If you're just now tuning in, these
therapy sessions began on Alfred Hitchcock's birthday on Monday, August
13.
Leave a comment for each day during the
series and you'll have a chance to win a copy of my book: The
Alfred Hitchcock Triviography and Quiz Book.
Day 5
August 17 – 9 a.m.
Re.: Vicarious
Victims.
Scottie: “It
should be obvious to everyone why we’re so screwed up. It was Hitchcock! He
wrote his guilt, fear, and lack of self-confidence into all of us. We’re merely
victims of his own neuroses.”
[A collective gasp filled the room.]
Lady Henrietta:
“What does Hitch have to feel guilty about, anyway?”
John: “You know
what I heard? His mother demanded that he stand in front of her and give the
old bag a minute-by-minute rundown of his daily activities.”
Norman: “My
mother wants me to tell her everything, too. She’s always looking out for my
well-being. As I always say, ‘a boy’s best friend is his mother.’”
Charlie [shouting]:
“Face it, Norman. You mother’s dead!”
[Norman drops his stuffed bird and rolls into a fetal
position on the floor. Marnie sits beside Norman, trying to comfort him.]
Lady Henrietta:
“We’re all really sick of your attitude, Mr. Oakley. You have a chip of
your shoulder the size of California. Leave poor Norman alone. He’s had a bad
time.”
[I smile, pleased over Marnie’s display of compassion and
Lady Henrietta’ assertiveness. However, I’m is still concerned about Norman not
remembering that he killed his mother, and about Mr. Oakley’s raw hostility. So
I decide to push a little harder.]
Dr. Peterson: “What
neurosis did Mr. Hitchcock give you, Mr. Oakle?”
[I take notes. Charlie looks around to find all eyes on him,
except Norman’s, who is looking up Marnie’s skirt.
Charlie: “Why
does everyone take up for Norman? We’re all here for help, aren’t we? I didn’t
want to kill all of those horrible women. I was so angry at their greed and
selfishness. You can understand, can’t you, Rusk? Talk about sick behavior.
What about your brutal murders?”
Bob: “Pent-up
sexual frustration while feeling sexually inadequate. Right, Dr. Petersen? Besides,
I believe that our good doctor here was posing the question to you, Oakley.”
Charlie: “Well
. . . I suppose it was some sort of . . . low self-esteem thing. Sorry,
Norman.”
[Norman looks around and his voice becomes high-pitched.]
Norman: “Norman’s
not here. I sent him to bed without his supper for having naughty thoughts
about Marnie.”
[C. P., MD]
Dr. Peterson looked down at her notebook and realized she’d scratched a deep hole in it. Tomorrow's the last day. Will she be able to conclude this project or will things get ugly?
