78/52: An In-Depth Documentary on Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho.
If you're a fan of Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO (or a fan of any Hitchcock film), this documentary is a Must See. 78/52 is the famous shower scene, probably one of the most talked about scenes in film history, and undoubtedly Hitchcock's most famous scene. The documentary not only delves into the planning, filming and editing of this scene, but into the choosing of sound effects, and Bernard Herrmann's classic film score. Great interviews and insights from Marli Renfro, Janet Leigh's body double, as well as from film makers such as Guillermo del Toro, Mick Garris, Peter Bogdonavich, and Neil Marshall; screenwriter Brett Easton Ellis; composer Danny Elfman; and screenwriter/director Scott Spiegel; as well as Jamie Leigh-Curtis, Tere Carrubba (Hitchcock's grand daughter), and Oz Perkins, Anthony's son. This in-depth look at not only the shower scene but the entire film reveals many little secrets, explores the way Hitch used the eyes of his characters, their body language, the use of props, and the foreshadowing of later events/scenes in the film. Themes such as voyeurism, mother-fixation, sexual guilt and sexual repression are also discussed. And if you think the bread knife actually touched Leigh's/Renfro's body or if you think it was all done with the masterful editing - either way, you're in for a surprise. The really cool thing is how Hitch managed to get things past the film censors, how he never bowed to their demand for certain cuts - but convinced them that he actually made their suggested trimmings. PSYCHO is so much more than a horror or early slasher film, and has influenced and inspired film makers since its release in 1960. It has many layers to it, and it's a masterpiece. I've been a lifelong Hitchcock fan, and learned so much from his films that helps me in my writing, and his genius is proudly on display here.
78/52 - Film trailer
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