Trivia / Psycho (1998)

• Box Office Bomb: Budget, $60 million. Box office, $37,141,130, though Gus Van Sant claims the studio "broke even" financially. This film was heavily panned by critics for being a 90's shot-by-shot remake of the original classic IN COLOR! (this included copying the original script from Joseph Stefano, who was credited as the screenwriter on this one as well). This prompted Siskel & Ebert to say, "Rent the Original".
• Cast the Runner-Up: Julianne Moore had been considered for the role of Marion Crane before being cast as her sister Lila Crane.
• Creator's Apathy: Of a sort. Gus Van Sant has stated that he only directed the remake to show how pointless the idea of a Shot-for-Shot Remake was, saying that he did it "so no one else would have to".
• Playing Against Type: Robert Forster was known for playing sleazy underworld figures and tough guys. Here he plays a mild-mannered and kind psychiatrist.
• What Could Have Been:
  • Christian Bale, Jeremy Davies, Robert Sean Leonard, Tobey Maguire, Joaquin Phoenix and Henry Thomas were considered for Norman Bates.
  • Laura Linney was offered the role of Marion Crane, but turned it down in favour of The Truman Show. Drew Barrymore was considered, but deemed too young next to Vince Vaughn. Claire Danes, Nicole Kidman and Winona Ryder were also considered.