Janet Leigh, as Marion Crane, in her signature shower scream in Psycho. photo: Universal Pictures
Can it really be half a century since Norman Bates made cross-dressing acceptable in Hollywood?
The answer is yes, and the celebration is at The Loft Cinema, where on June 23, exactly 50 years after the day of the original U.S. release of "Psycho," a special "screaming" of the film will take place at 7 p.m.
Not only is the theatre running a 35mm print of this film on their large screen, but a reel of previews of other Hitchcock films will be shown before the feature. And, don't forget to enter the free raffle of related items guaranteed not to "hurt a fly."
As to the film itself, there was some criticism at the time of its original release that Hitchcock had veered off into territory usually reserved for huckster producer/director William Castle, or even Bert I. Gordon, known for such overwrought horror melodramas as "Picture Mommy Dead" and "Tormented." But Hitchcock's agenda was always both more psychologically complex and slyly humorous that that of those lesser practitioners of his trade.
"Psycho" represents an intensification of themes the director had already explored in both "Rear Window" and "Vertigo." However, in those two films the audience was distanced from the paranoia of one protagonist (in "Rear Window") and the obsession of another (in "Vertigo") by the fact that they were both played by the genial Jimmy Stewart.
In "Psycho," Hitchcock removed that affable protagonist/voyeur, and pointed directly at the audience and said, "You are the voyeurs!"
But, one doesn't need to analyze "Psycho" to enjoy it as a horror movie roller coaster ride. Just go for the thrills, the edge of your seat suspense, and Hitchcock's little jokes.
Cheap wig and granny frock are strictly optional.
Located at 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., online at LoftCinema.com, or by calling 795-0844. Admission is $8 general, $6 members.
