Writer Robert Bloch created the fictional character
Norman Bates. Bates is modeled after serial killer Ed Gein. In 1960 director Alfred Hitchcock adapted the novel into the film Psycho. The
Norman Bates in Bloch's novel differs vastly from the way he appeared on-screen. In the novel Bates is in his 40s, overweight, and homely. In the movie Bates is in his 20s, slender, and handsome. Hitchcock went with a younger Bates because he wanted audiences to sympathize with him. Bates was portrayed on-screen by Anthony Perkins.
In 1998 director Gus Van Sant remade Psycho with Vince Vaughn portraying Bates. Henry Thomas portrays a young version of Bates in Psycho IV: The Beginning. Bates suffered emotional abuse from his mother, Norma, as a child. He struggles with juggling multiple personalities.
Norman Bates made the list of the American Film Institute’s top one-hundred film heroes and villains; he is the second greatest villain on the list. There were three sequels and a failed TV series.
