The everyday horror of death lurks in the serial killer, a trope more intimate and real than that of aliens or ghosts. These people subvert society’s moral conventions and give terror a mundane face. One that can have the veneer of any seemingly normal person on the surface, but the soul of a maniac seethes beneath.
Continuing the cultural tradition of the serial killer is A&E’s look at Norman Bates in the new television series “Bates Motel.” Though originally a novel by Robert Bloch, it is most famous within mainstream pop culture as one of Alfred Hitchcock’s finest movies.
Producing will be Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin who each, respectively, have been involved in “Lost” and “Friday Night Lights.” Both of which have been well-received. The actors who will portray the mother-son relationship are Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore.
The movie will take place before Norman Bates became an infamous killer, focusing on his teenage years and the dark influences that damaged his psyche. The narrative begins after the death of Norman’s father and follows the pair as they become part of their new town.
“Psycho” has been the subject of cinematic sequels and an infamous remake starring Vince Vaughn. None, though, have captured the power and effectiveness of Hitchcock’s original. It is possible that the more episodic nature of the series can better gel with successive twists and turns in the material.
“Bates Motel” will premiere Monday, March 18, at 10pm Eastern. For sneak peek into the look of the series, there are teaser posters below.
Source: A&E
