Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by Shalashaska

I just watched Psycho for the first time a few weeks ago, loved it. Did not know there were three sequels all starring Anthony Perkins though, lol.

How did this happen without Hitchcock?

Would I be accurate in guessing they're all schlock?

For one thing, Hitchcock was dead by time Psycho II was made.

Psycho II is well regarded and while everybody acknowledges that it's not in the same league as the classic that is Psycho, it was well received when it got released and has always been considered as "surprisingly good" for what looked like a very bad idea.

Psycho III is less well regarded and was a troubled production, but I find it underrated, not least for how it weaves elements from Vertigo into the world of Psycho. It also features a beautiful early score by the great Carter Burwell.

Psycho IV was a TV movie combination of sequel and prequel and I find it a forgettable hack job. The TV series Bates Motel does a better job with a similar premise.