10 Horror Movie Casting Choices That Should've Worked (But Didn't)

Gus Van Sant is a proper director’s actor, capable of getting career best performances out of the likes of Keanu Reeves, Matt Damon, and many more. Casting the rising Vince Vaughn in the pivotal role of his experimental Psycho remake seemed like it could be a winner for all concerned.

For reasons of, presumably, sheer curiosity, Van Sant decided to reproduce Hitchcock’s masterpiece shot by shot. The cast had some ringers, from William H Macy to Julianne Moore, but the key part was, of course, Norman Bates.

With his lanky, all-American frame and cheery face, Vaughn could have excelled as the unassuming hotelier with a core of darkness. Alas, it wasn’t to be. While Anthony Perkins’ Bates slowly exhibits his inner turmoil through ticks and subtle line readings, Vaughn seems to flip a switch between Nice Boy and Axe Murderer modes.

He’s stilted and even a little nervous, as though he’s not sure quite what he’s doing there. Which, really, is a question worth asking of one of the most intriguing but ultimately pointless movies in Hollywood history.