Events

[SCREENING] Were the 1960s the decade that changed everything? Maybe, maybe not. But the decade began with the release of Psycho, which certainly changed horror movies. Where Hollywood had once scared us with monsters, supernatural beings, and aliens—“others”—Alfred Hitchcock’s now classic film introduced us to the ultimate source of fright: ourselves, or at least people who looked just like us.

One of the most effective aspects of the film is its musical score, composed by Bernard Herrman. Hitchcock originally wanted a jazz score, but later admitted that “33% of the effect of Psycho was due to the music.” (He also planned to use no music during the famous shower scene, but changed his mind when Herrmann showed how the scene looked with the addition of his shrieking violins.

Using a print struck without a musical score, Psycho will be shown with live accompaniment by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (or at least the string section) Saturday night at 8 pm at the newly renovated Kleinhans Music Hall. Patrons are encouraged to come in costume, and there will be a post-concert party open to all patrons with music, snacks and a costume contest. Tickets are available at bpo.org, by calling (716) 885-5000 or going to the Kleinhans Box Office.