The Revolution of 'Psycho': In 1960, Alfred Hitchcock presented ' Psychosis ', marking a milestone in thriller cinema. The film tells the story of a runaway secretary, a robbery, and the dark secrets of a lonely motel. The BATES MOTEL , with its flashing neon sign, becomes a symbol of tension. This sign, visible from the road, announces the motel in clear and direct letters, drawing the characters towards their fatal fate, similar to how a light bulb attracts insects at night.
Neon signs, such as the one on BATES MOTEL , were common in their time but prone to failures due to gas leaks. This defect required constant maintenance, reflecting the instability and duality of the motel owner, Norman Bates. Over time, the technology evolved into neon LEDs, which offer greater durability and less need for maintenance, marking the end of an era for traditional neon signs.
The Return of the Mystery: The mystery of the BATES MOTEL revived in 2013 with the series ' Motel Bates ', a prequel that explores Norman Bates' past and the story behind the motel. The motel sign regains its iconic luster, reaffirming its role as a crucial element in the visual narrative of suspense and mystery associated with the Bates name.
