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Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller
On the long-awaited day when Janet Leigh met Alfred Hitchcock at his home in Beverly Hills to discuss the filming of Psycho, he said to her, "I hired you because you are a talented actress. You are free to do whatever you with with the role of Marion. I won't interfere unless you are having trouble and require my guidance. Or if you are taking too big a slice of my pie (overacting) or you are not taking enough of a slice of my pie. But there is a rule on the set - my camera is absolute. I tell the story through that lens, so I need you to move when my camera moves, stop when my camera stops. I'm confident you'll be able to justify the motion. Should you have difficulty, however, I will be happy to work with you. But I will not change the timing of my camera."
What followed, of course, was one of the extraordinary events in filmmaking history, a movie that astounded audiences around the world and continues to be - thirty-five years later - one of the most popular films of all time. The innovative cinematography, the unsettling musical score, and the most famous twenty-five seconds in motion picture history - the stabbing scene in the shower at the Bates Motel - have established Psycho as an enduring classic that forever links Oscar-nominated Janet Leigh to her role as Marion Crane and Anthony Perkins to his as Norman Bates.
"Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller" is a paean to a remarkable team of professionals. By putting Janet Leigh's memories and Christopher Nicken's insights to paper and interviewing key players, the authors have given us a rich and personal look at a film like no other before it.
What followed, of course, was one of the extraordinary events in filmmaking history, a movie that astounded audiences around the world and continues to be - thirty-five years later - one of the most popular films of all time. The innovative cinematography, the unsettling musical score, and the most famous twenty-five seconds in motion picture history - the stabbing scene in the shower at the Bates Motel - have established Psycho as an enduring classic that forever links Oscar-nominated Janet Leigh to her role as Marion Crane and Anthony Perkins to his as Norman Bates.
"Psycho: Behind the Scenes of the Classic Thriller" is a paean to a remarkable team of professionals. By putting Janet Leigh's memories and Christopher Nicken's insights to paper and interviewing key players, the authors have given us a rich and personal look at a film like no other before it.
197 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
About the author
Janet Leigh
14 books10 followersJanet Leigh is an actress best known for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. She worked under contract at MGM and was famously married to fellow actor Tony Curtis, with whom she had two children. Daughters Kelly and Jamie Lee Curtis also became actresses.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 12, 2012
I remember the exact night I saw Psycho and ever since then, I've been dying to know more about the film because I loved it so much. This book is probably the definitive and most accurate account of the movie itself, its possible symbolism and on-set antics and the actual filming of the movie because it was written by Janet Leigh herself who was very close to Hitchcock. I couldn't put this book down. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking of the next time I could read it. I loved it so much and enjoyed it immensely. I'm actually sad that I've finished it. Janet is such a warm person and it shows in her writing because it's like she's speaking to you directly, as a friend. I caught myself a few times, when she was suggesting something silly or recounting reactions she had or pranks she pulled, sighing and saying out loud "Oh, Janet." :)
October 19, 2020
Lots of interesting stories about the making of “Psycho” written mostly by Janet Lee herself. I was a little taken aback because Janet and the co-writer seemed to randomly take turns writing but they did not tell you who was writing what. You had to figure it out after starting chapters. Anyway still fancinating behind the scenes info. I especially liked how Janet corrected what had been erroniously written about her in other books! Nice.
August 14, 2021
For the fan of Psycho that I am, this book was hard to put down! Not only did it provide loads of Psycho trivia but also a look into Janet Leigh’s life and her start in Hollywood. While reading this book, I watched one of her movies because of it being mentioned in the book, and now I want to watch even more from her!
I loved how personal this book was. She denies certain rumors, gives a thorough look at her filming experience (including working with Hitchcock, Perkins, Stefano, and more), and even speaks from her heart. I was so sad reading about her Oscar loss, because no one wants to be a loser, and even she admits that of course it was hard! I feel like we don’t see this side of actors/actresses and I loved seeing it here.
For any fan of Psycho, THIS is the book to read! My biggest complaint is petty; there were some parts of the book that were a recap of the book and of the movie, and I feel like if someone is reading this, they know the movie and maybe even the book, so it felt like unnecessary fluff to me. Everything else was full of behinds the scenes stories and treasures.
Happy Birthday Alfred Hitchcock!!!
I loved how personal this book was. She denies certain rumors, gives a thorough look at her filming experience (including working with Hitchcock, Perkins, Stefano, and more), and even speaks from her heart. I was so sad reading about her Oscar loss, because no one wants to be a loser, and even she admits that of course it was hard! I feel like we don’t see this side of actors/actresses and I loved seeing it here.
