Don't Go Into The Shower

Or, on second thought, be my guest.  It can't be as horrendous as this new documentary revolving around the shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock's legendary "Psycho."   Because this movie goes down the drain faster than Janet Leigh's blood.

Indeed, this mess directed by Alexandre O. Philippe heads off the rails in the very first moments.  The film maker sets it all up by showing the character of Marion Crane driving up to the iconic Bates Motel.   Except it's not the real footage, but completely re-staged with somebody other than Janet Leigh.   Now maybe this was a rights issue.   Nevertheless, it starts this documentary the absolute wrong way and you very quickly know that this is going to be a giant waste of your time...and, in my case, On Demand money totaling seven bucks.

The title "78/52" represents the 78 set-ups and 52 cuts that were needed to produce one of the most talked about scenes in movie history.   I've seen the original many times and am captivated by every single viewing.   And that's just it.   Most film fans have devoured "Psycho" and its back story to proverbial death.  There is absolutely nothing more to learn or be said.   

Yep, we know this was filmed in black and white because Hitchcock's TV show crew did the production.  Yep, we know the stabbing sounds were made by a knife cutting into a melon.   Yep, we know that the camera has to pan away from the dead Marion because Janet Leigh had to take a breath.   

Like a minor auto accident, there's nothing to see here.

But, the self-impressed film maker continues on for ninety minutes by focusing on a bunch of modern day talking heads and current hack directors.   We listen to their comments as they watch the scene on a monitor.   Lots of oohing and aahing like it's a bridal shower.  When we are treated to the in-depth thoughts of Elijah Wood (????!!!!), I cried "enough."

Even the inclusion of noted Psycho expert Stephen Rebello brings no new information into the film.  The poster bally hooes the participation of Janet Leigh's daughter Jamie Lyn Curtis, but that basically is one comment and she has...wait for it...nothing to say.

If you are dying to learn all about "Psycho," the Blu Ray edition from Universal has oodles of extra features and commentary that are light years more interesting than the dummies waxing poetic in "78/52."

Maybe it's time for all of them to meet Mrs. Bates.

LEN'S RATING:  One-half star.

Dinner last night:  Hamburger at ink.well.