Using Psycho as the example, someone please explain the noir criteria? I am not sold on it being in the category.

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[Smitty2k]

On my watch list: The film “78/52” (2017): A deep dive into the iconic shower scene, analyzing its 78 camera setups and 52 cuts, featuring interviews with filmmakers and actors.

[Mike Bayer]

that sounds really interesting – will check out

[Limeywestlake]

I read somewhere that Psycho is the film that effectively marked the end of the noir genre – an accolade that is usually handed to a Touch of Evil. It was posited that the story began as a classic noir – the crime, the running from the law – and ended up as a psychological horror movie. It has been argued that it was precisely this transition that ultimately closed the door on the classic period and ushered in a new era of expression.

Some maintain that Hitchcock’s oeuvre constitutes its own distinct genre. Dipping into his filmography, I would posit that Shadow of a Doubt had strong Noir sensibilities as did Strangers on a Train.

So, is Psycho a noir? I would say yes – but it is ultimately so much more…

[Mike Bayer]

Good question, Kevin. And I’d be very interested in others’ perspectives. For me, “Psycho” is the ultimate pivot film that perfectly transitions from film noir into the emergent slasher genre that would really take off in the 1970’s. Aesthetically and tonally, the film’s extremely noir in my view, and even if the psychosexual thrills might push the boundaries of noir, many people forget that the plot’s entire premise is criminal in that Janet Leigh’s character has stolen money and is running from the law, which is the whole reason the unfortunate detective shows up, so it has a more traditional criminal element too.

[Author]

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