It's hard to imagine a sequel ever coming close to matching the greatness of its originator, but Psycho III in many ways, is better than Psycho. Now, before you stone me to death, read a little further.
Anyone who watches Psycho today can't help but notice how the film feels dated, like it was created in an era where sexual discussion and other issues were considered taboo. Don't get me wrong, Psycho is definitely a classic, but where Psycho III excels is in piercing those taboos and reveling in them. It's very obvious that Anthony Perkins, who not only stars as Norman Bates, but directed the film as well, feels a very personal attachment to the story. Many of us know that Perkins was homosexual and died of AIDS, and in this film, one can see him struggling with his own identity and with the forces in our culture that drive homosexuals to remain hidden. There is a very strong religious angle to the film and Perkins makes no qualm about his (seeming) disapproval of how close-minded religion can be. Now, if that isn't breaking a taboo, I don't know what is.
Psycho III also deals with sex in a very frank manner, showing us both the perverse side (the scene with Duane in his room) and the tender side (the scene with Norman and Maureen in her room). Again, Perkins tackles the issue head-on and allows us to make up our own minds. Psycho III is also the most violent of the films in the series (maybe not in terms of blood, but definitely psychologically), beginning with Norman's opening scene where he poisons a bird to his killing of several hotel guests. Perkins films the killings in a more realistic manner, making them feel more gruesome and increasing their impact.
But where Psycho III excels, and definitely surpasses Psycho, is in the creation of a fully realized Norman Bates. Perkins' performance is a wonder to behold, Norman is funny, sweet, charming, chivalrous and insane, all at the same time. And we can't help but root for him, even when he's at his craziest. Also, Norman's struggle with "mother" is given added dimension by being shown as more of a give and take relationship, with mother both helping and hurting Norman (previously, mother was simply a nag and a burden).
In closing, I must praise Perkins as a director. His placement of the camera, his use of imagery, the attention to performance, all come together to create a film that is truly original and a worthy sequel to Hitchcock's Psycho.
Thank you, Mr. Perkins, you gave us all a film truly worthwhile.
An Honest Review Of Psycho III.
Anthony Perkins made his directorial debut with the conclusion of the theatrical trilogy of Psycho films.
The film opens with Maureen Coyle(Diana Scarwid), a young nun, experiencing a suicidal episode of loss of faith in God that culminates in the tragic, accidental death of a fellow sister. Exiled from the convent, Maureen sets about on a hitchhiking journey and soon makes the acquaintance of Duane Duke(Jeff Fahey), an aspiring musician and somewhat of a misogynistic pervert. After rejecting Duke's lewd advances, Maureen finds herself forcibly ejected from his car during a torrential downpour. Duane Duke eventually makes his way to the infamous Bates Motel and meets the sympathetic Norman Bates(Anthony Perkins) who offers Duke a job as assistant manager and free room and board at his motel. In an improbable and far fetched twist of fate, Maureen also stumbles upon the Bates Motel and takes up residence there before attempting suicide only to be rescued by Norman Bates in full 'mother' attire.
Meanwhile, Tracy Venable(Roberta Maxwell), a pesky reporter has set about tracking Bates for information about his past crimes for an upcoming newspaper article. A romance blooms between Norman and Maureen, only to be shattered by Venable's revelations about Norman's homicidal past. Duke, meanwhile, has crept up to the infamous house on the hill and discovered 'mother's' well preserved corpse and hatched a scheme to extort money from Norman. Norman responds by murdering Duke with his own guitar.
The film climaxes with Maureen returning to the Bates Motel to reconcile with Norman, only to be killed in a tragic accident involving Norman's overbearing 'mother'. Bates' wrath turns to his mother's corpse and he slashes it apart as Venable arrives to witness this and Bates is arrested yet again.
Sadly, Perkins' effort is the lesser film in the series boasting an inferior cast-Scarwid is no Janet Leigh nor Meg Tilly for that matter. Fahey is thoroughly unlikeable as Duane Duke and his performance melodramatic in spots to the point of being ridiculous. The self-referential subtle humor of the first and second films seems forced and uncomfortable in the third film and the whole film displays a sense of deja vu. Truth be told, it is evident throughout that the series was running out of steam and it is fortunate that it ended here. Psycho III despite showing some promise eventually deteriorates into a standard eighties slasher film which is a shame as the original film was so pioneering and important to the suspense and horror/genre. Fans of the original film and its sequel will probably find this one too unsophisticated, while fans of slasher films like Friday The 13th and Halloween will find it too dull and tedious despite its short running time. Overt religious symbolism throughout the movie adds a truly weird angle to the proceedings that never really gels.
In closing, Psycho III is an uninspired and sometimes truly bizarre film that adds nothing to the original two. Only completists should seek this one out. This film was followed by the direct to cable, Psycho IV:The Beginning and the made for tv, Bates Motel-one of the worst films ever and totally unrelated to the originals.
Universal DVD has provided a beautiful print of the film, though not as spectacular as Psycho II. Like Psycho II, the dvd is without extras barring a short theatrical trailer and perhaps given the unremarkable nature of Psycho III, this is a good thing.
good film with dark humor weakest film in quartet
Anthony PERKINS directed himself as nORMAN bATES IN THIS VERY black gory comedy that is equqally horrofilm and yet has some very funny moments. Perkins is very adept at staging the graphic murders and bringing out the humor in nORMAN. HE is obviusly crazy againa an dkillin gyet you stil hope he wil finally be able to stop himself. Ending very stupid and film falls aprt in last 45 minutes. As with Psycho 2 excellent phtotgraphay and good acting
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