Psycho
Summary
Hosts Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer analyze Alfred Hitchcock’s *Psycho*, exploring its creation from Robert Bloch’s novel and the Ed Gein case. They discuss how the film pioneered the slasher genre by circumventing the restrictive Hays Code through low-budget black-and-white cinematography and Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score. The episode also highlights the influence of French cinema, specifically *Les Diaboliques*, and examines Anthony Perkins’ groundbreaking performance as Norman Bates.
Topics discussed
Intro and Citizens Bank ad
Hosts discuss Psycho's impact and age
Analysis of opening scene and cast
Bernard Herrmann's score and legacy
Influences: Le Diabolique and others
Film details and production credits
Sources and book recommendations
Hitchcock's strategy under the Code
Robert Bloch's life and inspiration
The Ed Gein case and true crime
Influences from other films
The Real Bad Friend and gaslighting
Bloch's plot development and shower
Publishing Psycho and agent Harry
1950s horror trends and aliens
Hitchcock discovers the book
Paramount's initial interest
Hitchcock's filmography and status
North by Northwest and Technicolor
Quince ad segment
Monarch ad segment
Square ad segment
Pitching Psycho to Paramount
Motion Picture Production Code rules
Censorship challenges in Rebecca
Hitchcock's view on sex and code
Code excerpts on marriage and sex
Paramount executives' reaction
Hitchcock's TV show and fame
Low budget strategy and B&W
End of spectacle films: Cleopatra
Night of the Hunter parallels
Le Diabolique as a key influence
Hitchcock's failed bid for rights
Blood effects and studio rejection
Hiring James P. Kavanaugh
Kavanaugh's script changes
Book vs Movie ending differences
Firing the first writer
Hiring Joseph Stefano
Casting Anthony Perkins
Perkins' performance and book
Square ad segment
Article ad segment
Life insurance ad segment
Stefano's view on Perkins
Casting Janet Leigh
Stefano's script drafting
Hitchcock's approval process
Perkins and cross-dressing roles
Other actresses considered
Touch of Evil and Orson Welles
Beefing up Marion's role
MPAA and Legion of Decency
Principal photography begins
The Bates Motel set
Perkins' approach on set
Hitchcock and Janet Leigh dynamic
Shower scene nudity controversy
Flesh-colored moleskin solution
Stand-in Marley Renfro details
Filming the shower scene
Alma Hitchcock's edit catch
Saul Bass titles and storyboards
Lowe's ad segment
Wrap and strike avoidance
Rough cut and missing music
Bernard Herrmann's inspiration
Strings-only score decision
Sound of the string score
MPAA screening and Hitchcock
Reshoots and studio absence
Release strategy and trailers
No latecomers policy
Premiere and box office success
Critical reception evolution
Oscar snubs and nominations
Hitchcock's humorous replies
Anthony Perkins' legacy
Perkins' personal life
Norman Bates in AFI history
What went right: Perkins
Perkins' performance analysis
Editing and Walter Murch
Next episode and outro
Norman Bates skit
Credits and roll call
Listen ad-free on Castria