Psycho Psycho is a 1960 American psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Norman BATES, a disturbed motel owner who has an unhealthy relationship with his mother. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. Psycho Psycho is considered one of Hitchcock's most iconic films and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.