The Simpsons
This clip from The Simpsons reenacting the shower scene uses many elements of the original scene from the film. The score plays in the background as Homer is assaulted. It also shows the ripping of the shower curtain, as well as paint swirling down the drain. It even has a shot that zooms out from Homer’s eye, which is very similar to the shot from Psycho.
Bugs Bunny
In this scene Bugs Bunny is taking a shower, very similar to Marion Crane in Psycho. You see a shadow creeping into the bathroom. When the shower curtain is ripped open, it is not Norman Bates but the female lead of the film. Bugs Bunny proceeds to scream just like Marion while the infamous score plays in the background. Bugs Bunny then pours chocolate syrup down the drain to appear as blood. In the filming of Psycho, chocolate syrup was actually used to simulate the color and fluidity of the blood going down the shower drain.
Busta Rhymes
Even in the music industry, Psycho references have made an appearance. In Busta Rhymes song “Gimme Some More”, the introductory score of Psycho is used as the base track, continuing throughout the song. The all strings chorus from Psycho is so identifiable that just a few bars in the background of a song can make the listeners immediately think of Psycho and Norman Bates.
Oscars 2013
As a promotional video for the 2013 Oscars, Seth MacFarlane filmed a spoof of the Psycho shower scene, posing as another guest at the Bates Motel. This clip shows him lying on his bed when he hears screaming coming from the room next door. Little does Seth MacFarlane know, the ruckus is actually the murder of Marion Crane
Even 53 years after its release, Psycho still makes the audiences cringe and wonder what could make someone as insane as Norman Bates. Psycho is undoubtedly one of the most referenced films in our pop culture today. It has mimicked in everything from The Simpsons and South Park, to songs by Busta Rhymes and Oscar promotions. Even Bugs Bunny has made a few Psycho references!
Perhaps the most recreated scene from Psycho is the shower scene in which Marion is killed. In 2010, The Simpsons made a spoof of this scene, with Homer Simpson in the place of Marion Crane. In 2003, Bugs Bunny filled in for Marion Crane in the film Looney Tunes Back in Action. Bugs Bunny even pours Hershey’s syrup down the drain and same camera shot of the blood swirling down the drain is used. This scene is immediately identifiable as a scene from Psycho, even to later generations, because it has been spoofed and reenacted so many times.
Psycho’s Influence on Pop Culture
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