By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:50:51 +0000

I agree that Psycho is admirable. Chris Doyle mentions on the DVD that Van Sant essentially took Hollywood money and made an MFA thesis, and that rings true. It is a study of auteur theory and a fun experiment in a lot of ways. Hitchcock so often quipped that the films were strong because of his shots not necessarily because of the actors, etc. Here, we have a shot by shot remake that works as a theoretical piece, but stumbles as entertainment because all of those other pieces are (I believe) intentionally challenged and shaken. There is a great essay titled "Hitch without Hitch" on this subject that details some of Van Sant's choices. For instance, where the "transvestite killer" of the original was a closet gay actor, Van Sant cast a frat-boy in the killer role and an openly gay woman in the victim role. He brings his own voice through casting, costuming, and art direction and shifts the subtext of the original film despite a screenplay and shot selection that are near-identical. It is an admirable exploration of film form and a fun film to study from that perspective.

By: yer

yer — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:50:51 +0000

How the fuck is his Psycho remake "admirable"? Seriously I'd like an explanation for this sentence.

By: sidsbowl

sidsbowl — Fri, 13 May 2016 10:50:51 +0000

It's a beautifully shot film. The scene with the little blond girl innocently coloring as her dad plans to frack the farm behind her is devastating. And the performances are, as always, fantastic.

Comments on: Gus Van Sant Talks Taking Over ‘Promised Land’ From Matt Damon, The Film’s “Spy Scene” & Much More

By: Tom

By: yer

By: sidsbowl