This perverse and entirely unnecessary experiment is literally nothing but a shot-for-shot colour remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1960 film with a different cast (and without the tension of the original).
While it’s mildly entertaining to watch Vince Vaughn in the Norman Bates role made famous by Anthony Perkins, Gus Van Sant’s effort comes across as an unnecessary and gimmicky monument to hubris, and it’s amazing that such a bizarre project ever got a green light.
The movie tanked at the box office, and the critics – unsurprisingly – tore it apart. It’s like watching a provincial theatre company doing the best it can without the Broadway cast.
Just re-watch the original movie.
Norman Bates
Vince Vaughn Marion Crane
Anne Heche Lila Crane
Julianne Moore Sam Loomis
Viggo Mortensen Milton Arbogast
William H. Macy Dr Simon
Robert Forster Sheriff Chambers
Philip Baker Hall Mrs Chambers
Anne Haney Tom Cassidy
Chad Everett Mr Lowery
Rance Howard Caroline
Rita Wilson Bob Summerfield
Flea Chief of Police
Ryan Cutrona District Attorney
Ken Jenkins
Director
Gus Van Sant
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While it’s mildly entertaining to watch Vince Vaughn in the Norman Bates role made famous by Anthony Perkins, Gus Van Sant’s effort comes across as an unnecessary and gimmicky monument to hubris, and it’s amazing that such a bizarre project ever got a green light.
