Psycho 1998
Psycho ★★½ 1998 (R)
Since Hitchcock's “Psycho” is one of the most famous movies of all time, it would seem redundant to summarize the plot here. Although, redundant is a fitting description of Gus Van Sant's shotforshot recreation. Wisely, Van Sant doesn't meddle with a good thing. On the other hand, ya pretty much have to ask, “what's the point?” Significant to the success of the original was that it pushed the envelope in 1960. (A shot of a toilet flushing! A woman taking a shower! Blasphemy!) But by today's standards, “Psycho” is utterly tame. Performances are excellent all around. As talented as Vaughn is, however, the inevitable comparison between him and Anthony Perkins reveals that Vaughn is just too cool for this role. Perkins' Norman Bates was geeky and frail, Vaughn just isn't. As the saying goes, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.” 106m/C VHS, DVD . Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, Julianne Moore, William H. Macy, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Forster, Philip Baker Hall, Anne Haney, Chad Everett, Rance Howard, Rita Wilson, James Remar, James LeGros; D: Gus Van Sant; W: Joseph Stefano; C: Christopher Doyle. Golden Raspberries '98: Worst Remake/Sequel, Worst Director (Van Sant).