``Frenzy'' Hitchcock's most violent and immoral film *Note! Contains spoilers.

Variations on “Psycho” released from the spell of the Hayes Code

Frenzy is probably Hitchcock's most violent and immoral film ever. His masterpiece `` Psycho '' (60) also includes a shocking shower scene in which a naked woman is stabbed with a kitchen knife, but in reality, no naked body is shown. At the time, Hollywood had a self-regulation clause called the Hays Code, which prohibited provocative nudity and scenes of extreme cruelty. Let's take a look at some of Hitchcock's own comments.

``Of course, there are no cuts where the Deba knife pierces the flesh.'' All of them were created using montage to give that impression. Not even a moment of taboo parts of the female body are visible. That cut was taken in slow motion.'' (*)

However, Frenzy, which was produced after the Hays Code was abolished, is marked by explicit violence and explicit sexual depictions. After raping the woman, Rusk tied a tie around her neck and strangled her to death. This was the first time nudity appeared in a Hitchcock film. Moreover, the women are killed with their tongues hanging out. Actress Eileen Atkins, who was approached to appear in ``Frenzy,'' turned down the film because she found it ``disgusting'' and called Hitchcock a ``misogynist.''

"Frenzy" (c) Photofest / Getty Images

In a sense, ``Frenzy'' can be considered a variation on `` Psycho ,'' freed from the spell of the Hayes Code. In `` Psycho ,'' there is a famous shot that shows a criminal slashing his opponent on a staircase from above, and in ``Frenzy,'' there is also a bold ``staircase'' shot. After Rusk invites the woman into his room, the camera slowly moves down the stairs, through the front door, and across the street, where the hustle and bustle of the city can be heard. Not only does the film predict that a woman will be brutally murdered, but it also strongly reminds the audience that such atrocities are buried in everyday scenes in this city. By intentionally not depicting violence, he makes us strongly aware of violence. It could be called a brilliant production technique.

The fact that the 70-year-old director's last film is his most violent, immoral (and disgusting) film makes me feel Hitchcock's unfathomable power. Usually filmmakers become more sophisticated as they make more films, but in his case he has acquired a more raw touch. It almost makes me feel physiological disgust.

One final aside. Hitchcock's daughter Patricia found Frenzy to be a ``very unpleasant movie'' and did not allow her children to see it for a long time. In a sense, it may be the best compliment for a father.

*Shobunsha “ Standard Film Art Hitchcock/Truffaut ”

Text: Rui Takeshima

A pop culture writer who wants to be kicked by Hit Girl. Host of the web magazine "POP MASTER".

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(c) Photofest / Getty Images