Psycho III Review

MPAA Rating: R
Released: 1986

Psycho III could easily have been a disaster, because all too many times a classic film is ruined by studios attempting to milk a cash cow to the point where the cow runs dry, but thanks to the nuanced performance of Anthony Perkins this second sequel, while not reaching the heights of Alfred Hitchcock's original masterpiece, retains an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that is faithful to the original. So prepare yourself for the Feature Attraction, because everyone's favorite mama's boy is back…

We all go a little mad sometimes. – Norman Bates

There are few things that warm the heart more than the tale of a boy and his mother… that is, unless that boy happens to be Norman Bates.

Having survived the events of the previous sequel, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is still adjusting to post-asylum life, and for the most part all is going well. While he still struggles with his "mother," he is able to suppress those issues and maintain a fairly normal life.

Townsfolk like Sheriff John Hunt (Hugh Gillin) fully support Bates' and wish to keep him protected from those who would wield his past against him like a weapon. But such protection will be difficult to provide, for three strangers are about to move into town, each of which will provide their own distinct challenges to Bates' life and normalcy.

Tracy Venable (Roberta Maxwell) is a pesky and hardnosed news reporter that is stalking Bates in hopes of digging up something juicy for a project she's working on. Duane Duke (Jeff Fahey) is a sleazy drifter that's just passing through when he notices a "help wanted" sign on the Bates Motel. In order to earn enough cash to continue his journey to California, Duke agrees to accept a short-term job from Norman Bates. It's just a shame he cannot be trusted.

Perhaps the largest of the three threats arrives in the form of Maureen Coyle (Diana Scarwid), a tortured ex-nun that reminds Norman of his first victim so many years ago: Marion Crane. Norman is able to relate to her inner pain, and takes her under his wing in an attempt to soothe her inner demons, all the while fighting those of his own.

Psycho III retains the essence of the original film largely due to the inclusion of the series protagonist, Anthony Perkins, but the story and direction it takes resembles more of an 80's slasher than the tense classic. This isn't to say that Psycho III is a mindless exercise in racking up a huge body count, because it does feature a richer story and intelligence than the typical slasher flick, but the murders in this film are pretty brutal and bloody affairs.

For the most part the acting was immensely satisfying. The late Anthony Perkins was a master when it came to playing the role of a madman. His depiction of Norman Bates is never over-the-top or flamboyant… the madness is reflected in a very subtle manner that builds far more credibility and tension than most cinematic psychos. The insanity bubbles just under the surface, and we're never quite sure how, when or where it may become uncontrollable.

Jeff Fahey doesn't disappoint as the slimy Duke – although he's been relegated largely to B-movies, Fahey is a charismatic actor capable of playing anti-hero roles better than many. Hugh Gillin doesn't play a predominate role in Psycho III, but his small town sheriff is very likeable and sincere.

In fact the only real disappoint in the movie was Diana Scarwid. Her acting was neither captivating nor convincing – from the moment I saw her I simply could not envision her as a conflicted ex-nun, and my opinion certainly didn't change by the end of the movie either. Had a better actress been selected for the part, Psycho III would have been an even more compelling experience.

Psycho III would have been a thoroughly average film were it not for Anthony Perkins' brilliant performance. (As a side note, he also directed this film – and did a fantastic job!) For all practical purposes, this film's success or failure rested purely on the shoulders of Perkins, and it was a challenge he was more than ready for. It's just a shame that Scarwid's lackluster performance stripped a star away from the final tally.

Movie rating: 7 stars

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