Director: Gus Van Sant
1998
A remake of a true American classic, coming at the beginning of the modern trend of remaking every horror classic. It wasn't considered as successful as its original and was criticized for its lack of originality, but unlike many horror remakes, this one stayed true to the original. Many scenes were copied shot for shot from the original to have the same look and feel. Much more of a true remake than the retold reboots like Halloween.
Story: Marion Crane steals money from her employer, then fleeing, she ends up at the Bates Motel, run by Norman Bates. Marion is murdered in the shower by Norman's "mother" but Marion's boyfriend and sister get suspicious and hire a private detective to look for her.
Gay Factor: Most of this film's gay factor comes from behind the scenes. There are no gay characters in the film, although it once again has Norman Bates crossdressing as his mother, but that isn't classified as gay, just a split personality.
The film comes from acclaimed gay director, Gus Van Sant, who also brought us the classic Drugstore Cowboy as well as the gay film, My Own Private Idaho, starring Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix. The film co-stars Anne Heche who became a household name during her marriage to famous lesbian actress/comedianne Ellen Degeneres. Now, Heche has returned to a heterosexual lifestyle, but her lesbian/bisexual past can't be ignored or denied.
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