Accomplished Quote by James Berardinelli
“It's not hard to understand why an accomplished director like Gus Van Sant (whose most recent success, Good Will Hunting, gave him mainstream clout) would be interested in making this film. The lure of an exact remake presents a tremendous challenge. Unfortunately, it was undoubtedly a lot more stimulating for Van Sant and his crew to make Psycho than it is for an audience to watch it. Curiosity is going to be one of the primary reasons why people pay money to see this movie; boredom will be the predominant result.”
About This Quote
Source Film Review: Psycho remake commentary, James Berardinelli, 1998
The director found the remake less engaging than the original, leading to audience boredom despite curiosity.
In simple terms: Remakes can feel less exciting than the originals.
Key Takeaway
Expect original works to be more compelling.
Themes
film criticism
remakes
audience expectations
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
evaluative
observational
When to use this quote
- moviegoers
- film students
- critics
- directors
- screenwriters
Key Concepts
cinema
creative challenge
originality
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do audiences prefer originals?
- How can remakes stay fresh?
A Different Perspective
Remakes may not capture the original's impact.
![“Seventeen years after its intial release, The Empire Strikes Back is still as thrilling and involving as ever. Because of the high quality of the original product, it doesn't show a hint of dating. Neither [Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope nor Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi] were able to…” quote by James Berardinelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea0/james-berardinelli-18367_able_seventeen-years-after-its-intial-release_477730.jpg)
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
