Psycho set a standard that horror films would follow (or attempt to follow) for decades to come. Some people find it to be a scary movie, although I would argue it is more of a psychological thriller than a horror film. Certain scenes are, however, effective in achieving the "scare factor." But what makes things scary in the first place? Sure, people are "scared" of being laid off their job or being eaten by sharks, but true terror, in my opinion, comes from the uncanny and the unknown. Psycho establishes these things pretty early on, beginning with Norman Bates. At first, he seems like a normal enough, kind person, but during his conversation in his parlor with Marion, he comes off as unusual and even creepy. The stuffed birds in the room add to his strangeness. The viewer gets the feeling that something isn't quite right with Norman, setting them on edge. Then, during the infamous shower scene, the killer is a silhouette that looks like a woman. This presents the "uncanny" that I mentioned earlier, as well as the unknown as we have no idea at that point who the killer is. The fact that we are left guessing at the killer's identity is also a staple in thrillers, which as I said before is what Psycho really resembles. The climax of the film in my opinion is the scene where Marion's sister turns the chair around in the cellar to find the skeleton of Mrs. Bates. It resolves the mystery, but is still very unnerving as the viewer begins to realize how "psycho" Norman really is. The grating sound of the music greatly adds to the suspense and horror of that moment.
I like the discussion of the "uncanny"; the use of dramatic irony is a staple of the horror genre..."don't go upstairs!"...because the audience knows that is where the killer went! Add a pic/vid!
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