Psycho

I can understand why people give Gus Van Sant's remake of Psycho so much shit. It's not quite as bad as I was led to believe but it is a little frustrating to watch. The remake uses the same script as the original, almost word for word. And it's a little jarring hearing modern actors trying to deliver forty year old dialogue. It's very unnatural. Except for William H. Macy's performance, he knocks that shit out of the park. Also, late 90s cars and clothing have not aged as gracefully as those of the early 60s. And no one ever needed to hear the sound of Norman Bates masturbating.

Rating: Let me get my Walkman%

(Image from IMDB)

Psycho

I don't really need to tell you anything about Psycho. You probably know the story already or at least a few of the major plot points. Even the slightest mention of the shower sequence probably brings to mind the soundtrack's screeching violins. It's a movie that is impeccably shot, acted, edited and scored. It's a masterpiece. I can't wait to see how terrible the sequels are...

Rating: 95%

(Image from IMDB)

Taxi Driver soundtrack by Bernard Herrmann

Bernard Herrmann did a lot of terrific movie soundtracks in his life (Psycho, The Day The Earth Stood Still, some Sinbad bullshit), but I think his last, Taxi Driver, is his best. A collage of disturbing brass and percussion builds mixed with a whining saxophone melody, this music fits the psychological tenor of the movie perfectly. According to everybody who has ever talked about this soundtrack, Herrmann agreed to score this film based solely on the scene where Travis Bickle pours brandy on his corn flakes. I guess we should be glad Herrmann liked the sauce (died age 64)?

RATING: 79%