A Long Hard Look at Psycho (book review) Raymond Durgnat

(BFI Film Classics)

??? 2010s?: not simply a cunningly crafted thriller, which loses its impact after one viewing, or an ur-text of slasher horror, which lacks the contemporary body count and gore, this book examines psycho so closely it invites satirical dismissal: can an old film actually repay such examination, can it be worthwhile, can it reveal any simple truths of the medium: the answer is yes, yes, yes.