For any fan of Psycho, THIS is the book to read! My biggest complaint is petty; there were some parts of the book that were a recap of the book and of the movie, and I feel like if someone is reading this, they know the movie and maybe even the book, so it felt like unnecessary fluff to me. Everything else was full of behinds the scenes stories and treasures.
Happy Birthday Alfred Hitchcock!!!
May 10, 2009
Janet Leigh only filmed Psycho for two weeks, so her first hand account of the "behind the scenes" of its making are limited to that time frame. Along with Christopher Nickens, she researched and interviewed those who worked closely on the production to provide as much accurate detail as possible.
While it's touted as a behind the scenes look, only two chapters are really dedicated to the filming of it and one of those is about filming the shower scene. I'd say the book is more about the effect that Psycho had on movie making and the general public more than an in depth look at the making of the movie. While there is some insider info on production, it leaves you thirsty for more.
The bulk of the book deals with the aftermath and the rise in Psycho's cult status. It is, by no means a bad book. It makes you want to get our your dvd copy of the movie and watch it. Trust me on that!
The book refutes myths and urban legends about the movie and provides an interesting look at not just the movie, but the people involved in its creation. It's a reflective look back at the creation of a masterpiece that showcased the talents of a directoral genius and scared many many people from ever taking a shower again!
While it's touted as a behind the scenes look, only two chapters are really dedicated to the filming of it and one of those is about filming the shower scene. I'd say the book is more about the effect that Psycho had on movie making and the general public more than an in depth look at the making of the movie. While there is some insider info on production, it leaves you thirsty for more.
The bulk of the book deals with the aftermath and the rise in Psycho's cult status. It is, by no means a bad book. It makes you want to get our your dvd copy of the movie and watch it. Trust me on that!
The book refutes myths and urban legends about the movie and provides an interesting look at not just the movie, but the people involved in its creation. It's a reflective look back at the creation of a masterpiece that showcased the talents of a directoral genius and scared many many people from ever taking a shower again!
October 16, 2015
This was a slight book, with nothing terribly shocking revealed about the making of Psycho. It was enjoyable, though, because Janet Leigh is such a likable person; her personality comes through in the writing.
One thing that I learned that I didn't know before was that Anthony Perkins was very disappointed, maybe even quite hurt, by not being nominated for an Academy Award for his wonderful performance. He was so incredibly fantastic in this role, it is a shame he wasn't recognized with an Oscar nomination. He makes the picture. I can't imagine the movie being as good with anyone else in the role of Norman Bates. He was so good, in fact, that he was typecast for the rest of his career.
One thing that I learned that I didn't know before was that Anthony Perkins was very disappointed, maybe even quite hurt, by not being nominated for an Academy Award for his wonderful performance. He was so incredibly fantastic in this role, it is a shame he wasn't recognized with an Oscar nomination. He makes the picture. I can't imagine the movie being as good with anyone else in the role of Norman Bates. He was so good, in fact, that he was typecast for the rest of his career.
January 13, 2018
La première partie du livre traite effectivement de "Psychose", la seconde surtout de la carrière de Janet Leigh.
Elle n'est guère modeste, se met beaucoup en valeur, et ose même dire qu'elle n'a pas été doublée par un modèle pour photos de charme pour la scène où son personnage est poignardé sous la douche, alors que le contraire est clairement établi par ceux qui étaient sur le plateau pendant le tournage...
Elle n'est guère modeste, se met beaucoup en valeur, et ose même dire qu'elle n'a pas été doublée par un modèle pour photos de charme pour la scène où son personnage est poignardé sous la douche, alors que le contraire est clairement établi par ceux qui étaient sur le plateau pendant le tournage...
August 10, 2020
What a wonderful little book from the lovely and gracious Janet Leigh.
Her thoughts on and memories of making the movie "Psycho" and its cast and crew are invaluable for any fan of the movie. Her warmth and decency show on every page; she seems truly grateful for the opportunities she had, and before her death in 2004, was active in political and charitable causes. She sounds like she was a kind and remarkable woman.
Her respect and love for her director on the movie and her co-stars also shined through. She consistently speaks of him as "Mr. Hitchcock," not Alfred or Hitch. She shares anecdotes about Tony Perkins that had me laughing and crying. She speaks about the lasting legacy of the movie, both in cinematic influence and pop culture. And this book was written 25 years ago! I'm sure it would make her happy to know that 60 years after the movie, its influence is still going strong.
A must-read for any slightly (or deeply) obsessed fan of the movie.
Her thoughts on and memories of making the movie "Psycho" and its cast and crew are invaluable for any fan of the movie. Her warmth and decency show on every page; she seems truly grateful for the opportunities she had, and before her death in 2004, was active in political and charitable causes. She sounds like she was a kind and remarkable woman.
