The Evolution Of The Psycho Franchise

3. Psycho (1998)

This is the film about which critics (and many fans) asked, why? There are some films that should never be remade, films like Gone with the Wind, Casablanca and Citizen Kane. Remaking great American cinematic gems may introduce new audiences to the material, but they only invite disappointment for fans of the original. Director Gus Van Sant used the original Joseph Stephano script, Bernard Herrmann€™s remarkable score, and recreated the Hitchcock version shot for shot. One can see this as perhaps a director€™s exercise in film making, but for the most part Roger Ebert had it right when he called the film €œpointless.€ Most of the reviews were negative. It was, however, well made, with a cast that included Julianne Moore, William H. Macy and Viggo Mortensen. But the uninspired acting by its lackluster leads (Anne Heche as Marion Crane and Vince Vaughn as Bates) reminded us how powerful the performances by Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins were in the original.
 
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Contributor
Contributor

Not to be confused with the captain of the Enterprise, James Kirk is a writer and film buff who lives in South Carolina.