What is there left to say about Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece Psycho, the 1960 classic that changed an entire genre? The film—shot in black and white due to budget concerns—was so ahead of its time that audiences had no idea what hit them until it was too late; seeing the film’s main character killed off so brutally in the first act only further cemented Hitchcock’s title of the “Master of Suspense”. But what was so terrifying about Psycho, especially for its time, was that its monster was just a man.
Since we’ve heard all we need to hear about the brilliance of Psycho, what better way to depict an iconic film than with art? Insert the maddeningly talented artist Aleksander Walijewski and you’ve got the perfect portrait of Norman Bates. Tied down by the weight of his mental illness, Walijewski masterfully depicts the power Norman’s dead mother has over him. But what I really love about this piece is that there’s so much meaning behind this simple image—a wig made of chains is such a subtle touch of genius that it tells us everything we need to know about Norman.
Website: http://walijewski-art.com
Twitter: @HimShadow
themissingreel.com 
Very meaningful and powerful image.
Totally agree. There’s a lot to take in!
A brilliant portrait. It makes me think that if we are not permitted to express and socialize our inner demons, they’ll manifest in unhealthy and, in Bates’ case, Horrifying ways.
It really is a powerful piece.
B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T!!
Agreed!
Great portrait of Norman. I also like the screenshot, a man in the shadows.
I wrote a short post on Psycho (1960) called “The Consequences of Acting on Impulse.” If you would like to read it, I am open to any feedback: https://christopherjohnlindsay.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/psycho-1960/
Thanks for the heads up. Will check it out 🙂