I discovered Psycho II via the library; they had a vhs tape of it and at the time I was into Jerry Goldsmith and needed to see this movie after having heard the score! Even in a full screen presentation I loved the movie, great sequel. Jerry Goldsmith really got to essence of Norman Bates' character with that theme.
Psycho III is definitely the most 80s entry out of the series, but it has nice moments and by this time Norman had become the Freddy Krueger/Jason/Michael persona that people just wanted to see commit murders. I think both movies will benefit from a high definition presentation. I sold off my Psycho II/III twofer a while ago and will gladly get them back
I remember enjoying Psycho II when it premiered on cable all those years ago. Wasn't there a funny scene with a body or head in a freezer? I liked the score as well.
Interesting to note that the documentary - "The Psycho Legacy" - states Jerry Goldsmith was rather taken aback when his original theme for Norman Bates was rejected by Richard Franklin. It was eventually used for Twilight Zone: The Movie - "Kick The Can" segment.
Interesting to note that the documentary - "The Psycho Legacy" - states Jerry Goldsmith was rather taken aback when his original theme for Norman Bates was rejected by Richard Franklin. It was eventually used for Twilight Zone: The Movie - "Kick The Can" segment.
Just goes to show that even a Goldsmith needed course corrections; most famously his "Star Trek" theme, another instance where he nailed it
I can see where the "Kick the Can" Theme might have been just a little too sugary sweet for Norman Bates. The one that they went with ultimately works far better in my opinion. Goldsmith's PSYCHO II Bates Theme has just the right amount of Eerie beautiful sadness which I think it needed more than sweetness.
I remember enjoying Psycho II when it premiered on cable all those years ago. Wasn't there a funny scene with a body or head in a freezer? I liked the score as well.
That sequence is at Psycho III. The movie is not as good as II lacking the suspense and surprises of II, but I love the look of the movie with strong collors (and the Blu Ray really looks great) and some sequences are great, like the one involving "Virgin Mary" and all the final part starting with the scene when Norman and Maureen return from the diner and there's the storm and a lightening, when she sees Mother at the window, then the scenes involving the body in the ice and Norman driving to the swamp - great music from Carter Burwell also.
Interesting to note that the documentary - "The Psycho Legacy" - states Jerry Goldsmith was rather taken aback when his original theme for Norman Bates was rejected by Richard Franklin. It was eventually used for Twilight Zone: The Movie - "Kick The Can" segment.
Sorry, how can that be right? According to the liner notes for the FSM Twilight Zone - The Movie Goldsmith began work on TZ in December 1982 and finished recording it early in March 1983. As Psycho II was released at the beginning of June 1983 I had always assumed his work on PII followed on after TZ, i.e. during March to May of that year (he would work on Under Fire during July and August 1983).
SG
EDIT: Oops, my mistake - turns out, Psycho II was recorded in December 1982, almost six months before the film was released.
