Psycho II

Psycho II
by Richard Franklin

Psycho II
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DVD details

Actor: Anthony Perkins, Dennis Franz, Meg Tilly, Robert Loggia, Vera Miles
Director: Richard Franklin
Brand: MCA
Cinematographer: Dean Cundey
Editor: Andrew London
Producer: Bernard Schwartz
Producer: Hilton A. Green
Writer: Robert Bloch
Writer: Tom Holland
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language); Spanish (Dubbed)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 113 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-09-13
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Universal Studios

DVD Reviews of Psycho II

DVD Review: And Right to the Very Kept Claiming that NORMAN was the one who was crazy
Summary: 5 Stars

Psycho 2 deviates from the typical slasher formula in a couple of significant respects. First and foremost, it has a bigger budget feel to it, as befits the sequel to such a classic. But second, it features a cast that is comprised almost entirely of adults. There is only one teenaged couple in the movie, and, suffice it to say, they are not there for long.

Nevertheless, this IS a slasher movie, through and through. One of my favorites, in fact. The basic premise of the film is this: a young girl moves into the Bates mansion with Norman(soon after his release from the mental hospital.) From the moment she enters the house, the audience realizes that she is in mortal danger. However, part of the film's brilliance lies in the fact that we never really know for sure whether she is in danger from someone else. There are only two people, ostensibly, in the house, after all. But there are gradual indications that something else altogether is transpiring.

For people who don't watch these kinds of movies very often, it can be easy to forget that many of the better-known early 80's slasher films(Friday the 13th, Prom Night,Happy Birthday to Me) were as much mysteries as they were horror films. Psycho 2 falls within that tradition. Two people, in a big, creepy house. Strange things begin to happen. Is it because one of them is dangerous? Or perhaps both? Or could there be a third party who is insinuating themself into the proceedings? Or another, completely unforeseen factor?

Some movies attempt this kind of plot device, and they wind up overcomplicating things. Psycho 2 avoids that pitfall. The movie establishes a couple of really strong elements, and then they hammer away at those themes relentlessly. Any plot holes are simply overwhelmed by the fact that you are made to feel as if you are IN that house........like you are in your own little corner of the universe, isolated with these characters and that big old house.

When the mystery is resolved, it is in a way that some may find satisfying, while others may not. But it is handled so well, up to that point, that it really doesn't matter. (most mysteries are more fascinating BEFORE you know the solution).

In this film, Norman Bates is making an honest attempt to lead a normal life and move on from his mental illness. This is an interesting process to watch, because a part of him seems like a legitimately nice man who is trying to do right. However, we, as the audience, know that the other side to his personality is always there, and you never know for sure when it will resurface.

The exposition scene towards the end of the film is an especially nice touch. If you'll recall, the original Psycho ended with a psychiatrist explaining what Norman was and how his mental illness had led him to his various actions. This film features a similar scene. It takes place right at the end of the film, in the sheriff's office, just like in the original. However, in THIS version, what sounds like an accurate retrospection is actually the complete reverse. The sheriff and his listeners completely misunderstand what has transpired.

As a result of this honest misunderstanding, the truly dangerous person is allowed to simply walk out of the police station at the end........with a friendly handshake and well wishes from the sheriff.

This is an incredible film. One of the very finest of its kind. The film's heroine is made to walk this harrowing tightrope, figuratively speaking, as she is stalked by danger that is LITERALLY all around her, day and night. The film's greatest strength is that it is able to immerse the audience in her dilemma, making it feel as if it is OUR dilemma, as well.

The final scene is almost lyrically macabre. It is an incredible moment of culmination. And,especially,of restoration. It is one of the indelible images in slasher movie history.
More Psycho II reviews:
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Description of Psycho II

Synopsis:
Item Type: DVD Movie
Item Rating: R
Street Date: 12/26/06
Wide Screen: yes
Director Cut: no
Special Edition: no
LanguageENGLISH
Foreign Film: no
Subtitlesno
Dubbed: no
Full Frame: no
Re-Release: no
Packaging: Sleeve Please note: This supplier will be closed on 11/24, 11/25, 12/26, 1/2 for the holidays. The shipping cut off is 12/10 to try and have the products delivered by Christmas.
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