February 14, 2025

HITCHCOCK’S PSYCHO LEGACY: FROM SHOWER SCENE TO BATES MOTEL | HORROR HISTORY

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is not just a film; it’s an institution in the world of cinema, one that redefined the horror genre forever. Based on Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel, audiences were introduced to Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a seemingly mild-mannered motel owner with a dark and twisted secret. The film’s groundbreaking narrative, shocking twists, and chilling atmosphere have influenced filmmakers for decades.

In addition to its unforgettable set-pieces (shower scene, anyone?) and stellar performances from the entire cast (Janet Leigh, Martin Balsam, Vera Miles, John Gavin), Bernard Herrmann’s haunting score combined with Hitchcock’s meticulous direction and Joseph Stefano’s brilliant screenplay adaptation, turning Psycho into a cornerstone of cinematic history.

Psycho explores themes of identity, madness, and the unseen horrors lurking beneath the surface of ordinary life. Its multiple sequels and spin-offs, including Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), and Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), as well as Gus Van Sant’s controversial 1998 remake and the hit series Bates Motel (2013–2017) stand as a testament to the enduring power of the original film’s influence.

Join AC and his mad-talented panel of guests (Matthew Amador, Christianne Benedict, Robert V. Galluzzo, Doug Long, Mackenzie Parker) as they discuss this masterclass in suspense, storytelling, and psychological horror, and the legacy it has left behind.

*Special thanks to Mackenzie Parker for the opening montage!

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MATTHEW AMADOR is an actor and owner of Matador Behavioral Health, where he utilizes narrative fiction as a means to process trauma and anxiety through psychotherapy.  https://www.MatadorChicago.com

CHRISTIANNE BENEDICT is a cartoonist, film writer, malcontent, and Bloginatrix at https://krelllabs.blogspot.com

DOUG LONG is a theatre director, writer, and on the faculty at DePaul University, where his classes include “The Films of Alfred Hitchcock.” He has written book reviews for several film journals, including Film Quarterly and Film & History.

ROBERT V. GALLUZZO is a filmmaker responsible for the documentaries The Psycho Legacy (2010) and Analog Love (2021), as well as producer on the narrative feature Lucky (2021). He has written for several horror publications including Fangoria, FEARnet, Blumhouse and is the co-creatore of Icons Of Fright. https://www.robertvgalluzzo.com

MACKENZIE PARKER is a filmmaker living in Los Angeles. He studied at Northern Illinois University and the Moscow Art Theater. He has worked on TV shows such as Sons of Anarchy and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and is currently working as a staff editor for Digital Alliance.  ‪@MackenzieParker‬