Psycho III (1986)

The 1960 'Psycho' is one of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest films and while it is high up in my list of "scariest films of all time" it doesn't stop it from being a personal favourite. Mainly for the cinematography, Hitchcock's direction, the music score and Anthony Perkins.Before seeing either of the sequels, there was the feeling of "what was the point? The 1960 film was perfect as it was and didn't need a sequel let alone three as well as a television film and a remake". Actually found myself very pleasantly surprised by 'Psycho II', and despite reviews being very, very mixed (leaning towards the negative) 'Psycho III' was also better than anticipated. The previous two films are superior from personal opinion but there are sequels out there that disgrace their originals far more than this does.'Psycho III' could have been better certainly. The nudity was overused and not necessary, and while the gore is suitably shocking and handled more tastefully it also could have been used less. The religious elements added absolutely nothing and to me they actually confused and muddled the story.Some of the dialogue is laughably cheesy and rambles, Norman Bates' also fairly repetitive.However, 'Psycho III' has a huge amount to like. It once again boasts some very stylish and moody cinematography and the setting is still eerie even in colour. Carter Burwell's score is very haunting and in its best parts sends chills down the spine.The film, as mentioned, is directed by none other by Norman Bates himself Anthony Perkins. His direction is assured and more than capable without being mind-blowing. The story is paced neatly and intrigues throughout with some nods to the original 'Psycho', an opening reminiscent of 'Vertigo', some clever darkly wicked humour and some suitably creepy and suspenseful set-pieces, the phone booth scene coming very close to rivalling the original's iconic shower scene in terrifying horror. Personally didn't think it was that melodramatic or excessive, and that only the religious elements and nudity had an air of vulgarity.It's not just Perkins who gives an as expected wonderful performance in his most famous role, and he has not lost any of what made the performance so unforgettable before. Diana Scarwid is poignant with her chemistry with Perkins providing some heart, and Jeff Fahey plays a sleaze to perfection.On the whole, not a great film but could have been so much worse. 6/10 Bethany Cox

This directorial debut by lead actor Anthony Perkins is a great example of an overlooked movie that makes for a neat and rather amusing viewing experience. It manages to shine a bit more light on Normans condition and helps extend the Bates universe, it also adds a boorish debauchee named Duke. Norman has returned to his seemingly harmless pushover but elusive characteristics that he forms to shield him from close scrutiny. The themes of exclusion and the connection of adrift people present to us more depth; it shows that empathy is real in him and help us to relate to Norman. At the same time we are lead on a rather mild but bumpy roller coaster ride of a narrative.Quotes of interest -"The past is never really past, it stays with me all the time, no matter how hard I try, I cant really escape, its always there, throbbing inside you, colouring your perceptions of the world and sometimes..controlling them" - Norman (Anthony Perkins)"I wouldn't mind filling in until you find somebody permanent, I just wont be staying around too long" - Duke (Jeff Fahey) "No one ever does" - Norman (Anthony Perkins)At this moment a stuffed owl in a display of mid flight looms over Norman as he speaks, glaring intensely , Norman replicates the stare."Murderers are victims too" - Tracy Venable (Roberta Maxwell) Cupids arrow plays a vital role in the conclusion of this movie that I think is trying to emote to us that love hurts, especially if you encounter the wrong companion. Overall the editing in this movie is consistently good, the dialogue kept up with the pace, the underrated soundtrack worked very well with the sound design overall to build up the surrounding events, and the SFX are all performed to a nice level, if sometimes a little sun drenched. It feels like Anthony Perkins was giving his all to the direction of this movie and also to the character he plays so very well. I enjoyed it. Interesting morbid facts - Lead actor Anthony Perkins played Norman Bates in all 4 Psycho movies, he died from aids related Pneumonia during the filming of psycho 4. His widow (Berry Berenson), a famous artist and model, died as a passenger on American Airlines flight 11 on September 11th 2001.

Norman Bates falls in love with a nun - which makes his "mother" jealous - who has visited the Bates Motel alongside a drifter and a curious reporter. This is probably the dumbest info for a film ever there's so much going on in this film than just that you get Norman get accused that he killed a girl from a group of drunk people or even a much bigger backstory for him they even repeat the great ending of the film when he smiles and it's still creepy as hell also there's this big story with this reporter that tries to find what is going on. The Soundtrack mostly the theme is amazing and they used it many times and i'm glad they did i have to give a big congratulations to Anthony Perkins for directing the film many people judged it to be goofy and dumb and sure it has some of those moments for instance the love scene or the scene with the guitar smashed in the head of this dude it's does have problems but the pacing is much much better in this one and i think they did a really great job not one of the best movie franchises ever but definitely better than any Friday the 13th Film another Horror Franchise with a crazy dude and his mom.

The first two Psycho movies are good movie. This is better. This is one of the scariest movies ever made. 5.2 is underrating it. This a great movie. It is one of the scariest movies of all time. This is a great movie. It has a great story line. It has great acting. And great special effects. If this movie does not scary you then no movie will. This is one of the best horror movies of all time. It is a must see. Anthony Perkins was a great actor. Diana Scawid is a great actress. Hugh Gillin was a great actor. See this movie is very scary. It is one of the scariest movies of all time. This is a great movie. Great movie. Anthony Perkins was a great film maker.