We all go a little mad sometimes, so from Nov. 27-Dec. 11 we’re dragging the swamp behind the Bates Motel for insight into the films of the “Psycho” franchise. Next up is “Psycho II” (1983):
Sticking with the ‘Psycho’ style
Prompted by the success of author Robert Bloch’s “Psycho II” (totally unrelated to this movie) from the previous year and the rise of slasher films, the “Psycho” franchise returned to cinemas after 23 years with “Psycho II.”
Although some people dub 1960’s “Psycho” the original slasher film (more often it’s called a proto-slasher), this sequel doesn’t mimic the style of the franchises it inspired, such as “Halloween” – with the exception of one slasher-style kill that you’ll immediately notice.
This is absolutely the right choice by writer Tom Holland and director Richard Franklin. When you have Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, you don’t show him stalking people, you let him act kindly yet creepy, and you get into his head.
Norman’s inner workings are a doozy, as is the overall mystery of who’s behind this new round of killings at the Bates Motel.
OK, so maybe Norman thinks he’s “Norma,” but he’s the murderer, right? Well, maybe not. In fact, when the end credits roll, we don’t know for sure who committed some of these killings. Holland pushes the plausibility of the twists so the story bends but doesn’t break.
Perkins, Tilly play up the awkwardness
“Psycho II” starts with a replay of the original’s shower scene, appropriate for an era when it wasn’t a piece of cake to rewatch “Psycho” whenever a viewer wanted.
This ties into Mary’s (Meg Tilly) shower at the Bates house, where the reformed Norman (or someone else?) spies on her through a peephole. They meet as coworkers at a diner – his first job since his release from the institution – and he invites her to stay with him while she figures out her living situation.
Perkins, effortlessly sliding back into the role, and Tilly are outstanding at playing up all the awkward aspects of the Norman-Mary relationship. He’s two decades older, they’ve just met, there may or may not be sexual attraction involved, and she knows he’s a former murderer but believes he has changed.
But she’s not totally naïve: She blocks her bedroom door with a chair that first night. The relationship between these two is mesmerizingly weird, yet human.
Time gap serves story well
The 23-year gap between films serves “Psycho II” well because it’s plausible that Norman would be released and go back to the hotel and house. Joining Perkins as a returnee is Vera Miles as Lila Crane Loomis, who circulates a petition to see Norman re-institutionalized.
Robert Loggia’s Dr. Bill Raymond says Norman is all better, but this is another relationship with nice subtlety. Norman and Bill are always shaking hands and being cordial, but Loggia plays the doctor with a slight sense that he’s keeping a potential enemy in his sights.
Dennis Franz adds color as the manager, Toomey, who is happy to let the Bates Motel become party central in order to stay in business.
House a supporting character
But the Bates house is the standout supporting character as we see new aspects: a back stairwell, outdoor access to the cellar, and a kitchen entrance. Franklin gives us neat wide shots where we can see a substantial section of the house or grounds, and see different people making different moves.
Being mostly about the Norman-Mary interplay, “Psycho II” is slow-paced for the slasher era, but it’s on steroids compared to the original version. It finds a middle ground.
Hitchcock’s “Psycho” this is not; the twists arguably strain plausibility rather than painting a more chilling reality, as in the original. The problem of an overly complex mythology – also seen in the “Halloween” franchise with Laurie revealed as Michael’s sister – sneaks in by the end, too.
But “Pyscho II” is engaging, with a story worth telling. It must’ve been a ton of fun in theaters in 1983.
Schedule of “Psycho” reviews:
Friday, Nov. 27: “Psycho” (1960)
Wednesday, Dec. 2: “Psycho II” (1983)
Friday, Dec. 4: “Psycho III” (1986)
Wednesday, Dec. 9: “Psycho IV: The Beginning” (1990)
Friday, Dec. 11: “Psycho” (1998)