Anatomy of a Psycho
- Css Darth-Sheol
- May 12, 2015
- 2 min read
Anatomy of a Psycho is an early cinematic examination of psychosis. What will an old black-&-white flick do with the criminally insane? Let's find out...
Duke, a vicious criminal, has been executed. His brother Chad maintains his innocence based on Duke's word. Chad can't even tolerate the truth from his own family. He begins plotting revenge on anyone associated with his brother's trial. When the son of the primary witness sets out to marry Chad's sister, the excrement hits the oscillating unit. A fortuitous death gives Chad the perfect opportunity for the ultimate revenge.
The plot is pretty interesting in concept, particularly because Chad proves to be wily and rather vicious in his revenge plots, but ultimately ends up being forgettable. The character may be wily, but the story isn't clever enough to be truly engaging.
The characters aren't very strong, either. Poor dialogue and weak acting drag the whole thing down a good bit. At best some of the actors are tolerable, but others are downright awful.
MORALITY:
While some of the plot elements are dark, the film itself is typical old B&W fare. There is no strong language, sex, nudity, or significantly depicted violence.
SPIRITUALITY:
It's easy to want to put people on a pedestal. Parents are perhaps the worst at this thinking their troubled children are perfect angels. I just recently read an account of a woman who preferred to hurl insults at a person rather than accept the proof that her son was doing something wrong. In the end she finally found out first hand what he was doing, but her attitude remained piously self-centered.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to believe in the best of those we love, and it's commendable to want to stand beside them especially if falsely accused. But if we choose to remain blind to their misdeeds or troubles we don't do them or ourselves any good.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Anatomy of a Psycho isn't the worst I've ever seen, but it's certainly nothing to get excited about. Check it out only if you really like old films and don't have to put any effort into seeing it.
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