Hitting DVD this Tuesday, October 19th, is THE PSYCHO LEGACY, an in-depth behind the scenes look into granddaddy/mama of slasher franchises from writer-producer-director Robert V. Galluzzo. Though certainly a must-buy for fans of the series, I think it's actually more essential for those who think the sequels are nothing more than cash-grab retreads of Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic. Yes, the original is undeniably one of the most groundbreaking horror films ever made, but the subsequent movies are intriguing in their own right - and quite different from one another in tone.
Galluzzo makes a compelling case for franchise in this impressive collection, the centerpiece of which is a ninety-minute documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew and fans (like directors Stuart Gordon, Joe Lynch and Adam Green) of all four movies. If you've never seen the sequels, I'd highly recommend tracking down PSYCHO II immediately; directed by the late Richard Franklin (a Hitchcock protege) from Tom Holland's crackerjack screenplay, it'd probably be remembered as one of the best horror films of the '80s if not for its title. Some feel it's actually better than the original. I don't agree, but I will say this: I think Perkins's return to the role of Norman Bates may be a career-best performance (it's definitely right up there with his turn as Jimmy Piersall in Robert Mulligan's FEAR STRIKES OUT).
One of the highlights of Galluzzo's work is a never-before-seen video of a lively Perkins sharing his PSYCHO memories with a convention audience. It's revelatory, hilarious and ultimately poignant; Perkins was a sensationally talented actor before he became almost inseparable from Bates, but there's not an ounce of bitterness on display. Here's an exclusive peek in which Perkins recalls summoning Bates for PSYCHO II.
There's much more of this on THE PSYCHO LEGACY. I was especially fascinated by the segment on the Perkins-directed PSYCHO III, which I never knew was heavily inspired by the Coens' BLOOD SIMPLE (this explains the Carter Burwell score). Perkins went on to make a more overt dark comedy in LUCKY STIFF - another film THE PSYCHO LEGACY has inspired me to revisit.
If you live in Los Angeles, there will be two cool events promoting THE PSYCHO LEGACY. On Saturday, October 16th, the ninety-minute documentary will have its big-screen premiere at Screamfest 2010. The screening starts at 5 PM (at the Mann's Chinese 6), and will be followed by a Q&A with Robert Loggia (Dr. Raymond from PSYCHO II), Katt Shea (Patsy from PSYCHO III) and Mick Garris (director of PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING).
Then, on Tuesday, October 19th, there will be a DVD-signing shindig at Dark Delicacies in Burbank. Guests will include Tom Holland, Mick Garris, Chris Henrie (Deputy Pool from PSYCHO II), Lee Garlington (Myrna from PSYCHO II and III), Juliette Cummins (Red from PSYCHO III), Cynthia Garris (Ellen Stevens from PSYCHO IV), Robert Galluzzo, Anthony Masi (Producer of PSYCHO LEGACY), Jermaine Stegall (Composer for PSYCHO LEGACY) and Jon Maus (Editor of PSYCHO LEGACY). That's scheduled to run from 7 PM to 9 PM.
