Psycho [1998] dir Gus Van Sant

Psycho is a 1998 film remake of the Alfred Hitchcock 1960 version produced and directed by Gus Van Sant for Universal Pictures. Both films are based on the novel Psycho by Robert Bloch, which were in turn inspired by the crimes of Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein.



Although this version is in color and features a different cast, it is nearly a shot for shot remake that copies Hitchcock's camera movements and editing. A few changes are introduced to account for advancements in technology since the original film and to make the content more explicit. Murder sequences are also intercut with surreal dream images.



Many audience members familiar with Hitchocock's iconic original film decried this production; however as a film student I find this version superior to the original in several ways. First of all, that yummy Vince Vaughn plays Norman Bates in a more obviously deranged way than Anthony Perkins, whose specialty at the time was playing tortued young men. Also modern sensibilities allow Van Sant to more obviously stress the erotic subtext of Norman's illness. And who did not delight in seeing fake lesbian and drug addict Anne Heche hacked up in the shower?



Van Sant's conscious decision to use a shot-for-shot remake while merely recasting some elements of the story in line with modern sensibilities is a master stroke; keeping Hitchcock's visual sense intact allows viewers to appreciate the venerated director's brilliance anew.





Directed by Gus Van Sant

Produced by Gus Van Sant

Brian Grazer

Written by Novel:

Robert Bloch

Screenplay:

Joseph Stefano

Starring Vince Vaughn

Anne Heche

Julianne Moore

Viggo Mortensen

William H. Macy

Music by Bernard Herrmann

Cinematography Christopher Doyle

Editing by Amy E. Duddleston

Distributed by Universal Pictures

Imagine Entertainment

Release date(s) December 4, 1998

Running time 105 min.

Country United States

Language English