The Psycho File - by Joseph W Smith (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An examination of the groundbreaking 1960 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, including the story's origins in real-life graverobber Ed Gein. The book presents material from the script and how it was adapted from Robert Bloch's novel; details of the film's production, particularly the shower scene and other technical difficulties; actors and the challenges of their roles; extended literary analysis of the film covering such devices as irony, symbol, theme, motif and foil; and the film's effect on audiences. Features 16 photographs, notes, bibliography and index.

Review Quotes

"This is the book to have if you want to understand Psycho's standing in popular culture and film history. Smith has done Hitchcock fans, scholars, and critics an invaluable service in providing a comprehensive, richly detailed, and eminently practical guide to this seminal film."-Philip J. Skerry, author of Psycho in the Shower: The History of Cinema's Most Famous Scene.

About the Author

Joseph W. Smith III is a teacher, journalist and public speaker in Pennsylvania.