21. The McGuffin
This is the device Hitchcock coined, and used to drive a films narrative forward, but was ultimately not the most important aspect of the plot. Here it's the stolen $40000, which initially appears to be important to the plot. However, by the second act of the film you realise that it is merely an aside, as the murder of Marion subtly shifts the focus of the narrative.
The fact that Norman doesn't murder Marion for the $40000 makes it that bit more sinister, deeper and disturbing.
22. Bates Motel Accessories!
For those with a really macabre sense of humour (certainly myself!), a very special range of products is available. Yes, you guessed it you can buy Bates Motel stationary, towels, ceramics etc!
Perfect for scaring your guests...whilst you have a giggle in the shower!
23. The Motorcycle Cop
The policeman who wakes Marian at the roadside is about as unnerving as Norman himself!
The scene is certainly tense, an exercise in guilt and paranoia, as we wonder whether Marian will give herself away.
24. The Original Ad Campaign
Hitchcock adopted a clever strategy to entice audiences into the theatre whilst also ensuring his twist ending was kept as secret as possible. In the days when films ran on a loop all day, allowing audiences to walk in at any moment, posters in cinema lobbies told them that they would not be permitted to enter Psycho if the film had already started - even though nothing paritcularly critical to the plot happens in the opening scene.
Hitchcock even went as far as getting theatre managers to give him their word that they would enforce this! This method of advertisement was extremely successful, as Psycho was a hit at the box office, instigating a 'must-see buzz' despite poor critical reception.
25. A Good Novel Made A Great Film
Hitchcock made a number of changes to
Robert Bloch's pulp novel of the same name. The most obvious is the characterisation of Norman Bates. Bloch penned the character as an overweight, nasty, middle-aged man.
Hitchcock redefined him as a young, attractive, shy boyish man, thus disguising his true psychotic identity in a haze of normality. Having read the book twice I can say that it is a good read, but Hitchcock's re-working of certain elements certainly makes the film even more entertaining and successful.