Which Movie Popularized the Twist Ending?
The 1960 film "Psycho," directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is widely credited with popularizing the twist ending in cinema. This classic thriller masterfully subverts audience expectations and has had an enduring impact on the genre.
Initially marketed as a simple horror film, "Psycho" lures viewers into a false sense of security. The story follows Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, who steals money and ends up at the secluded Bates Motel. Here, she encounters the enigmatic Norman Bates, portrayed by Anthony Perkins. Midway through the film, a shocking twist occurs when Marion is brutally murdered, an event that deeply unsettles audiences.
However, what truly cements "Psycho" as a pioneer of the twist ending is not just this mid-movie shock, but the layered narrative that unfolds thereafter. The revelations about Norman's troubled psyche and the unsettling truth regarding his relationship with his mother keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Hitchcock's masterful direction and narrative techniques play a crucial role in building suspense and leading to the film’s conclusion, which is anything but predictable.
The film's success inspired countless filmmakers to experiment with narrative twists, leading to a number of iconic thrillers that followed. From "The Sixth Sense" to "Fight Club," the twist ending continues to be a beloved trope in cinema, with "Psycho" heralding its rise as a mainstream technique.