Her respect and love for her director on the movie and her co-stars also shined through. She consistently speaks of him as "Mr. Hitchcock," not Alfred or Hitch. She shares anecdotes about Tony Perkins that had me laughing and crying. She speaks about the lasting legacy of the movie, both in cinematic influence and pop culture. And this book was written 25 years ago! I'm sure it would make her happy to know that 60 years after the movie, its influence is still going strong.
A must-read for any slightly (or deeply) obsessed fan of the movie.
October 28, 2020
I was really impressed by Janet Leigh's efforts in collecting interviews from fellow cast members of 'Psycho' and other people involved in the making of the film. However I wish that the book included more of Leigh's personal experience in the making of the movie
May 12, 2017
nice info. re. pre-, production, & post production from her & the co-author - also has some pics I'd never seen
June 10, 2018
Disappointing. Simply not enough interesting, behind the scenes information. It's a quick read, under 200 pages though, and anything Hitchcock is always worth the read.
May 27, 2020
A fun read if you like the movie,lots of good behind the scenes info.
April 21, 2022
This book is a lot of fun. A friendly and familiar tone leads the reader though all kinds of facts and stories about the making of a classic film.
August 15, 2023
#83 of 120 books pledged to read during 2023
May 27, 2018
It wasn't what you would call a page turner. And it seemed like a lot of it wasn't written by Ms Leigh. I enjoyed it simply because I just wanted to know more about Ms Leigh herself. I couldn't tell you if I have seen the movie in its entirety actually. I doubt I have. Nor did I rush out to find a DVD copy somewhere to watch it. But Janet Leigh is quite fascinating.
May 9, 2010
Janet Leigh's book on Psycho is nice, especially the first half. It starts out pretty focused on the making of the film and her experiences during the making of Psycho. This is the most interesting part of the book for me, for it is pretty well focused on the film. The second half begins to wander a bit and talk about other things Leigh was doing after Psycho. Fans of Janet Leigh will perhaps find this part equally interesting, but for me Psycho is the more interesting part. So I started to get a bit tired with the second half. But it was still a nice book.
March 14, 2009
A reminder of how truly banal actors can be. Everyone Leigh worked with was 'uniquely talented' and 'very dear,' and Hitchcock was a playful master with nothing but respect for his actors. Even co-author Christopher Nickens steers clear of revealing anything insightful about Perkins' own complicated sexuality or Hitchcock's high-handed treatment of his female leads. The most interesting tidbit here was an anecdote about the director manipulating Leigh to sex it up in order to get co-star John Gavin to loosen up in the Phoenix motel scene. All in all, pretty forgettable.
July 26, 2016
Meh. Some interesting tidbits and trivia, but mostly I just felt there was a little too much glorifying and sugarcoating. EVERYONE was wonderful and a pleasure to work with? Come on.
Anyway, I should add that I read this solely for the purpose of learning more about the filming of Psycho. I could care less about Janet Leigh the person (gasp!). That's another reason this book, for me, wasn't very enjoyable.
Anyway, I should add that I read this solely for the purpose of learning more about the filming of Psycho. I could care less about Janet Leigh the person (gasp!). That's another reason this book, for me, wasn't very enjoyable.
July 16, 2014
Found this book a great read and great for fans of the film. I think people need to go into this book remembering this is not a sensationalist book and about the making of the film, not a tell all about the lives of the stars and director. Janet Leigh seems like she was a wonderful, sweet lady and a wonderful mother. I don't think this seems fake, it is more refreshing to know there are positive and loving people like her in the entertainment world.
April 30, 2013
Great to hear Janet Leigh's experiences in the making of one of them most brilliant Hitchcock films "Physcho". She only worked on the movie a very short time but she has great stories to share about Hitchcock, Perkins and the filming of the the movie including details about the infamous "shower scene".
August 2, 2008
The star of the infamous Hitchcock film gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the classic horror movie. After the shower scene, she was so shaken up that she never took showers again. She, and probably millions of viewers! This was a fun read.
November 14, 2015
An interesting book. Janet Leigh gives the reader inside information about the making of Psycho that only she would know, because she was there. Good photos, good info and welcome additions by co-author Christopher Nickens. Ms. Leigh has a crisp writing style and a sincere voice. A good read!
June 30, 2011
She’s still afraid of the shower.
June 9, 2013
It's got great first hand info on the film and actors and Hitchcock
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October 26, 2016I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was interesting to get a little insight to the making of Psycho, and Janet Leigh is truly a nice person.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews