represents a domineering and repressive force, controlling Norman’s actions and ultimately driving him to commit murder13.
This portrayal of the mother as a monstrous figure subverted the idealized image of motherhood prevalent in the 1950s2. “Mother” becomes a symbol of the dark side of the American Dream, where societal expectations and familial pressures can lead to psychological breakdown and violence2.
Subverting Expectations: The Unreliable Protagonist and the Shocking Twist
Psycho subverted audience expectations by killing off its apparent protagonist, Marion Crane, relatively early in the film. This departure from the traditional narrative structure, where the main character typically survives until the climax, left viewers disoriented and uncertain about whom to root for14. This shocking twist was inspired in part by Henri-Georges Clouzot’s 1955 French thriller Les Diaboliques, which Hitchcock greatly admired5.
The film then shifts its focus to Norman Bates, initially presented as a sympathetic character. As the story unfolds, however, Norman’s disturbing psyche and his complex relationship with his mother are gradually revealed, culminating in the shocking revelation of his split personality15. This twist ending, combined with the film’s exploration of mental illness, further contributed to its controversial nature.
Furthermore, Psycho‘s unconventional structure, with its shifting protagonists and fractured learning process, mirrors the fragmented state of Norman Bates’ psyche15. This innovative approach to storytelling challenged viewers’ expectations and contributed to the film’s unsettling and disorienting effect.
Reflecting Societal Anxieties: The Dark Underbelly of the American Dream
Psycho tapped into the anxieties of a society grappling with changing social norms and a growing sense of unease beneath the façade of prosperity. The film’s exploration of crime, violence, and mental illness challenged the idealized image of American life prevalent in the 1950s1.
Marion Crane, initially presented as an ordinary woman, becomes entangled in a web of deceit and transgression. Her theft of the money and her subsequent journey to the Bates Motel symbolize a descent into the dark underbelly of the American Dream2.
The film’s setting, a desolate motel on the outskirts of town, further reinforces this sense of unease. The Bates Motel, with its decaying grandeur and sinister secrets, becomes a microcosm of a society grappling with its own hidden darkness16.
Psycho can also be seen as a commentary on the struggle for identity and the search for freedom in a repressive society17. Both Marion and Norman are trapped by societal expectations and personal limitations, ultimately leading them down destructive paths.
Hitchcock’s film suggests that America was being transformed by erotic individualism, with people increasingly defining themselves by their desires18. This shift in values, coupled with the anxieties of the Cold War and the growing awareness of social inequalities, created a climate of uncertainty and unease that Psycho captured with chilling precision. The film’s depiction of “normal” American life as a façade masking a darker reality resonated with audiences who were beginning to question the values and assumptions of the 1950s19.
The Gothic Influence: Isolation, Decay, and the Monstrous
Psycho draws heavily on Gothic tropes, with its isolated setting, decaying mansion, and exploration of madness and the monstrous. The Bates Motel, with its looming Victorian house perched on the hill, evokes a sense of foreboding and dread16.
The film’s use of shadows, mirrors, and unsettling imagery further enhances its Gothic atmosphere. The dark and claustrophobic interiors of the Bates Motel and the shadowy depths of the swamp where Norman disposes of his victims contribute to the film’s overall sense of unease16.
A Lasting Legacy: Psycho‘s Impact on Horror and Cinematic Language
Psycho left an indelible mark on the horror genre, influencing countless filmmakers and paving the way for the slasher films that would dominate the genre in the decades to come7. The film’s innovative use of camerawork, editing, and sound design set a new standard for cinematic suspense and terror.
The shower scene, in particular, became an iconic moment in film history, inspiring countless homages and parodies14. Psycho‘s exploration of psychological disturbance and its subversion of traditional narrative structures also had a profound impact on the horror genre.
Critical Reception and Re-evaluation
While initially met with mixed reactions, Psycho has since been recognized as a masterpiece of suspense and psychological horror14. Contemporary reviews expressed shock and disgust at the film’s violence and disturbing subject matter20. One reviewer for TIME magazine described the shower scene as “one of the messiest, most nauseating murders ever filmed,” noting that “the nausea never disappears.” 20 However, audiences reacted with a mixture of terror and laughter, a testament to Hitchcock’s ability to manipulate emotions and create a uniquely unsettling viewing experience21.
Over time, critics have come to appreciate Psycho‘s artistic merit and its groundbreaking contributions to cinematic language. The film’s enduring popularity and its continued relevance in contemporary discussions of gender, sexuality, and mental illness solidify its status as a landmark achievement in cinema history.
Conclusion
Psycho remains a controversial film due to its groundbreaking depiction of violence, its exploration of taboo subjects, and its unsettling portrayal of mental illness. By challenging societal norms and cinematic conventions, Hitchcock created a film that shocked and captivated audiences, leaving a lasting legacy on the horror genre and cinematic language as a whole. Psycho‘s enduring power lies in its ability to tap into our deepest fears and anxieties, forcing us to confront the darkness that lurks within ourselves and within society.
Even decades after its release, Psycho continues to spark debate and inspire new interpretations. Its exploration of gender, sexuality, and mental illness remains relevant in contemporary society, and its influence can be seen in countless films and television shows. Psycho is not merely a horror film; it is a cultural touchstone that reflects our enduring fascination with the dark side of human nature and the complexities of identity in a constantly evolving world.
Works Cited
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