Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990) (TV)

User Rating:

5.0/10   

Director:

Mick Garris

Writers (WGA):

Robert Bloch (character)
Joseph Stefano (written by)

Release Date:

10 November 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

You've met Norman... now meet mother.

Plot:

Anthony Perkins (Norman Bates) returns for this "prequel", once more having mommy trouble. This time...

Plot Keywords:

Prequel | Mother | Serial Killer | Neurotic | Sequel

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Anthony Perkins	...	Norman Bates
Henry Thomas	...	Young Norman Bates
Olivia Hussey	...	Norma Bates
CCH Pounder	...	Fran Ambrose
Warren Frost	...	Dr. Leo Richmond
Donna Mitchell	...	Connie Bates
Thomas Schuster	...	Chet Rudolph
Sharen Camille	...	Holly
Bobbi Evors	...	Gloria
John Landis	...	Mike Calveccio
Kurt Paul	...	Raymond Linette
Louis Crume	...	George Emeric
Cynthia Garris	...	Ellen Stevens
Doreen Chalmers	...	Mrs. Lane
Alice Hirson	...	Mother (voice)

MPAA:

Rated R for violence and sensuality.

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Spain:18 | Germany:16 (re-rating) (2006) | Iceland:16 | Italy:VM14 | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | Germany:18 | UK:18 | USA:R | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia)

Filming Locations:

Orlando, Florida, USA

Company:

Smart Money Productions

Trivia:

The house used for the film was filmed in the Universal Orlando park, then dismantled shortly after filming along with the motel.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: During some scenes in the kitchen, movie lights reflect in the window while Norman is on the phone.

Quotes:

[Norma starts to hit Norman]
Young Norman Bates: What... What did I do?
Norma Bates: Nothing, nothing, nothing!
Young Norman Bates: What's wrong?
Norma Bates: They're closing down the highway and building a new one. They couldn't build it closer to the motel because then the world could still see us! Oh, what am I going to do! How am I going to live! You! Just like my father never a drop of sympathy! It's because of you that I can't hold my water, that's why I'm always running to the toilet did you know that!
Young Norman Bates: Yes I know.
Norma Bates: I regret the day that I ever had you! Not one thing you've ever said or done has been worth all this! Not one blasted thing! I should have killed you in my womb! You sure as hell tried to kill me getting out of it!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Psycho Legacy (2009)

The story of the mothers boy's past.

Unlike the other Psycho movies this one is a TV movie and was filmed in Universal Studios Orlando, Florida.

It's been 4 years after Norman was taken back to the insaner.

He's now no longer living at his motel. He's at a new home with a new living style. He's married to a medical doctor who does care for him and know he's cured.

But on the night of Norman's birthday, he was listening to a radio show on "boys who murdered their own mother". He decided to call up to be interviewed.

Norman for the first time tells about his past on public radio. We see flashbacks of him as a kid and a teenager during the 40s-50s. And we get to learn more about his mother Norma Bates, and why Norman killed her in the first place.

Norman suffers from remembering his bad moments. And he mentioned he may kill again. As he fears his wife may give birth to a child who might become the next Psycho.

Those who were disappointed with the third one might be more satisfied with this one. But highly recommended to those who like sequels/prequels. Sadly it's only available on VHS. So not sure if it'll ever get a DVD release like the other sequels.