Horror Movie Facts: “Psycho” & More
Even wonder where some of the ideas for a horror movie come from. In this article, you will learn the story behind Stephen King’s ‘Pet Cemetery,’ as well as a handful of trivia facts concerning the unforgettable film titled ‘Psycho.’
“Psycho” (1960)
Who can forget the infamous shower scene with plunging knife? “Psycho” gave us a lot to enjoy in a film that centered on the Bates Motel , home of Norman Bates and his mother. The plot tells the tale of Marion Crane, who has stolen $40,000 from her employer’s client. She’s packed up and has taken a road trip with the money that sees her ending up at an isolated motel. However, this motel has a secret and she will learn the hard way. “Psycho” would go on to include other sequels, including a remake of the original that starred Anne Heche as the main female character.
‘Psycho’ was a movie of many firsts. For starters, it was the first American movie to show a toilet flushing. It was also the first film to show a woman (the character played by Janet Leigh) wearing only a bra and slip.
The infamous master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock directed this film.
The book that the movie was adapted from used the true story of Ed Gein as inspiration. Gein was a serial killer who has influenced many writers and filmmakers. He sparked ideas in the productions that would become “Deranged,” “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” and “The Silence of the Lambs.”
The movie was nominated for four Oscars, including Janet Leigh for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Alfred Hitchcock for Best Director. Janet Leigh would go on to win a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.
Other horror movie trivia includes:
Final Destination
This movie explored the importance and influence of fate and how it can affect the lives of those involved. The Final Destination storyline was found in four movies between 2000 and 2009. In the third sequel, the actors that appear on the roller coaster at the beginning of the movie were made to ride it 26 times in one night so that the premonition scene was shot just right. The on-ride footage was filmed while the actors experienced the “Corkscrew,” which can be found at Playland in Vancouver, Canada.
Silence of the Lambs
A deranged mental patient is needed to help Clarice Starling solve the crimes of a killer known as Buffalo Bill. With clues at every turn, Hannibal Lechter (played by Anthony Hopkins) makes quite a lasting impressive. Even though he only appeared on the screen for just over 16 minutes, Hopkins received an Oscar for his leading role in “Silence of the Lambs.” This would mark the least amount of time a lead actor has ever spent on the screen that has taken home the award.
Pet Cemetery
Stephen King wrote the book that was turned into this 1989 flick about a cemetery for pets that hold a special supernatural power. It is said that whoever is buried there will come back to life. The author used the death of his daughter’s cat, Smuckey, as the idea for the story. The feline was killed on the highway outside of their home. King even makes a cameo as a minister at the funeral scene.