Performance In Alfred Hitchcock's Film Psycho

Although the quality of an actor’s performance is generally subjective, certain performances on film have been deemed extremely noteworthy due to their ability to impress various audiences and film critics. The characters within these performances differ in terms of appearance and personality; however, specific qualities within the actors that play their roles remain common throughout. For example, actors that display emotions realistically and react naturally to fictional circumstances within performances often tend to achieve more success. Anthony Perkins’ portrayal of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s film, Psycho, rests among some of the greatest performances on film along with Bud Cort’s portrayal of Harold Chason in Hal Ashby’s film,
On the day Maude turns eighty years old, she confesses to Harold that she no longer wishes to live and has already taken tablets that will ensure she passes away at midnight. After she states this, Cort’s eyes immediately widen and he screams in disbelief. Since Harold loves Maude and initially hoped to propose to her, he is extremely upset with her decision to end her life. By widening his eyes and screaming, Cort displays that Harold is in utter shock. Since this worried emotion would be expected, provided the circumstances Harold is in, Cort’s use of these actions makes Harold’s reaction realistic. Knowing that Maude is in the process of committing suicide, Harold frantically rushes her to the hospital in an ambulance. While in the ambulance, Harold begins to sob, knowing that Maude will soon pass away. He admits to Maude that he loves her, but she simply tells him to spread the love he has to others. Cort places his head in his lap and begins to cry harder, signaling the state of distress Harold is in. This reaction resembles an authentic response to the death of a loved one, making Harold a realistic character. Cort’s ability to display this reaction in a lifelike manner allows viewers to remain connected to the film. He displays emotions
Instead, his portrayal of Harold’s character development within Harold and Maude lies responsible for inciting empathy within viewers. In the beginning of the film, Harold is presented as a rich, young man that possesses an unusual obsession with death. He frequently stages suicides and attends funerals. While attending one of many funerals, he meets Maude, an older, light-hearted woman that coincidentally shares the same fetish, despite her contrasting personality. Prior to meeting Maude, Harold is a very unenthusiastic character; to display this quality, Cort speaks in a monotone fashion and purposely avoids revealing any emotion. Throughout the beginning of the film, Cort ensures that Harold’s facial expression remains indifferent and lifeless, with a closed mouth and droopy eyes; however, as time progresses, and Harold begins to fall for Maude, Cort starts to reveal small signs of emotion to indicate a change in Harold’s behavior. For instance, when Maude invites Harold into her home and presents her artwork to him, he smiles subtly, signaling that he enjoys her company. After the two spend a significant amount of time together exploring each others interests, Harold begins to display more of his personality. He avoids faking suicides while he is with Maude since she gives him a reason to live and truly enjoy life. However, at the end of the movie when Harold