Sommerleigh Pollonais, Horror Head Writer
Day 9/31: Psycho II (1983)
Who made it?
Director: Richard Franklin (Patrick, F/X2, Visitors)
What was it about?
Norman Bates has returned home after 22 years in an asylum. All he wants is to try and live a normal life, but his crimes are not allowed to rest, and his mother continues to haunt him.
Prolific horror writer and director Tom Holland teamed up with Robert Bloch (one of the writing team of the first and exceptional movie of this series) to attempt the impossible, a sequel. I don’t think this movie gets as much appreciation as it deserves. Sure, it’s not Hitchcock levels in terms of quality but it’s much better than people realise.
Not only is Anthony Perkins in top form as an older Norman trying to battle his demons, but the plot is also well executed with a twist solid enough to stand up to its predecessor. Perkins is joined by a strong supporting cast including Vera Miles, Robert Loggia and Meg Tilly (sister to fellow horror alum Jennifer Tilly of Child’s Play). While it’s more of a whodunit, the movie does boast more blood and gore than the first, something that might shock viewers. But considering it was made in 1983 when slashers were the norm of the genre, I wasn’t that surprised. What may surprise some is the fact that there are two more movies after this one. Those aren’t nearly as good as this one though, as Psycho II is a movie that doesn’t try to outdo its predecessor but does a solid job of expanding on the world that Norman Bates built.
Favourite Scene
I don’t really have one favourite scene here, it’s more about watching the journey of Norman as he comes apart at the seams. Perkins does such an amazing job you can’t help but feel sympathy for him. It makes the ending weirdly satisfying as who would ever think they would be on the side of Norman Bates!
Fun Trivia
The reflection of young Norman Bates in the doorknob when he flashes back to his mother’s poisoning is Anthony Perkins’ real-life son (and rising star horror director) Osgood Perkins.
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Sommerleigh of the House Pollonais. First of Her Name. Sushi Lover, Queen of Horror Movies, Comic Books and Binge-Watching Netflix. Mother of two beautiful black cats named Vader and Kylo. I think eating Popcorn at the movies should be mandatory, PS4 makes the best games ever, and I’ll be talking about movies until the zombie apocalypse comes. Double Tap Baby! Read More