By Sason Bishope Parry
San Francisco – Some films fade with time, while others linger in the collective imagination, haunting each generation with undiminished power. Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” is one such masterpiece—a thriller that strikes a nerve no matter how many times you’ve seen it. This Halloween, Hitchcock’s dark vision was brought vividly back to life by the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall, transforming the timeless black-and-white suspense into a full-sensory experience underscored by the intensity of a live orchestra.
The anticipation was palpable as Halloween-costumed fans gathered at the hall, some dressed as the infamous “Mother” or draped in shower curtains, paying homage to the unforgettable scenes Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh brought to life. Halloween night was the perfect backdrop for this special screening. As fans filed into their seats, conductor Scott Terrell took to the stage, ready to transport the audience back to 1960 with the opening notes of Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score.
The film’s plot unfolded on the massive screen as the symphony’s musicians hit each chilling note, amplifying the suspense of Hitchcock’s storytelling. “Psycho” follows Marion Crane, a young woman who steals $40,000 and stumbles upon the now-infamous Bates Motel, unaware of the psychological horrors awaiting her. Anthony Perkins’ performance as Norman Bates, whose unsettling attachment to his “mother” reveals his split, murderous psyche, took on a new dimension as Herrmann’s score resounded with unnerving clarity through the hall. Hitchcock was a master of suspense, and Herrmann’s music, with its jagged strings and haunting melodies, elevated that suspense to near-mythical status. The symphony delivered every note precisely, layering the film with a visceral intensity that the audience could almost feel Norman’s eerie presence.
At intermission, fans erupted into applause that continued as they moved toward the lobby to take in the vibrant “Dia de los Muertos” decorations adorning every corner. Many enjoyed themed cocktails, like the blood-red Scream Queen, crafted for the night’s slasher theme. Conversations buzzed about Hitchcock’s legacy and the thrill of experiencing Psycho on Halloween night. With every seat filled, the evening was a tribute to the allure of Halloween, Hitchcock’s genius, and the beloved orchestra that brought it all to life.
The second half was even more immersive. As the screen flickered to life, the symphony guided the audience deeper into Hitchcock’s labyrinthine tale, where every note added tension. Each musician seemed to embody Herrmann’s genius, intensifying the visceral horror of scenes like the infamous shower sequence. The unmistakable “screeching” violins drew gasps from the audience, who were glued to the unfolding horror. With every shriek of the violins and every tremor in the strings, the musicians propelled the audience deeper into the psychological chaos of the Bates Motel.
With every twist and turn, the orchestra was Hitchcock’s willing accomplice, guiding the crowd through suspense, shock, and the profoundly unsettling realization of Norman Bates’ fractured identity. The crowd audibly gasped as “Mother” made her final chilling appearance. By the film’s climactic finale, Terrell and the orchestra reached a fevered crescendo that echoed through the halls of Davies Symphony Hall, leaving the audience electrified.
As the closing credits rolled, the audience rose to a roaring standing ovation, moved not only by Hitchcock’s and Herrmann’s unmatched artistry but by the San Francisco Symphony’s exquisite performance. It was a tribute to the timeless horror of “Psycho” and a testament to the power of live music to reawaken the soul of a film. Halloween in San Francisco could not have ended more perfectly than with this night of symphonic suspense. The symphony sent us back into the foggy streets, minds reeling and hearts racing—just as Hitchcock would have wanted.
For more info on the SF Symphony go to: www.sfsymphony.org
