Psycho

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, 1960
R; 108 minutes

“Psycho comes nearer to attaining an exhilarating balance between content and style than anything Hitchcock has done in years. Of course, it is a very minor work. But its virtues of tension, surprise, virtuosity, and control are all major ones.” —Peter John Dyer, Sight & Sound, 1960

Phoenix office worker Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is on the lam after stealing $40,000 from her employer in order to run away with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John Gavin). Traveling on the back roads to avoid the police, she is overcome by exhaustion during a heavy rainstorm and stops for the night at the ramshackle Bates Motel. There, she meets the polite but highly strung proprietor Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a young man with an interest in taxidermy and a difficult relationship with his mother.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

This August, step into the shadowy world of suspense and intrigue with the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock! Join us as we explore the mind of the master and his unparalleled contribution to the thriller genre.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.